Are you also going through menopause? Then you may have experienced vaginal dryness, discomfort, or pain during sex. These are actually very common problems that many women experience during this time, and they are a little hesitant to talk about them. So today we are talking about a medicine that can help with these kinds of discomforts.
Simply put, what is Estradiol?
Simply put, Estradiol is a medicine that contains a hormone called estrogen, which is naturally produced in the female body. With menopause, estrogen levels in our body decrease. That's why symptoms like vaginal dryness, itching, and pain occur.
So what this medicine does is deliver estrogen hormone directly to the vagina, restoring the low hormone levels to some extent, and relieving the aforementioned discomfort. It comes in the form of a small pill or insert that is inserted into the vagina. You can find this medicine under brand names like `Imvexxy`, `Vagifem`, `Yuvafem`.
The most important thing is that this is a medicine for vaginal use only . It is not at all good to swallow by mouth.
Before using this medicine, you should definitely tell your doctor these things!
It is important for your doctor to know your complete health history before deciding if this medication is right for you. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| Reportable medical condition or habit |
|---|
| Asthma |
| Having a previous blood clotting disorder or history of such. |
| A cancerous condition such as breast, cervical, or liver cancer. |
| Diabetes. |
| Gallbladder diseases. |
| If you are scheduled to undergo surgery in the future. |
| Heart disease or blood vessel problems. |
| Hereditary angioedema (a genetic condition that causes sudden swelling of parts of the body). |
| High blood pressure. |
| High cholesterol. |
| Increased blood calcium levels. |
| Having had a previous heart attack or stroke. |
| Having had a hysterectomy. |
| Kidney or liver disease. |
| Lupus disease. |
| Migraine or other severe headache. |
| A disease called Porphyria. |
| Seizures. |
| Thyroid diseases. |
| Tobacco use (smoking). |
| Abnormal vaginal bleeding. |
| Having an allergy to estrogen or other medications, foods, or dyes. |
| If you are trying to get pregnant or are pregnant. |
| If the baby is breastfed. |
Okay, now how exactly do you use this?
This medicine should be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Read the instructions that come with the medicine carefully.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after use.
- Use the applicator provided to insert the medicine into the vagina. The instructions for use are clear on how to do this.
- Continue to use the medicine as prescribed until your doctor tells you to stop.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.
What if the medicine is used too much?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Things to be careful about when using this medicine
You need to be a little more careful about some things when using this medicine.
Go for regular medical checkups.
See your doctor at regular intervals to see if your symptoms are improving and how you are doing. Also, talk to your doctor about how often you should have breast exams, pelvic exams, and mammograms.
Cancer and blood clot risk
- Taking estrogen hormone therapy may slightly increase the risk of some types of cancer. So talk openly with your doctor about this. If you experience any unusual vaginal bleeding while taking the medication, tell your doctor immediately.
- If you haven't had your uterus removed, talk to your doctor about taking a hormone called progestin along with estrogen.
- This medicine carries a risk of blood clots forming in the blood vessels . This can cause a heart attack or stroke. This risk is even higher if you are over 35 and if you smoke.
Other medications
Tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal products, and pain relievers), as some medications can interact with Estradiol.
Let's also learn about side effects.
Like any medicine, this one can have some side effects. Some are serious, some are common. It's important to be aware of these.
| Side effects and symptoms |
|---|
| Serious side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately |
| Allergic reactions or Angioedema: skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue or limbs, difficulty breathing or swallowing. |
| Signs of a blood clot: leg pain, swelling or warmth, difficulty breathing, chest pain. |
| Breast changes: new lumps, redness, pain, discharge from the nipple. |
| Symptoms of a stroke: sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, confusion, difficulty walking, loss of balance, dizziness, severe headache, changes in vision. |
| Symptoms of liver damage: pain in the upper right part of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusual fatigue. |
| Vaginal bleeding and lower abdominal pain even after menopause. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist |
| Bloating |
| Breast pain or tightness |
| Hair loss |
| Nausea, stomach pain |
| Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet |
| Discomfort or itching at the injection site |
How do you store and dispose of the medicine?
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius).
- Do not use expired medications. They should be disposed of safely. Ask your doctor how to do this.
Take-Home Message
- Estradiol is an estrogen hormone treatment for vaginal discomfort after menopause. It is used intravaginally.
- Before taking this medicine, it is imperative that you tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and other medications you are taking.
- If you notice any serious side effects, such as breast lumps, unusual bleeding, or leg swelling, seek medical advice immediately.
- It is very important to attend medical examinations on time.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason. Don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about any questions you may have.
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