Estriol is primarily used in the so-called hormone replacement therapy. It is used to treat symptoms associated with the lack of estrogen during menopause or following surgical removal of the ovaries. It also helps prevent symptoms such as dryness, vaginal itching and pain during sexual intercourse.
What is Estriol?
Estriol is a hormone that mimics the activity of estrogen that is naturally produced by the female body. It works by re-establishing normal levels of estrogen.
How should Estriol be taken?
Estriol is typically administered in the form of tablets, pessaries or vaginal creams. It is recommended to receive dosages every day at the same time.
Side effects associated with Estriol
Among the possible side effects of estriol include the following:
- Vaginal irritation or itching
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Swelling
- Problems and disorders associated with urination
- Gallbladder problems
- Spots on the skin
- Reddish bumps or bruises on the legs
- Memory problems
- Abdominal pain
- Leg cramps
- Symptoms of PMS
- Palpitations
- Depression
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Skin rashes or sensitivity to the sun
- Swelling or tenderness of the breasts
- Headache
- Malaise
It is important to contact a doctor immediately if you experience:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Itch
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Feeling of tightness or chest pain that extends to the neck or arm
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue
- Unexplained migraine, sometimes associated with vision problems
- Painful swelling in the legs, sudden chest pain and difficulty breathing
- Jaundice
- High blood pressure
- Appearance of skin lesions, changes in the nipples, the presence of visible nodules or sensitivity to touch
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Estriol
It may take several weeks for estriol to take full effect.
Before starting treatment with estriol, it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients, any other drugs or food (in particular soy beans or peanuts)
- You are taking any other medications, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifampin, rifabutin, nevirapine, efavirenz, ritonavir, nelfinavir, bosentan, lamotrigine and hypericum
- You are using barrier methods of birth control
- You are suffering (or have suffered) from thrombosis, stroke, cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, liver or kidney problems, genital tract tumors, vaginal bleeding, endometrial hyperplasia, asthma, porphyria, epilepsy, gallstones, high blood pressure, migraine , diabetes, deafness associated with thickening of the tissues, systemic lupus erythematosus, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, hypercholesterolemia, abortions
- You are overweight
- You are pregnant or breast-feeding
