side effects of estrogen cream in women

What are the most common estrogen cream side effects?

• Feeling faint, dizzy, or lightheaded
• feeling of warmth or heat
• flushing or redness of the skin, especially on the face and neck
• headache
• sweating

What are the side effects of too much estrogen?

• Headache (sudden or severe)
• loss of coordination (sudden)
• loss of vision or change of vision (sudden)
• pains in the chest, groin, or leg, especially in the calf of leg
• shortness of breath (sudden and unexplained)
• slurring of speech (sudden)
• weakness or numbness in the arm or leg

What are the benefits of estrogen cream?

Estrogen therapy, with or without progesterone, is consistently effective in relieving menopausal symptoms. Estrogen therapy is also beneficial for preventing some estrogen deficiency symptoms. The benefits of taking estrogen are clear in some of the conditions arising from menopause, but results are mixed in some.

Should I be using an estrogen cream?

Using an estrogen cream for up to one year has been shown safe and effective for alleviating vaginal or urinary symptoms of menopause without increasing the risk of endometrial hyperplasia, which is a risk factor for endometrial cancer. 3

Who should not use estrogen cream?

PREMARIN Vaginal Cream therapy should not be used in women with any of the following conditions: Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding. Known, suspected, or history of breast cancer. Known or suspected estrogen-dependent neoplasia.

How long do estrogen cream side effects last?

These side effects are usually temporary and normally resolve in a few weeks once your body adjusts to estradiol. It may take up to three months before you receive estradiol's full benefits, so it's important to take it as prescribed by your doctor.

What happens if you use too much estrogen cream?

Overdosage of estrogen may cause nausea and vomiting, and withdrawal bleeding may occur in females.

How long should you be on estrogen cream?

High-strength estradiol creams (100 micrograms/gram) applied inside the vagina should only be used for a single treatment period of a maximum of 4 weeks.

What is the best time of day to apply estrogen cream?

It is usually applied once a day. Estradiol emulsion should be applied in the morning. Estradiol gel may be applied at any time of day, but should be applied at around the same time of day every day.

Does estrogen cream cause weight gain?

Weight gain from oral estrogen causes visceral obesity, the medical term for increased fat around your middle from fat that gets deposited in vital organs like the heart, kidneys and liver. This increased fat mass leads to increases in leptin produced by the fat cells.

Is there a natural alternative to estrogen cream?

The most widely cited natural remedy is soy, which is very high in phytoestrogens, or plant estrogens. Other sources are red clover and flaxseed, both of which are available as supplements.

What are the symptoms of low estrogen?

Signs of low estrogen include:Dry skin.Tender breasts.Weak or brittle bones.Trouble concentrating.Moodiness and irritability.Vaginal dryness or atrophy.Hot flashes and night sweats.Irregular periods or no periods (amenorrhea).More items...•

Should a 70 year old woman take estrogen?

On the other hand, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says: “Because some women aged 65 years and older may continue to need systemic hormone therapy for the management of vasomotor symptoms, the ACOG recommends against routine discontinuation of systemic estrogen at age 65 years.

How long does it take for estrogen cream to start working?

It can take up to 4 months to see the full effect of the estrogens. Your doctor may reconsider continuing your estrogen treatment or may lower your dose several times within the first one or two months, and every 3 to 6 months after that.

Can you apply estrogen cream with your finger?

Squeeze tube to express ½ gram of cream (enough to cover ½ of your index finger). 3. Locate the vaginal opening. Immediately above the vaginal opening is the urethra (a small opening where urine is eliminated from your body).

What does vaginal dryness feel like?

Symptoms of vaginal dryness feel sore or itchy in and around your vagina. feel pain or discomfort during sex. need to pee more often than usual. keep getting urinary tract infections (UTIs)

What are the side effects of a syringe?

Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away: Headache. Hair loss . Tender breasts. Upset stomach or throwing up. Stomach pain or cramps. Bloating . Back pain . Diarrhea .

What are the symptoms of an allergic reaction?

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

What causes a lump in the breast?

