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Home > Drug Category > Menopausal Hormone Therapy > Estrace and Equivalent

Estrace Information

Estrace is an estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) used to treat moderate to severe menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes and vaginal dryness or thinning of the vaginal tissues (vulvovaginal atrophy). It is also prescribed for certain conditions where the body does not naturally produce enough estrogen. It works by providing estradiol, a naturally occurring human estrogen, to replace declining hormone levels.

In women who still have a uterus, Estrace must typically be paired with a progestogen medication to significantly reduce the risk of developing cancer of the uterine lining (endometrial cancer).

Side Effects

Commonly reported side effects include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, bloating, breast tenderness or enlargement, headache, and weight changes. You may also experience breakthrough bleeding, spotting, or changes in vaginal discharge.

Serious side effects of Estrace include:
• Increased risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack.
• Increased risk of dementia in postmenopausal women 65 years of age or older.
• Increased risk of developing gallstones or gallbladder inflammation.
• Potential for blood clots in the retina (retinal vascular thrombosis) or sudden vision changes.

Call your doctor or seek emergency medical attention right away if you experience sudden leg pain or swelling, severe chest pain, shortness of breath, a sudden severe headache, vision loss, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), or a new lump in the breast.

Precautions:

Do not use Estrace if you have a known hypersensitivity to estradiol or any of the inactive ingredients in the tablets. Tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have a history of:
o Active or past blood clots (such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism).
o Breast cancer or other estrogen-dependent cancers.
o Liver disease or impaired liver function.
o Pregnancy or breastfeeding (Estrace is contraindicated during pregnancy and can decrease the quality and quantity of breast milk).
o Recent heart attack or stroke.
o Undiagnosed, abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Estrace may interact with liver enzyme inducers such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, rifampin, and St. John's Wort, which can lower estrogen levels and reduce effectiveness. It may also alter the effectiveness of thyroid replacement therapies or certain blood thinners.

Estrace is contraindicated during pregnancy and should be discontinued immediately if pregnancy occurs. Estrogens are secreted into human milk and may reduce the quantity and quality of breast milk. Use during breastfeeding is generally not recommended. It is recommended to speak to your doctor immediately if you are planning to get pregnant.

In women with an intact uterus, Estrace should typically be used in conjunction with a progestogen to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.

Store tablets at room temperature (20°C to 25°C) in a dry place. Keep the container tightly closed, protected from light, and completely out of reach of children and pets.

Do I need a prescription to order Estrace?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Estrace.