Menopause is a time of great change in a woman's life. Sometimes, things like vaginal dryness, itching, and pain during sex can be very stressful. Estradiol Vaginal Cream is a medicine that doctors recommend to help with such discomforts. So, today we will talk in detail about this medicine, how to use it, and what to be careful about.
What is this Estradiol?
Simply put, Estradiol is a member of the hormone estrogen. With menopause, the level of estrogen in our body decreases. This is why symptoms such as dryness, inflammation, and pain appear in the vagina.
This cream mainly aims to reduce the discomfort that occurs in the vagina during menopause. That is, it reduces vaginal dryness, soreness, and pain during sexual intercourse, providing you with relief.
The most important thing is that this is for vaginal use only. It is not an oral medication.
What are the things I need to tell the doctor before taking this medicine?
It is very important that your doctor knows your complete health history before deciding if this medication is right for you. You should especially tell them if you have any of the following conditions:
| If you have any of the following conditions, it is imperative to inform your doctor: |
|---|
| • If you have unusual vaginal bleeding |
| • If you have blood clots in your blood vessels or related diseases |
| • If you have or have had cancer of the breast, cervix, uterus, ovaries, or liver |
| • If you have dementia |
| • Diabetes |
| • Gallbladder disease |
| • Heart disease or a recent heart attack |
| • High blood pressure or high cholesterol |
| • Liver or kidney disease |
| • Migraine headaches |
| • If you have ever had a stroke |
| • Immune system diseases such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) |
| • If you are a smoker (this is very important) |
| • If you have allergies to other hormones, soy, other medications, foods, or dyes |
| • If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding |
How exactly do you use this cream?
It's very easy to use this correctly, but it's important to do it right.
1. Cleanliness: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after using the medicine.
2. Preparing the applicator: Use only the special applicator that comes with the medicine. Fill the applicator with the amount of cream prescribed by the doctor.
3. Position to use: Lie on your back with your knees bent. This position makes it easier to insert the medicine.
4. Inserting the medicine: Insert the applicator into the vagina and push the plunger to push the cream in.
5. Cleaning the applicator: After use, wash the applicator thoroughly with warm soapy water and rinse with water to keep it clean.
6. Duration: Use the medicine exactly as directed by your doctor, for the full duration prescribed. Do not stop taking the medicine without your doctor's advice.
What to do if you miss a dose?
If you miss 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.
Are there any other medications that are incompatible with this medicine?
Yes, some medications may not be compatible with this cream. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (including vitamins and traditional medicines).
| Do not take this medicine with any other medicine. | |
|---|---|
| Aromatase inhibitors (e.g. anastrozole, letrozole) | |
| These medications can also cause problems (tell your doctor ). | |
| Some medications that make you sleepy or treat epilepsy (Barbiturates) | Carbamazepine |
| Grapefruit juice | Antifungals (e.g. ketoconazole) |
| Some antibiotics | St. John's Wort (herbal medicine) |
| Tamoxifen, Raloxifene | Warfarin (a blood thinner) |
Things to be careful about when taking this medicine
- Regular check-ups: It's important to see your doctor regularly for regular check-ups. Talk to your doctor about things like breast exams and Pap smears.
- Smoking: If you smoke, especially if you are over 35, your risk of blood clots and stroke is much higher. Therefore, we strongly advise you to avoid smoking completely.
- Fluid retention: Sometimes your fingers, hands, or ankles may swell. Tell your doctor if you feel this way.
- Pregnancy: If you have any suspicion that you are pregnant, stop taking the medication and call your doctor immediately.
- If you accidentally take too much of this medicine: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What are the possible side effects?
Like all medications, this one can have side effects. Some of them are serious, some are common.
| If you have any of these, call your doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Symptoms of a blood clot | Leg pain, swelling, feeling hot, difficulty breathing, chest pain. |
| Changes in the breasts | New lumps, redness, pain, and discharge from the nipple. |
| Symptoms of a stroke | Sudden numbness/weakness of the face, arm or leg, difficulty speaking, difficulty walking, severe headache. |
| Liver problems | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark yellow/brown urine. |
| Vaginal changes | Postmenopausal bleeding, abnormal discharge, itching, or odor. |
| These are usually not serious (but tell your doctor if they persist). | |
| Bloating | Breast pain or tightness |
| Nausea or vomiting | Slight burning or discomfort at the injection site |
Take-Home Message
- Estradiol Vaginal Cream is a hormonal treatment for vaginal discomfort caused by menopause. It should only be used in the vagina.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about your complete health history and all other medications you are taking.
- Take the medicine exactly as your doctor tells you to, for the full duration of the prescribed period. Never increase the dose or stop taking it halfway.
- Always be on the lookout for serious side effects such as blood clots, stroke symptoms, breast changes, or postmenopausal bleeding. If you notice any of these, seek medical advice immediately.
- Smoking while taking this medication greatly increases the risk, so avoid it completely.
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