Estradiol

Estradiol is a female sex hormone (estrogen). This is a type of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that is used to treat symptoms associated with menopause (hot flushes, vaginal dryness, and itching), estrogen deficiency, and thinning of bones (osteoporosis). In some cases, Estradiol is also used to treat breast cancer and prostate cancer along with other anticancer medicines.

Estradiol is an estrogen (female sex hormone). In women who are undergoing or have attained menopause, it prevents symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats and mood swings. It also prevents the bones from becoming porous and fragile (osteoporosis).

• Hormone Replacement Therapy: Used for treatment of menopause symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats and mood swings.
• Vaginal Atrophy: Used for treatment of vaginal dryness and itching during menopause.
• Osteoporosis Prevention: Used for prevention of bone loss in postmenopausal women.
• Metastatic Breast Cancer: Used for palliative treatment in selected patients.
• Prostate Cancer: Used for palliative treatment.

Female Sex hormones

Estrogen

Estradiol is a naturally occurring oestrogen. Oestrogens are responsible for the development and maintenance of the female reproductive system and secondary sexual characteristics. They modulate the pituitary secretion of gonadotrophins, LH and FSH through a negative feedback system.

Estradiol is a naturally occurring oestrogen. Oestrogens are responsible for the development and maintenance of the female reproductive system and secondary sexual characteristics. They modulate the pituitary secretion of gonadotrophins through a negative feedback system.

Adult Dose (Oral):

• Vulvar and Vaginal Atrophy in Menopause: 1-2 mg PO once daily for 3 weeks, followed by 1 week off
• Prevention of osteoporosis: 0.5 mg PO once daily for 3 weeks, followed by 1 week off
• Metastatic breast cancer: 10 mg PO q8hr for 3 months
• Prostate cancer: 1-2 mg PO q8hr for >=3 months

Elderly and Hepatic impairment: Dose adjustment may be needed.

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Estradiol may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

If you miss a dose of Estradiol, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Common Side Effects:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Breast pain
• Abdominal cramp
• Bloating
• Vaginal spotting
• Vomiting
• Hair loss

Precautions:

• Estradiol does not usually affect your ability to drive.
• Prescribed as part of HRT to relieve symptoms of menopause.
• Take at the same time every day.
• Inform your doctor if you experience any unusual vaginal bleeding, discharge or vaginal discomfort.
• May increase risk of breast cancer; have regular breast examinations.
• Stop taking and inform doctor immediately if unexplained swelling and pain in limbs, shortness of breath, chest pain, or changes in vision occur.

Contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity
• Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
• Thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders
• Breast carcinoma (except selected patients with metastatic disease)
• Estrogen-dependent tumor
• Porphyria
• Pregnancy

Drug Interactions:

• CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 inducers (aminoglutethimide, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, rifampin): May decrease effects of estradiol.
• Hydrocortisone and prednisolone: Effects may be enhanced when used together.

Food Interactions: Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Estradiol. Consult your doctor.

Use in Pregnancy: Category B3. Estradiol may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby.

Use in Lactation: Estradiol is unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Data suggests that the drug may cause toxicity to the baby.

Pediatric Use: Not indicated for use in children and adolescents.

Geriatric Use: No specific dosage adjustment is necessary for elderly patients.

Renal Impairment: Use with caution in patients with kidney disease; dose adjustment may be needed.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution in patients with liver disease; contraindicated in severe liver disease.

Overdose: Overdose may cause nausea and vomiting and withdrawal bleeding may occur. No specific antidotes; symptomatic treatment.

Storage: Store below 30 degree C in a cool and dry place, away from light. Keep out of reach of children.

Estradiol