How does it work?

Estradiol is a naturally occuring form of the main female sex hormone, oestrogen. Certain parts of the body such as the vagina, bones and breasts rely on oestrogen to function normally. When the levels of oestrogen decrease, as happens during the menopause, these tissues can slowly degenerate. In addition, low levels of oestrogen can cause distressing symptoms such as hot flushes, mood swings and vaginal dryness. Oestrogen (in this case in the form of estradiol) is supplemented to help reduce distressing symptoms of the menopause. It is also supplemented for the long-term prevention of bone loss (osteoporosis) and fractures that may occur in the years after menopause. Women considered to be at risk of developing fractures include those who have had an early menopause, those with a family history of osteoporosis, those who have had recent prolonged corticosteroid therapy (eg prednisolone), those with a small thin frame, and smokers. Oestrogen supplementation to reduce menopausal symptoms and reduce bone loss is known as hormone replacement therapy (HRT). In women with an intact womb, oestrogen stimulates the growth of the womb lining (endometrium). This can lead to endometrial cancer if the growth is unopposed. For this reason it is essential that women with an intact womb be given a progesterone with this medicine, to oppose oestrogen's effect on the womb lining. If a woman has had her womb surgically removed (a hysterectomy), endometrial cancer is not a risk and progesterone is not necessary as part of HRT.

What is it used for?

Prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women

Symptoms of the menopause

Warning!

It is important to be aware that all women taking HRT appear to have a small increase in the risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer, compared with women who do not take HRT. However, this risk must be weighed against the benefits of taking HRT, such as prevention of osteoporosis, which you should discuss with your doctor. Women on HRT are advised to have regular breast examinations and mammograms, and to practice breast self-examination.

It is important to be aware that women taking HRT have a slight increase in the risk of abnormal blood clot formation (deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) compared with women not taking HRT. The Committee for the Safety of Medicines believes that the overall benefits of HRT outweigh the risks involved, but that those with a personal or family history of thrombosis or other risk factors (eg severe varicose veins, obesity, recent surgery, immobility) should carefully discuss this with their doctor.

A woman is considered fertile for 2 years after her last menstrual period if she is under 50, or for 1 year if over 50. HRT does not provide contraception for women who fall within this group. If a potentially fertile women takes HRT and contraception is required, non-hormonal methods (eg condoms) are necessary.

While taking HRT there is an increased risk of blood clots in the blood vessels (thrombosis) if you have surgery or are immobile for prolonged periods. Your doctor may recommend that you stop taking HRT for a period of time prior to and following planned surgery, or if you are to be immobile for long periods. Discuss this with your doctor.

Women taking HRT should have regular medical and gynaecological check-ups.

Stop taking this medicine and inform your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following whilst taking this medicine: stabbing pains or swelling in the legs, pain on breathing or coughing, shortness of breath, worsening of epilepsy, migraine or severe headaches, visual disturbances, severe abdominal complaints, increased blood pressure, itching of the whole body or yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).

This gel should only be applied by the woman being treated. No-one else should apply it for you. Skin contact with other people, particularly a male partner, should be avoided for at least an hour after applying the gel.

Follow the instructions given with this medicine. Apply the correct amount of gel to a clean, dry area of skin on the arms, shoulders or inner thighs. Do not apply to broken skin. Do not apply on or near the breasts or vaginal region. Don't wash the skin or use other skin products on the area for at least an hour after application.

Use with caution in

Breast disease

Current or previous high blood pressure

Diabetes

Disorder causing deafness in adult life (otosclerosis)

Family history of blood clots in the veins (venous thromboembolism)

Family history of breast cancer

Gall stones

History of endometriosis

Migraine

Severe obesity

Not to be used in

Blood clot lodged in a vein of the leg (deep vein thrombosis) or a history of this

Breastfeeding

Children

Current or previous disorders causing blood clots in the veins (thromboembolic disorders)

Known or suspected breast cancer

Known or suspected cancer responsive to female hormones (oestrogen dependent neoplasia) eg endometrial cancer

Life long inherited blood diseases which can cause a variety of symptoms, including mental health problems (porphyrias)

Overgrowth of the lining of the womb (endometrial hyperplasia)

Pregnancy

Severe heart disease

Severe kidney disease

Severe liver disease

Vaginal bleeding of unknown cause

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Changes in mood

Nausea

Skin irritation

Vaginal discharge

Headache/migraine

Breast tenderness, swelling or milky white discharge from the nipple(s)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Go To Next Page>>
The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use



© Copyright 1998 - 2004 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved