apollo
logo
0
  1. Home
  2. salt
  3. Estriol

Estriol

About Estriol

Estriol is a vaginal medication prescribed to relieve symptoms associated with vaginal thinning and dryness, a condition common during and after menopause. It helps manage discomforts such as burning, itching, and painful intercourse by restoring the natural health of the vaginal tissues. By acting locally, Estriol provides targeted relief where it is needed most.

To achieve the best results, you must use Estriol consistently as directed by your healthcare provider. It is typically applied at bedtime to help the medication stay in place and absorb properly. Because this is a vaginal medication, food intake does not affect how it works; however, lifestyle changes such as wearing loose-fitting cotton underwear and avoiding scented hygiene products can further support vaginal comfort.

While Estriol is generally well-tolerated, some people may experience mild, temporary local irritation or breast tenderness. If you experience serious side effects, such as unusual vaginal bleeding, severe pelvic pain, or sudden swelling in your legs, you must contact your doctor immediately. Do not ignore these symptoms, as they require prompt medical evaluation.

Do not use Estriol if you have unexplained vaginal bleeding, a history of blood clots, or certain estrogen-sensitive cancers. Before starting your treatment, tell your doctor if you have a history of liver damage, gallbladder disease, or high blood pressure. Your doctor will help determine if this treatment is safe for your specific medical background.

Certain medications and lifestyle habits can affect how this treatment works in your body. For instance, smoking can increase the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects while using estrogen-based therapies. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or are in an older age group, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks and benefits before starting therapy.

Uses of Estriol

Estriol is used in the treatment of vaginal atrophy and before/after surgery to help wound healing. The detailed uses of Estriol are as follows:
• Vaginal dryness: Estriol relieves vaginal dryness, itching, and burning caused by a lack of estrogen.
• Vaginal irritation: Estriol reduces urinary symptoms such as urgency and irritation.
• Restoration of Vaginal lining: Restores elasticity and thickness of the vaginal lining.
• Vaginal environment: Estriol helps normalize the vaginal environment, lowering the risk of urinary tract infections.
•Wound healing: Estriol is used before or after vaginal surgery to aid in wound healing.

Medicinal Benefits

Estriol helps relieve the symptoms of vaginal estrogen deficiency by restoring moisture, elasticity, and comfort to the vaginal tissues. By acting directly at the site of application, it provides effective local relief and supports improved vaginal health.
Benefits may include:

  • Helps relieve vaginal dryness, itching, burning, and irritation.
  • Restores moisture and improves the elasticity of vaginal tissues.
  • Helps reduce discomfort and pain during sexual intercourse.
  • Supports healing of the vaginal lining and improves overall vaginal health.
  • Provides targeted local treatment with minimal absorption into the bloodstream.
  • Improves comfort, intimacy, and overall quality of life with regular use.

Directions for Use

  • Estriol is for vaginal use only.
  • It is usually applied once daily at bedtime for up to 4 weeks or as prescribed by your doctor.
  • Check the label for directions before using this medication.
  • Remove the cap, screw the applicator onto the tube, and squeeze to fill it with cream. Lie down and gently insert the tip of the applicator deep into your vagina, and press the plunger to release the cream.
  • After use, remove the applicator and wash it thoroughly with warm, soapy water.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight

Side Effects of Estriol

Common Side Effects (Usually mild):

  • Temporary mild burning or itching inside the vagina upon application
  • Slight increase in clear vaginal discharge
  • Mild breast tenderness or swelling
  • Headaches


Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):

  • Unexplained, unusual vaginal bleeding or spotting
  • Severe pain, warmth, or swelling in one of your calves
  • Sudden, severe chest pain or shortness of breath
  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, indicating potential liver issues
  • Severe allergic reactions, such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat, or a severe skin rash

Drug Warnings

  • Apply Estriol at bedtime: Use Estriol at bedtime whenever possible to help reduce leakage and improve absorption while you are lying down.
  • Inspect Estriol before use: Do not use the cream if the tube or applicator is damaged or if the cream appears discolored or has changed in appearance.
  • Avoid latex barrier contraceptives during use: Estriol cream may weaken latex condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps, making them less effective. Discuss alternative contraceptive options with your healthcare provider if needed.
  • Report unexpected vaginal bleeding: Contact your doctor promptly if you develop unexpected vaginal spotting or bleeding during treatment.
  • Do not share your medication: Estriol has been prescribed specifically for you and should not be shared with anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms.
  • Seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen: Contact your doctor promptly if your symptoms do not improve after several weeks of treatment, you develop severe pelvic pain or persistent vaginal irritation, or you notice unexpected vaginal bleeding or spotting.
  • Seek immediate medical attention for serious symptoms: Get emergency medical help if you develop swelling, warmth, or pain in one leg, sudden chest pain, difficulty breathing, facial swelling, or other signs of a severe allergic reaction.

Drug Interactions

  • Other vaginal products (e.g., vaginal creams, douches, spermicides): Using these alongside Estriol may reduce its absorption and effectiveness.
  • Barrier contraceptives (e.g., latex condoms, diaphragms): The cream base of Estriol may weaken latex products, increasing the risk of contraceptive failure or infection.
  • Hormone therapies for breast cancer (e.g., tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors): Tell your doctor if you are taking these medicines, as they may not be suitable to use with Estriol.

Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:

  • OMBITASVIR
  • PARITAPREVIR
  • DASABUVIR
  • NEVIRAPINE
  • EFAVIRENZ
  • RITONAVIR
  • NELFINAVIR
  • GRISEOFULVIN
  • CARBAMAZEPINE
  • SUCCINYLCHOLINE
  • ETOFYLLINE NICOTINATE+THEOPHYLLINE
  • TROLEANDOMYCIN
  • Safety Advice

    • Safety Warning

      Alcohol

      consult your doctor

      It is not known if alcohol interacts with Estriol. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns.

    • Safety Warning

      Pregnancy

      unsafe

      Only postmenopausal women should use Estriol. If you are pregnant or may become pregnant, avoid using Estriol since it may harm your foetus. If you become pregnant while using this medicine, consult your doctor immediately.

    • Safety Warning

      Breast Feeding

      unsafe

      Avoid breastfeeding while on treatment with Estriol.

    • Safety Warning

      Driving

      safe if prescribed

      Estriol has no effect on your ability to drive.

    • Safety Warning

      Liver

      unsafe

      Estriol is not recommended for use if you have or have ever had liver conditions. Please discuss with your doctor regarding this.

    • Safety Warning

      Kidney

      consult your doctor

      If you have kidney problems, inform your doctor before taking Estriol. Discuss with your doctor for more information.

    • Safety Warning

      Children

      unsafe

      Estriol is for use in post-menopausal women only and is not recommended for children.

    Habit Forming

    No

    Diet & Lifestyle Advise

    • Wear breathable fabrics: Choose loose cotton underwear and avoid tight synthetic clothing to reduce heat and moisture buildup.
    • Avoid harsh chemicals: Do not use scented soaps, bubble baths, douches, or feminine hygiene sprays, as these can worsen vaginal dryness and irritation.
    • Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water daily supports overall tissue hydration and health.
    • Maintain safe intimacy: Regular sexual activity or stimulation, when comfortable, helps maintainhealthy blood flow to the vaginal tissues.

    Special Advise

    • Regular breast screening and regular check-ups whilst using Estriol are advised.
    • Inform your doctor that you are using Estriol if you are due to have any surgery.
    • Your doctor might advise you to stop using Estriol 4-6 weeks prior to the surgery to reduce the risk of a blood clot. Your doctor will decide when to start Estriol again.

    Patients Concern

    Disease/Condition Glossary

    Vaginal atrophy: When women get older, the ovaries gradually produce less oestrogen; this happens at menopause or if the ovaries are removed before menopause. Vaginal atrophy occurs due to a drop in the levels of oestrogen that naturally happens after menopause. It is a condition in which the vaginal lining becomes thinner and drier, leading to itching, burning sensation, pain during sex, dryness, and itching in the vagina.  

    FAQs

    Estriol is used to relieve menopausal symptoms such as vaginal atrophy (vaginal dryness or irritation). It is also used before/after vaginal surgery to help wound healing.

    Estriol works by replacing the oestrogen, which is generally produced by the ovaries, thereby helping relieve discomfort in the vagina.

    If you have premature menopause, the risks of using hormone replacement therapy might be different. Therefore, talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

    Estriol is not a contraceptive. You may still need to use additional contraception to prevent pregnancy if you are below 50 years or if it has been less than 12 months since your last menstrual period. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

    Yes, you can generally continue using Estriol during your menstrual period. However, do not use tampons immediately after applying the cream, as they can absorb Estriol before it has a chance to work. Talk to your doctor for specific advice.

    Because Estriol is applied locally in small amounts, very little enters the bloodstream, making systemic side effects like weight gain highly unlikely. If you experience sudden, unexplained weight gain, talk to your doctor.

    It is best to avoid sexual intercourse immediately after application to prevent the medication from being rubbed off or transferred to your partner. Applying Estriol at bedtime, after sexual activity, is usually recommended. Talk to your doctor for guidance.

    Yes, the inactive ingredients in this vaginal cream can weaken latex barrier methods, including condoms and diaphragms, making them more likely to tear. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about alternative contraceptive options during your treatment.

    No, Estriol should be stored at room temperature, away from extreme heat and moisture. Do not freeze the medication. Check the product packaging or talk to your pharmacist for specific storage temperatures.

    Estriol containing products are generally not recommended for individuals with a history of estrogen-sensitive cancers, including breast cancer. You must discuss your complete medical history with your doctor to explore safe treatment alternatives.

    Estriol may cause light spotting or vaginal bleeding in some women, especially when treatment is started. However, any unexplained, persistent, or heavy vaginal bleeding should be reported to your doctor promptly, as it may require further evaluation to determine the cause.

    Apollo 247 Floating Button
    Estriol | View uses, side-effects, medicines | Apollo Pharmacy