Following consultation, a You Health provider determined that Estradiol Vaginal Cream is medically appropriate and necessary for your treatment.

Estradiol Vaginal Cream

The following medication overview provides an overview of Estradiol Vaginal Cream, how it works, and how to effectively and safely use this medication to treat menopausal symptoms. You will also receive a physical document called a drug monograph or patient drug information in the package with your medication when it arrives from the pharmacy which contains full information about generic Estradiol Vaginal Cream — you should read all of the information that comes with your prescription shipment before taking your medication.

It’s important that all of your healthcare providers are aware of your current treatments. Please let your primary care provider, specialists, and pharmacist know of your diagnosis and new medications to ensure safety with any other medications you may be taking.

  • 1

    How to use your medication

  • 2

    Side effects

  • 3

    Important safety information and warnings

  • 4

    Frequently Asked Questions

How to use your medication

Using the applicator, insert 1g of cream vaginally 2-3 times per week as needed for vaginal dryness.

    Side effects

    The most common side effects (2% or greater) of Estradiol Vaginal Cream include: headache, pelvic pain, hot flashes, breast pain or tenderness, increased vaginal discharge, irregular bleeding (spotting), abdominal cramps, bloating, nausea, hair loss, and itching. These are not all the side effects of Estradiol Vaginal Cream. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

    Important safety information and warnings
    Do not use Estradiol Vaginal Cream if you:

    • Have abnormal and unusual vaginal bleeding

    • Have, have had, or suspect breast cancer

    • Have, have had, or suspect vaginal cancer

    • Have had ovarian cancer but not had ovaries removed or been in remission for ovarian cancer for at least 1 year

    • Have had uterine or endometrial cancer but not had uterus removed or been in remission for uterine or endometrial cancer for at least 1 year

    • Have had cervical cancer but not had cervical cancer removed

    • Have a known or suspected estrogen-dependent cancer

    • Have active or recent (for example within the past year) arterial thromboembolic disease (for example, stroke and heart attack), or a history of these conditions

    • Have, or have had blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE)

    • Have or have had liver problems, including liver hemangiomas

    • Have been diagnosed with a bleeding disorder, including protein C, protein S, or antithrombin deficiency, or other bleeding disorders

    • Are pregnant, or think you may be pregnant

    • Are breastfeeding, or plan to breastfeed

    • Are allergic, or have had an anaphylactic reaction to estradiol or the inactive ingredients in Estradiol Vaginal Cream, which are a mixture of purified water, propylene glycol, stearyl alcohol, white ceresin wax, mono- and di-glycerides, hypromellose 2208 (4000 cps), sodium lauryl sulfate, methylparaben, edetate di-sodium, tertiary-butylhydroquinone and polysorbate 80.

    Tell your healthcare provider about your other medical conditions, including if you:

    • Have liver problems

    • Have kidney problems

    • Have seizures (epilepsy)

    • Have diabetes

    • Have asthma

    • Have problems with your thyroid

    • Have migraine headaches

    • Have heart problems, or have had a heart attack

    • Have had a stroke

    • Have endometriosis

    • Have porphyria

    • Have high triglyceride levels

    • Have Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

    • Have high levels of calcium in your blood

    • Have unusual vaginal bleeding

    • Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant

    • Are breastfeeding. The hormone in Estradiol Vaginal Cream can pass into your milk.

    Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medicines can affect how the cream works, and the cream can also affect how other medications work.

    General information about the safe and effective use of Estradiol Vaginal Cream

    Medications are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not mentioned in patient information leaflets. Do not use the cream for conditions for which it was not prescribed. Do not give this cream to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.

    Keep Estradiol Vaginal Cream out of the reach of children

    The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare provider, considering the unique characteristics of the patient. The product information provided is intended only for residents of the United States. The products discussed herein may have different product labeling in different countries.

    Frequently Asked Questions
    What is perimenopause and menopause?

