Menopause is a time of many changes in a woman's life. Things like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and pain can make it difficult to do everyday tasks. One medication that doctors use to help alleviate these discomforts is Estradiol Gel. So let's take a look at what this medication is, how exactly it is used, and what we need to be especially careful about.
What is this Estradiol Gel?
Simply put, Estradiol is a drug that is similar to the hormone estrogen that is naturally produced in our body. With menopause, the level of estrogen in our body decreases. This is why, as mentioned earlier, discomfort such as hot flashes, frequent sweating, vaginal dryness, and pain during sex occur.
So when this Estradiol gel is applied to the skin, it restores the estrogen hormone that our body needs. The main function of this medicine is to restore the decreased hormone levels to some extent and reduce the discomfort caused by menopause.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using the medicine
Before giving you this medicine, your doctor should know about your complete health condition. Because using this medicine with some medical conditions can be dangerous. So if you have any of the following, be sure to tell your doctor .
| Do you have these conditions? |
|---|
| If you have unexplained vaginal bleeding outside of your normal period. |
| If you have previously had a blood clot or blood vessel disease. |
| If you have had or are suspected of having breast, cervical, uterine, ovarian, or liver cancer. |
| Dementia is a disease that causes memory loss. |
| Diabetes. |
| Gallbladder disease. |
| Heart disease, or if you have recently had a heart attack. |
| High blood pressure or high cholesterol. |
| Increased blood calcium levels. |
| If you have had a hysterectomy. |
| Liver or kidney disease. |
| Migraine headaches. |
| If you have had a stroke before. |
| Lupus disease (Systemic lupus erythematosus - SLE). |
| If you are a smoker (this is very important). |
| Thyroid diseases. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. |
| If the baby is breastfed. |
| If you have an allergic reaction to any other medicine, hormone, soy, food, or dye. |
How exactly do you use this gel?
Since this is a skin medication, it is very important to follow the instructions exactly.
- This should only be used externally on the skin . Do not take it by mouth or apply it anywhere else.
- Use only the amount prescribed by your doctor, at the prescribed time.
- Apply the gel in a thin layer to the skin. It is usually recommended to apply it to the shoulder, upper arm, or thigh area. Apply it exactly where your doctor tells you to.
- There is no need to rub or massage the gel vigorously .
- After applying the gel , wash your hands thoroughly with soap .
- Before getting dressed, let the gel dry for about 5 minutes .
- Very important: Keep the gel away from fire, cigarette smoke, etc. until it dries. This gel contains alcohol and can easily catch fire.
- Never apply this gel to the breasts, face, or inside or around the vagina.
Remember, this medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give it to your friends or family members. Even if they have the same problems, it is dangerous to use it without a doctor's advice.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
What if the medicine is used too much?
If you think you have accidentally taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital (0112 686 143). Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Other medications you are taking may interact with this Estradiol Gel. Therefore, it is essential to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking, including vitamins and herbal remedies.
| Drug Interactions | |
|---|---|
| Do not use Estradiol Gel with these medications. | |
| Anticancer drugs from the aromatase inhibitor group (e.g. anastrozole, letrozole, exemestane) | |
| There may be problems with these medications (tell your doctor). | |
| Some antibiotics used for tuberculosis (e.g. rifampin, rifabutin) | |
| Medications such as Raloxifene or Tamoxifen | |
| Blood thinners such as Warfarin |
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common. It's important to be aware of these.
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Blood clot | Leg pain, swelling or warmth, difficulty breathing, chest pain. |
| Stroke | Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, confusion, difficulty walking, severe headache. |
| Breast changes | New lumps, redness, pain, or discharge from the nipple. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow or brown urine, and yellowing of the eyes or skin. |
| Abnormal vaginal discharge | Vaginal bleeding, unusual discharge, itching, or odor after menopause. |
| If these persist or become bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Bloating, breast pain or tenderness, hair loss, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting. | |
Take-Home Message
- Estradiol gel is a topical estrogen hormone treatment for menopausal symptoms.
- Before using this medicine, you should tell your doctor your complete medical history, especially any history of cancer, blood clots, or heart disease.
- Follow the instructions exactly when using the gel. Keep away from heat until it dries. Do not apply to breasts or the vaginal area.
- If you smoke , especially if you are over 35, your risk of blood clots and stroke is much higher with this medicine. It is very important to stop smoking.
- If you experience any serious symptoms, such as unusual vaginal bleeding, chest pain, swelling in a leg, or a sudden severe headache, stop taking the medication and see your doctor immediately.
- It is essential to see the doctor at the scheduled time and undergo tests.
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