Estrace (Estradiol) Review

Estrace is the brand name for the drug estradiol. Estradiol comes in many different forms, including gel, vaginal cream, vaginal ring, and tablets. Estrace is in the class of drugs called estrogens, which means that they use the female hormone estrogen. Estrogen works within the female reproductive system to make it run properly. They cause the uterus to grow and develop properly, along with the fallopian tubes and vagina.

Estrogens as agents of hormone therapy are used in the treatment of certain symptoms associated with menopause, or in other cases in which there is insufficient estrogen in the body. At menopause, this happens because the ovaries have stopped making estrogens, which usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55. Some of these symptoms that estrogen therapy intends to treat are hot flashes, the sudden rush of warmth to the face, neck and chest. Estrace can also be used to treat vaginal and vulval atrophy, which refers to the burning, itching, or dryness that often happens at menopause. There are also conditions in younger women where their ovaries do not produce adequate amounts of estrogen on their own. One interesting use of estrogens is as a treatment for prostate cancer, which is dependent on androgens, or male hormones. It is also used to help prevent osteoporosis, since it reduces bone loss.

Therapy with Estrace should begin a soon after menopause begins as possible. Bone loss, leading to osteoporosis, is one of the worst results of menopause, and estrogen therapy can help delay and control bone loss in the patient.

Some side effects that patients should be aware of include changes in their vaginal bleeding patterns, including breakthrough bleeding or spotting. There also may be a change in the amount of cervical secretion. Breasts may become tender or enlarged. The patient may also experience nausea and vomiting, cramps, jaundice, loss of hair or increased hair growth. Some may find it difficult to wear their contact lenses, or experience headaches, migraines, dizziness, or depression. It is also possible that a patient will experience changes in her libido.

There is also a higher risk of endometrial cancers for those who remain on Estrace therapy for five to ten years, but little to no risk for increased likelihood of cancer for those only continuing the therapy for a year or less. It is also two to four times more likely that a patient will contract gallbladder disease and require surgery if he or she is taking Estrace therapy.

Estrace should not be taken by anyone who is pregnant. Extra estrogen can cause damage to the development of the urinary tract and the sex organs of both male and female babies. Girls are more likely to develop cancer of the vagina or cervix as young women if their mothers took estrogens while pregnant, and boys are more likely to develop testicular cancer as teenagers or young men. Estrace can also be passed through breast milk, so anyone nursing a baby should not take Estrace until the baby is weaned.