Estrace (Estradiol) for Endometriosis

Overview
Estrace is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1984 to treat menopause symptoms. In cases of endometriosis, Estrace is prescribed to reduce menopause-like side effects of some hormonal medications. Estrace is also known by its drug name, Estradiol.

Estrace should not be used by women who are or may be pregnant. Estrace is not appropriate for women who have a history of blood clots, stroke, heart attack, or undiagnosed vaginal bleeding. Do not use Estrace if you have or suspect you may have breast cancer or any other estrogen-dependent cancer. Do not use Estrace if you have a deficiency of antithrombin, protein S, or protein C. Estrace should be used with caution in women with a history of asthma, diabetes, migraine, lupus, porphyria, and obesity, as well as those who smoke.

Estrace is a female sex hormone. It is believed that Estrace works in cases of endometriosis by replenishing estrogen levels decreased by other hormonal medications.

How do I take it?
If you are a woman of childbearing age, your doctor may suggest you take a pregnancy test before beginning to use Estrace.

Estrace cream is applied inside the vagina using a special applicator. To apply Estrace, lie on your back and bring your knees to your chest. Insert the applicator into your vagina, then depress the plunger. Your doctor may direct you to use Estrace cream as frequently as once a day or as seldom as one to three times a week.

Wash the applicator with soap and water after each application of Estrace. Do not use hot or boiling water to clean the applicator.

Estrace may weaken latex condoms. Choose another form of birth control while you are using Estrace.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions exactly when using Estrace.

Results
For many years, topical Estradiol (Estrace) has been used to treat menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness and discomfort, mood changes, and loss of bone density. In practice, doctors have found that prescribing low doses of topical Estradiol as an “add-back” therapy can help prevent or lessen these side effects during hormonal medication for endometriosis.

Side effects
Rare but serious side effects of Estrace can include worsening of endometriosis, endometrial cancer, heart attack, stroke, blood clot, and dementia.

Common side effects of Estrace may include headache, pain or tenderness in your breasts, mood changes, weight gain, vaginal discharge or discomfort, difficulty achieving orgasm, and acne.

Call your doctor immediately if you experience bulging eyes, vision changes, sudden dizziness or confusion, trouble speaking, pain in your chest or left arm, numbness on one side of your body, yellowing of the skin or eyes, joint pain, hives, abdominal pain or tenderness, difficulty controlling your movements, or pain, warmth, or swelling in one or both legs while using Estrace.

Many drugs can cause allergic reactions that, in the most serious cases, can result in death. Seek immediate medical help if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing or swelling in the face, throat, eyes, lips, or tongue.