Estrogel
Estrogel is a gel with estradiol, a natural estrogen hormone, used to relieve menopausal symptoms and prevent bone loss after menopause.
How to Use
Dosage
The usual dose is 2.5 g of gel (1.5 mg estradiol) applied once a day. This is typically two pump presses.
Method
Apply the gel to a large skin area (e.g., shoulders, arms, thighs, or stomach) once a day, either in the morning or evening after washing. Do not apply to breasts, genitals, mucous membranes, or irritated skin. Let the gel dry for about 3 minutes without rubbing it in.
The maximum daily dose is 2.5 g of gel (1.5 mg estradiol).
Possible Side Effects
- •Headache
- •Stomach pain
- •Nausea
- •Breast swelling, pain, or enlargement
- •Painful or heavy menstrual bleeding
- •Spotting between periods
- •Vaginal discharge
- •Overgrowth of the womb lining
- •Weight changes (gain or loss)
- •Fluid retention causing swelling
- •Depression, mood swings, dizziness, migraine
- •Gas, vomiting
- •Blood clots in veins
- •Itching
- •Benign breast tumors
- •Enlargement of uterine fibroids
- •Vaginal inflammation or yeast infection
- •Weakness
- •Glucose intolerance
- •Changes in sex drive
- •Worsening of epilepsy
- •High blood pressure
- •Abnormal liver tests, jaundice
- •Skin discoloration, acne
- •Bone pain
- •Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
- •Poor contact lens tolerance
Important Warnings
- Do not use if you are allergic to estradiol or any other ingredient.
- Do not use if you have or have had breast cancer or other estrogen-sensitive cancers (like cancer of the womb lining), or if these are suspected.
- Do not use if you have or have had blood clots in your legs or lungs, or a condition that increases your risk of blood clots. Also, do not use if you have or recently had a heart attack or stroke.
- Do not use if you have liver disease with abnormal test results, or unexplained vaginal bleeding.
- Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Stop immediately and tell your doctor if you become pregnant.
Show 2 more warnings
- Stop using Estrogel and see a doctor right away if you get yellow skin/eyes (jaundice), swelling of your face/tongue/throat making it hard to breathe, a big rise in blood pressure, or your first-ever migraine-like headache.
- If a child accidentally touches the skin where the gel was applied, wash the child's skin with soap and water immediately. Contact a doctor if the child shows any unexpected signs of puberty.
Use in Elderly Patients
The classification depends on the dosage form. Systemic use (for example estrogen patch, tablet, gel): Avoid use in older adults. In systemic use, consider potential adverse effects, such as risk of cardiovascular diseases and venous thromboembolism. Consider potential interactions. Topical treatment of the vagina: Suitable for older adults. No significant systemic absorption. (updated 21.10.2024)