Menopause, the time when menstruation stops completely, is a time of great change in a woman's life. During this time, hormonal changes in the body can cause a lot of discomfort, such as hot flashes, frequent irritability, insomnia, and vaginal dryness. So, one of the treatments that doctors recommend to control these symptoms is a medication containing the hormone Estradiol. Today we are talking about it, specifically about the Estradiol Topical Spray, which is sprayed on the skin.
Simply put, what is Estradiol?
Estradiol is a form of the hormone estrogen that is naturally produced in our bodies. Estrogen levels in the body decrease with menopause. This medication works to restore those decreased estrogen levels to some extent.
When using this spray, menopause-related symptoms include:
- Reduces the number and severity of hot flashes.
- It also helps relieve symptoms such as vaginal dryness, itching, and pain during sex.
This medicine can come under various brand names in Sri Lanka and abroad. `Evamist` is one such well-known brand name. But whatever name it comes under, it contains the hormone Estradiol.
Before taking the medicine, be sure to tell your doctor these things:
Since this is a hormone therapy, it may interact with some medical conditions in your body. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions before using this medicine, you should definitely tell your doctor about it.
| Disease or risk | Description |
|---|---|
| Cancerous conditions | If you have or have had cancer of the breast, cervix, uterus, ovaries, or liver. |
| Heart and blood vessel problems | Heart attack, stroke, blood clotting disorders, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. |
| Abnormal bleeding | Abnormal vaginal bleeding of unknown cause. |
| Other medical conditions | Diabetes, liver or kidney disease, gallbladder disease, migraine, dementia, SLE (Systemic lupus erythematosus) disease. |
| Personal information and habits | If you have had a hysterectomy, smoke, are trying to get pregnant, or are breastfeeding. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to estrogen or other hormones, medications, foods, or preservatives. |
How exactly do you use this spray?
It is very important to know exactly how to use this medicine.
1. For skin only: This is not a medicine to take orally, but only a spray to apply to the skin (external use).
2. Correct location: Your doctor will show you how to use it. Typically, you should spray it on clean, dry, unbroken skin , between the elbow and wrist, and on the inside of the forehead . Never spray it on your breasts.
3. Regular time: Taking the medicine at the same time every day will help you get better results.
4. Cleanliness: If you are taking a bath, you should apply the spray only after you have finished bathing and the skin is thoroughly dry.
5. Stay away from fire: This is very important! After applying the spray, stay away from fire and flames until the area is completely dry. Also, do not smoke. This contains alcohol and can catch fire.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss 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 your next dose as usual. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
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.
Special things to be aware of when using this medicine
- Sharing the medicine with others: This is very important. If you spray the medicine on someone else (especially a child) or a pet, the medicine can be absorbed into their body. This can cause serious side effects. Therefore, keep the area where you applied the medicine covered with clothing. If you accidentally spray on someone else, immediately wash the area with soap and water.
Warning: If you are over 35 years of age and smoke, you are at increased risk of blood clots or stroke while taking this medication. Therefore , it is strongly advised to completely avoid smoking while taking this treatment.
- Regular medical checkups: While taking this medicine, you should see your doctor regularly to check your condition. Talk to your doctor about the need for regular breast exams, Pap smears, and mammograms.
- Risk of uterine cancer: When taking estrogen hormone therapy alone, there is a very small risk that the lining of the uterus (endometrial hyperplasia) will thicken and turn into cancer. To reduce this risk, if your uterus has not been removed, your doctor may prescribe another hormone called progestin along with this estrogen medication. Discuss the pros and cons of this with your doctor.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some are serious, some are common.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Stroke symptoms | Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, difficulty walking, fainting, severe headache. |
| Symptoms of blood clots | Leg pain, swelling or redness, difficulty breathing, chest pain. |
| Changes in the breasts | New lumps, pain, redness, and discharge from the nipple. |
| Liver problems | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine. |
| Other serious symptoms | Severe allergies (swelling of the face, lips), high blood pressure, vaginal bleeding after menopause. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Breast pain or tightness | Filling the stomach |
| Nausea or vomiting | Hair loss |
Take-Home Message
- Estradiol spray is an estrogen hormone treatment used to control the symptoms of menopause.
- Before using this medicine, tell your doctor your complete medical history (especially cancer, heart disease, and blood clots).
- The medicine is used on the skin on the inside of the forehead. Never apply it to the breasts.
- Stay away from fire and smoking until the treated area dries.
- Most importantly: Do not let the area where you applied the medicine come into contact with the skin of children, pets, or other people. Cover it with clothing.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
- If you experience symptoms such as chest pain, severe headache, swelling in a leg, or bleeding after menopause, see your doctor immediately.
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