Estradiol (estradiol)

Estrogens Transdermal Gel In Metered-Dose Pump

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data

Overview

Estradiol (a principal endogenous estrogen) is a steroidal estrogen.

USES: This medication is a hormone (estrogen). It is absorbed through the skin and enters into the bloodstream. It is used by women to help reduce a certain symptom of menopause (hot flashes).

Certain brands may also help to reduce vaginal symptoms of menopause (such as vaginal dryness/burning/itching). These symptoms are caused by the body making less estrogen. If you are using this medication to treat symptoms only in and around the vagina, products applied directly inside the vagina should be considered before medications that are taken by mouth, absorbed through the skin, or injected.

Generic name: estradiol
Pronunciation: (ES-tra-DYE-ol)
Drug class: Estrogens
Therapeutic class: Endocrine

Reference product & biosimilars

No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.

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Indications

The following indications are listed for Estradiol:

  • Atrophic Vaginitis Associated With Menopause
  • Atrophy Of Vulva
  • Vasomotor Symptoms Associated With Menopause

Also known as: Senile Vaginitis, Vaginitis Senilis.

Dosing

Dosage of estradiol, estradiol acetate, estradiol cypionate, estradiol valerate, and ethinyl estradiol must be individualized according to the condition being treated and the tolerance and therapeutic response of the patient. To minimize the risk of adverse effects, the lowest possible effective dosage should be used. When short-term estrogen therapy is indicated (e.g., for the management of vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause; vulvar and vaginal atrophy), therapy should be discontinued as soon as possible; attempts to reduce dosage or discontinue the drug should be made at 3- to 6-month intervals. Because of the potential increased risk of cardiovascular events, breast cancer, and venous thromboembolic events, estrogen and estrogen/progestin therapy should be limited to the lowest effective doses and shortest duration of therapy consistent with treatment goals and risks for the individual woman. Estrogen and estrogen/progestin therapy should be periodically reevaluated.

Estrogen therapy is administered continuously or cyclically. While estrogen therapy alone may be appropriate in women who have undergone a hysterectomy, many clinicians currently recommend that a progestin be added to estrogen therapy in women with an intact uterus. Addition of progestin therapy for 10 or more days of a cycle of estrogen administration or daily with estrogen in a continuous regimen reduces the incidence of endometrial hyperplasia and the attendant risk of endometrial carcinoma in women with an intact uterus. Morphologic and biochemical studies of the endometrium suggest that 10-13 days of progestin are needed to provide maximum maturation of the endometrium and to eliminate any hyperplastic changes. The manufacturer of Menostar(R) recommends that women with an intact uterus receive a progestin for 14 days every 6-12 months. When a progestin is used in conjunction with an estrogen, the usual precautions associated with progestin therapy should be observed. Clinicians prescribing progestins should be aware of the risks associated with these drugs and the manufacturers' labeling should be consulted. The choice and dosage of a progestin may be important factors in minimizing adverse effects.

When long-acting parenteral preparations are used in the management of conditions associated with estrogen deficiency, the drugs are usually administered once every 3-4 weeks.

Drug interactions

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Contraindications

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Adverse reactions

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Precautions

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ICD codes

CodeTypeDescription
Atrophic vaginitis associated with menopause
N95.2ICD10CMPostmenopausal atrophic vaginitis
Atrophy of vulva
N90.5ICD10CMAtrophy of vulva
Vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause
N95.1ICD10CMMenopausal and female climacteric states
N95.9ICD10CMUnspecified menopausal and perimenopausal disorder

ICD code information from First Databank (FDB).

Formulary status

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data