Estradiol

Estradiol is a treatment for hormonal imbalances of female patients. It’s a good medication to prevent osteoporosis. However Estradiol can pose various risks to a patient. Know what these risks are and learn how to prevent these risks from happening.

Estradiol is an Estrogen medication for female patients suffering from an imbalance or difference in their level of sex hormones. The hormones of humans are very essential when it comes to the proper functioning of the body. In the case of hormonal imbalance of women, this could lead to many disorders. Menopause is a big threat to women as well as a huge discomfort to their well being. Experiencing genital dryness, itching and burning, mood changes and night sweating are very uncomfortable. To gain normal levels of Estrogen in the body, Estradiol is taken. Estradiol relieves the menopausal symptoms and prevents further occurrence of osteoporosis in the patient.

Despite the therapeutic effect of Estradiol, studies revealed a few risks.

In recent a study, WHIMS or the Womens Health Initiative Memory Study discovered that oral estrogens with medroxyprogesterone acetate have leveraged the risk of dementia formation among a group of postmenopausal women aged 65 years and older. Dementia displays symptoms like problems in focus, language, memory and other cognitive functions. The study is yet to find out whether the said development of dementia can be applied to early postmenopausal women or to female patients who are using pure estrogen medication.

In a separate study, WHI or the Womens Health Initiative show reports that postmenopausal patients aged between 50 to 79 years old who were using oral conjugate estrogens along with medroxyprogesterone acetate for five years have increased their chances of stroke, myocardial infarction, invasive breast cancer, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli.

Furthermore, the increased risk of stroke is also linked to the long-term treatment with estradiol. The benefits and the risks of Estradiol treatment however vary from patient to patient. A regular checkup done with Estradiol test after every three to four months is advisable.

Another developing risk of Estradiol medication is the endometrial hyperplasia which may result to cancer formation in the lining of the uterus. Experts suggest that taking Estradiol along with a supporting hormone medicine such as progestins will lower the risk of having such condition. For patients whose uterus are still present, make sure that you take progestin along with Estradiol.

The Food and Drug Administration of the United States of America have also categorized Estradiol as Pregnancy category X. Estradiol has adverse effects to an unborn baby and this is why Estradiol is not prescribed for pregnant patients. Estradiol can also affect milk production.

Before taking Estradiol, the doctor often examines a patient of any serious medical condition such as uterine, breast or hormone-related cancer, unknown vaginal bleeding, blood-clotting problems and blood circulation problems. Moreover, risks that were known and unknown can be increased if you have the following conditions: epilepsy, migraines, liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, hypertension, increased levels of cholesterol in the blood, asthma, depression, hysterectomy operation, gallbladder disease, vaginal irritation, vaginal infection and narrow vagina.

These conditions can affect the dosage of medication and may need a proper tracking of the treatment’s progress.

Most doctors recommend other forms of Estradiol aside from injectables or tablets. Estradiol vaginal rings are also available. If you are prescribed with this kind of Estradiol, make sure you are oriented with proper application. An Estradiol vaginal ring is often inserted into the vagina usually at a third of the depth. This is often placed for full 90 days.

Another form is the Estradiol vaginal cream. Make sure to clean all the necessary requirements in applying this cream. Ask your doctor about Estradiol side effects. Notify your doctor right away if you feel any of the side effects. Just remember to follow your doctor’s instruction. They know what is good for you.