What does vaginal estrogen do?
Estrogens work partly by increasing a normal clear discharge from the vagina and making the vulva and urethra healthy. Using or applying an estrogen relieves or lessens: Dryness and soreness in the vagina. Itching, redness, or soreness of the vulva.
What is estrogen tablets used for?
This medication is a female hormone (estrogen). It is used by women to help reduce vaginal symptoms of menopause (such as vaginal dryness/burning/itching). These symptoms are caused by the body making less estrogen.
How can I increase estrogen in my vagina?
You may consider adding foods that contain plant estrogens, or phytoestrogens, such as soybeans, soy products, or flaxseed. A recent study shows a reduction in vaginal dryness with the use of plant estrogens. You should also drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and try to limit caffeine and alcohol.
Which medicine is best for estrogen?
Estrogen-Only MedicinesBrand NameGeneric NameProduct TypeFemtraceestradiol acetatePillMenestesterified estrogenPillMenostar (only used to prevent osteoporosis)estradiolPatchMinivelleestradiolPatch22 more rows•Aug 22, 2019
Does estrogen pills increase breast size?
The hormone estrogen, if taken in high enough doses, increases breast size by stimulating growth of breast tissue. However, it is not safe to use estrogen in this way because when breast cells are stimulated to grow, they are more likely to turn cancerous.
Does estrogen increase breast size?
When the ovaries start to produce and release (secrete) estrogen, fat in the connective tissue starts to collect. This causes the breasts to enlarge. The duct system also starts to grow.
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...•
When should I take estrogen pills?
Most estrogen pills are taken once a day without food. Some have more complicated dosing schedules. Pros. Like other types of estrogen therapy, estrogen pills can reduce or resolve troublesome symptoms of menopause.
Should I take estrogen pills?
Doctors most often prescribe a low dose of estrogen to be taken as a pill or patch every day. Estrogen may also be prescribed as a cream, vaginal ring, gel or spray. You should take the lowest dose of estrogen needed to relieve menopause symptoms and/or to prevent osteoporosis.
What vitamins can increase estrogen?
B Vitamins Because B vitamins play a vital role in the creation of estrogen, low levels of B vitamins can result in reduced production of estrogen. Vitamins B2 and B6, in particular, are associated with healthy estrogen levels.
What is this medicine?
ESTRADIOL (es tra DYE ole) vaginal tablet is used to help relieve symptoms of vaginal irritation and dryness that occurs in some women during menopause.
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is only for use in the vagina. Do not take by mouth. Wash and dry your hands before and after use. Read package directions carefully. Unwrap the applicator package. Be sure to use a new applicator for each dose. Use at the same time each day.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need a regular breast and pelvic exam. You should also discuss the need for regular mammograms with your health care professional, and follow his or her guidelines.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
How long does it take for estrogen to work?
Use this medicine only as directed. Do not use more of it and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. It can take up to 4 months to see the full effect of the estrogens.
How to insert a vaginal insert?
To place the vaginal insert: Relax while lying on your back with your knees bent or stand with one foot on a chair. Pinch or press the sides of the vaginal insert together, between your forefinger and middle finger. With one hand, part the folds of skin around your vagina.
How to report Estradiol side effects in Canada?
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects . You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. Precautions. Before using estradiol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
Can estrogen cause heart disease?
Estrogen, when used with a progestin, can increase the risk of heart disease (such as heart attacks ), stroke, serious blood clots in the lungs /legs, dementia, and cancer of the breast /ovaries. The risk for serious side effects may depend on the dose of estrogen and the length of time it is used.
Can estrogen be used with progestin?
estradiol vaginal. Warnings: Estrogens, either used alone or with another hormone ( progestin ), have rarely caused very serious side effects. Discuss the risks and benefits of hormone treatment with your doctor. Estrogens should not be used to prevent heart disease or dementia.
Can you take estrogen through the skin?
Estrogens that are taken by mouth, absorbed through the skin, or injected may have greater risks of side effects due to more estrogen being absorbed.
Get started
Ready to go? Here are 3 easy steps to get you started with Vagifem ® 10 mcg, whether you’re using it for the first time or resuming treatment.
Understand what's happening
Uncomfortable vaginal changes that occur after menopause are normal and may be treatable. Symptoms can include vaginal dryness, irritation, itching, and soreness; painful urination; and pain and bleeding during sex. Learn about this condition–and how it can be treated.
How long after using estrogen cream can you use condoms?
Avoid using latex condoms, diaphragms, or cervical caps for up to 72 hours after using estrogen vaginal creams. Certain estrogen products may contain oils in the creams that can weaken latex (rubber) products and cause condoms to break or leak, or cervical caps or diaphragms to wear out sooner.
Can estrogen cause cancer?
Although the chance is low, use of estrogen may increase your chance of getting cancer of the ovary or uterus (womb). Regular visits to your health professional can help identify these serious side effects early. If you think that you may be pregnant, stop using the medicine immediately and check with your doctor.
Does estrogen cause breast cancer?
It is not yet known whether the use of vaginal estrogens increases the risk of breast cancer in women. It is very important that you check your breasts on a regular basis for any unusual lumps or discharge. Report any problems to your doctor.
What is local estrogen?
Local estrogen is used to treat urogenital atrophic skin changes. This is a medical term that describes the skin changes that occur in the vagina, urethra (tube from the bladder) and vulva when the ovaries no longer produce estrogen after menopause.
What is the effect of low dose vaginal estrogen?
The aim of low dose vaginal estrogen is to relieve these symptoms. The skin changes that take place occur in the tube from the bladder (urethra) and in the base of the bladder (the trigone). These changes may result in symptoms of urinary frequency or urgency and discomfort passing urine.
What happens if you have a vaginal atrophy?
Women who have vaginal atrophy can present with discomfort or pain with intercourse, increasing vaginal discharge and irritation, or a burning sensation.
Can you take estrogen if you are on HRT?
Not usually, but if you continue to have vaginal symptoms despite using HRT, your doctor may prescribe vaginal estrogen as well. This is especially common if you are on a very low dose of HRT. In this way you can improve your vaginal symptoms without the need for a higher dose of HRT.
How does vagifem work?
works in your body. Vagifem ® (estradiol vaginal inserts) 10 mcg is placed directly into the vagina, right where you’re experiencing changes, to help replenish estrogen lost due to menopause.
How often should I take Vagifem 10mcg?
During the first 2 weeks of treatment, you’ll use 1 Vagifem ® 10 mcg insert every day ; then 1 insert twice weekly thereafter (for example, Tuesday and Friday), as prescribed by your health care provider. Click here to see an example of the dosing schedule.
What is Vagifem 10?
What Vagifem ® treats. Vagifem ® 10 mcg treats menopausal symptoms in and around the vagina. Clinical studies showed that Vagifem ® 10 mcg reduced a combined score of the most bothersome symptoms, including: Vaginal dryness. Pain and bleeding during intercourse. Irritation. Soreness.
Is vagifem the same as estrogen?
Vagifem ® is the same as the body’s estrogen. Not all estrogens are the same; there are several different forms of estrogens. The estrogen used in Vagifem ® 10 mcg is called “estradiol,” which is the same estrogen that your body makes. Even with estradiol, moderation is important.
Can you use a slim vagifem 10 mcg insert?
You can insert the Vagifem ® 10 mcg insert with the slim applicator while standing up or lying down. You don’t need to wash and reuse the applicator; just dispose of it after use, as you would a tampon applicator.