    Menopause occurs when monthly periods permanently stop for at least 12 months. During this time, the ovaries stop making estrogen and progesterone, and the ovaries stop releasing eggs. Menopause does not occur suddenly, it can take years for ‘the change’ and this period of transition is called perimenopause.  During perimenopause, periods become irregular and you may begin to feel menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, fatigue, night sweats, sleep disturbances, and brain fog.

    Is there a test for menopause?

    Testing is not recommended for most women, because a single blood test does not tell whether you are in perimenopause or menopause. Diagnosis is made using the patient’s reported medical history and a symptoms assessment.

    Can I still get pregnant on this medication? 

    As long as you are still having periods, even if they do not happen often, it is possible to get pregnant. If you have sex and do not want to get pregnant, use some form of birth control. If you think you may be pregnant, do not use this medication and you should have a pregnancy test and know the results.

    Can I continue taking this medication if I become pregnant?

    No. If you become pregnant or decide to try to conceive, please alert your provider who will direct you to follow up with your primary care provider or OBGYN for continued management.

    I’m in perimenopause (I haven’t yet reached menopause). Can I keep taking my birth control while starting hormone therapy for my symptoms?

    If you’re currently using hormonal birth control—such as the pill, patch, vaginal ring, or shot—it’s important to talk to your provider before starting hormone therapy for perimenopausal symptoms. Hormone therapy is used to manage perimenopausal symptoms, but it does not prevent pregnancy. Because it is still possible to get pregnant during perimenopause, you’ll still need effective birth control if you are trying to avoid pregnancy. Your provider can help you choose the safest and most effective approach for you. You may need to switch from a hormonal contraceptive to a non-hormonal or barrier method (like a copper IUD or condoms) while using hormone therapy.

    What if I have vaginal bleeding while taking this medication?

    Hormone therapy can cause light, unscheduled vaginal bleeding, often called “spotting”. This may occur while your body adjusts to the medication (or whenever you change doses or stop the medication). Spotting may occur for several months. For some women, the hormones make their period unpredictable and causes heavier, more frequent or longer periods.

    Vaginal bleeding after menopause can happen for other reasons and may be a sign of a health problem. It is most important to understand the cause of the bleeding, such as vaginal dryness, the hormone treatment itself, or other medical conditions, such as polyps of the uterus.

    What happens if I stop this medication?

    Menopause symptoms can return when the hormone replacement is stopped.

    How long can I take this medication or stay on treatment?

    The symptoms of menopause start in perimenopause and may last for years. However, it’s recommended that treatment only be used at the lowest dose necessary and for the shortest amount of time necessary to relieve moderate-to-severe symptoms. You should consult a provider if you are considering discontinuing treatment and regularly reassess your need to manage symptoms. Hormone therapy should be immediately discontinued if a contraindication develops, such as breast cancer, liver disease, or stroke.

    Can I drink alcohol while taking this medication?

    While it doesn’t need to be completely avoided, it is generally recommended to limit drinking of alcohol while using estrogen vaginal cream. Alcohol intake during HT can increase circulating estradiol levels and increase the risk of breast cancer.

    Can I take cannabis while taking this medication?

    There is limited research on using cannabis products while using hormone therapy. Interactions are possible, and cannabis causes its own side effects (such as cognitive impairment and sedation) that users should be aware of.

    What do I do if I miss a dose?

    Please refer to the package insert that accompanied your estradiol vaginal cream for instructions on how to handle a missed dose.

    Do I need to discontinue hormone therapy (HT) if I have an upcoming planned surgery?

    Yes, it is recommended to discontinue estradiol (patch, pill, or vaginal cream) at least 4 weeks before surgery or during extended periods of immobility. Speak with your surgeon about when it is safe to restart hormone therapy (HT).

    Will estrogen increase my triglycerides?

    Estrogen therapy may increase plasma triglyceride levels. Regular monitoring of triglycerides by your primary care provider is recommended.

    KEEP ESTRADIOL CREAM OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.

    The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare provider, considering the unique characteristics of the patient. The product information provided is intended only for residents of the United States. The products discussed herein may have different product labeling in different countries.