A lump in the breast, breast pain or soreness, or nipple discharge. Depression or other mood changes. Memory problems or loss. Eyesight changes or loss, bulging eyes, or change in how contact lenses feel. This drug may cause you to swell or keep fluid in your body.

Can you have a bad side effect from taking a drug?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect: Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, ...

Can estrogen cause uterine cancer?

Estrogens may raise the chance of uterine cancer. Progestins may lower this chance. A warning sign for cancer of the uterus is vaginal bleeding. Report any vaginal bleeding to the doctor.

How to use estrogen cream?

To use vaginal estrogen cream, you need to be able to insert it into your vaginal canal. Follow these steps to get your applicator filled with the correct dosage: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. Remove the cap from the tube of vaginal cream.

How to remove estrogen cream from vagina?

Remove the applicator from your vagina. You need to clean your applicator after each use. Simply pull the plunger to remove it from the applicator barrel. Use mild soap and warm water to clean the applicator barrel and plunger.

What causes dryness and burning in the vagina?

Vulvovaginal atrophy, which includes dryness, itching, burning, and atrophic vulvovaginitis — When estrogen levels drop during menopause, it can cause the vaginal area to become less lubricated, dry, thin, and atrophic. Estrogen increases the production of normal lubrication.

What is the best treatment for hormonal issues?

Another potential treatment for hormonal issues is a vaginal estrogen cream. Read on to discover how it works, how to use it, and any side effects you should watch out for.

Why does my vagina hurt during menopause?

Vaginal itching. Vaginal burning. Pain during sex due to lack of natural vaginal lubrication.

Why does my vagina burn?

This can also cause itching and a burning sensation because your tissues are now more sensitive to fabric , friction, and urination.

Where are estrogen receptors found?

Estrogen receptors are found in the urethral and bladder epithelial lining , as well as in some of the surrounding muscles and ligaments. That is why low estrogen levels can result in urinary problems such as increased frequency, urgency, incontinence, dysuria, and urinary tract infections.

Symptoms Of Low Estrogen In Women: What Is Going On

Estrogen is a vital hormone that can be found in women and men. In women, it is responsible for maintaining the reproductive system and forming female features such as the development of breasts, enlargement of hips, and pubic hair. Ladies can monitor their impact when they have a menstrual cycle. Mainly, it is produced by ovaries.

List Of Possible Side Effects

The risks factors pointed out in the previous section were just that potentially dangerous conditions that could occur as a result of receiving estrogen replacement. Side effects are entirely different, and at their worst, are typically just bothersome to the individual.

Low Estrogen Levels And Weight Gain: Is There A Connection

Sex hormones, such as estrogen, influence the amount of fat in the body. Estrogen regulates glucose and lipid metabolism. If your estrogen levels are low, it can result in weight gain.

What Influences Appetite And Weight

A decrease in estrogen levels during a woman’s monthly cycle may trigger mood changes in some women. Some females may reach for comfort foods that are high in fat, calories, sugar, and salt in an effort to feel better. Sadly, eating these foods backfires and makes women feel worse. Sodium increases water retention and bloating.

What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy is the process of taking hormones when your natural hormone levels are low.

How Should This Medicine Be Used

Hormone replacement therapy comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day. To help you remember to take hormone replacement therapy, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

Reasons For Low Estrogen

There are times when your estrogen levels fluctuate, such as during your period or when youre pregnant. But as you get older and approach menopause, your estrogen levels decline. For some, it happens earlier. Any condition that impairs the ovaries can reduce estrogen production.

What is Estrace cream?

Estrace (estradiol) vaginal cream is a preparation of estrogen , a female hormone, for topical application to the vaginal area used to treat certain symptoms of menopause such as dryness , burning, and itching of the vaginal area and urgency or irritation with urination. Common side effects of Estrace Vaginal Cream include nausea, vomiting, bloating, stomach pain, breast tenderness, headache, weight changes vaginal itching or discharge, mood changes, breast lumps, spotting or breakthrough bleeding, dark areas of the skin on the face ( melasma ), or problems wearing contact lenses. Overdosage of estrogen may cause nausea and vomiting, and withdrawal bleeding may occur in females.

What to do if side effects persist?

If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly . Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away ...

Can estrogen cause nausea?

Overdosage of estrogen may cause nausea and vomiting, and withdrawal bleeding may occur in females. The usual dosage range of Estrace Vaginal Cream is 2 to 4 g (marked on the applicator) daily for one or two weeks, then gradually reduced to one half initial dosage for a similar period. Estrace Vaginal Cream may interact with aromatase inhibitors, ...

Can Estrace be used for pregnant women?

Estrace Vaginal Cream may interact with aromatase inhibitors, fulvestrant, ospemifene, raloxifene, tamoxifen, toremifene, and tranexamic acid. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. It is not indicated for pregnant women. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant while using Estrace Vaginal Cream, ...

How to use estradiol cream?

Use estradiol vaginal cream as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely. Wash your hands before use. Put into your vagina using the applicator that came with estradiol vaginal cream. Wash the applicator after use. Use estradiol vaginal cream at the same time of day.

Can a drug cause side effects?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away: Headache. Hair loss .

Can you smoke Estradiol vaginal cream?

Talk with the doctor. This medicine may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take estradiol vaginal cream. Do not smoke. Smoking raises the chance of heart disease. Talk with your doctor. If you drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit often, talk with your doctor.

Can estrogen cause cancer?

Estrogens may raise the chance of uterine cancer. Progestins may lower this chance. A warning sign for cancer of the uterus is vaginal bleeding. Report any vaginal bleeding to the doctor. Do not use estrogens to prevent heart disease or dementia.

Can estrogen cause a heart attack?

Using estrogens may raise the chances of having a heart attack, a stroke, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, a blood clot, or dementia. Use estrogens with or without progestin for the shortest time needed at the lowest useful dose.

Can you take estradiol with any other drug?

Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

Why is it important to take and stick to vaginal atrophy treatment?

It’s essential that patients take and stick to their treatment so as to fully understand the advantages. Clinicians can be useful in teaching patients about vaginal atrophy as a chronic condition; the benefits of low-dose, local vaginal estrogen treatment; and also the significance of long-term direction.

What is a custom compound cream?

The researchers studied custom-comp ounded creams made from plant-derived hormones that are biochemically similar to those produced by the body of women. A preparation contains one or more various hormones in different amounts to meet each woman’s individualized needs. Custom-compounded hormones have been gaining favor ever since a large ...

Does estrogen cause bleeding?

Consequently, estrogen frequently goes unopposed. This may cause a buildup of the endometrium, causing irregular menstrual bleeding at the perimenopausal stage .Oestrogen can be provided as a supplement to replace the falling levels in the body and also help reduce the debilitating symptoms of the menopause.

Does estrogen go unopposed?

Progesterone also inhibits the action of estrogen on particular tissues. In an ovulatory woman, no corpus luteum is formed. Consequently, estrogen frequently goes unopposed.

Is custom compound hormones good for women?

Custom-compounded hormones have been gaining favor ever since a large government-funded study known as the Women’s Health Initiative linked the long-term use of conventional hormone replacement therapy in menopausal women to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and breast cancer. But there have been few well designed studies showing ...

Can you use estrogen alone for vaginal health?

Don’t use vaginal estrogen alone or using a progestin to reduce cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, strokes, or dementia. Individual results may vary. In 2004, European researchers found that soy infusion led to improved collagen and HA synthesis and seems to rejuvenate the arrangement of adult skin.

Does estrogen affect organs?

The findings reinforce the concept that “estrogen affects many organ systems in the body and changes the risk of many diseases,” said the study’s lead investigator, Andrea LaCroix, Ph.D., of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle. “Depending on age group and hysterectomy status, the consequences [of estrogen-only therapy] ...

Does estrogen only help with breast cancer?

Estrogen-only treatment was associated with a statistically significant decrease in the risk of breast cancer. However, there were some notable differences in estrogen effects by age.

Is menopause hormone therapy dangerous?

But both Drs. Ford and LaCroix agreed that for older women, the potential benefits of menopausal hormone therapy of any kind do not outweigh the risks. “Our data clearly indicate that hormone therapy use in older women is potentially dangerous,” Dr. LaCroix said.