What is Estrace?
Estrace (its generic name is Estradiol) is a medication in the form of tablets and cream that contains estradiol, one of the most important estrogen hormones that is synthesized in ovaries and is responsible for reproductive organs in women and their performance. The level of estradiol lowers during menopause and after it and, therefore, might cause various problems; so it is important to maintain it on a certain level.
Estrace is usually prescribed to women to reduce the symptoms of menopause such as burning, itching and other unpleasant sensations in the vagina, vaginal dryness, sudden feeling of feverish heat, etc. It also prevents osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and helps those women whose ovaries for some reason don't produce enough of this hormone. In addition to that Estrace is sometimes used as cancer treatment in both men and women.
If you are going to take Estrace, inform your doctor about any diseases or other medical conditions that you have, especially allergy to any food or medical compound, vaginal bleeding, blood-clot disorder, heart problems, cancer and liver disease. It is also recommended to tell a medical specialist about epilepsy or seizures, kidney and gallbladder diseases, thyroid disorder, porphyria, uterine fibroid tumors, abnormal levels of calcium in blood and migraines.
Estrace interacts with certain drugs, and it is important not to take them at the same time, as it may cause harm to your health. The medication interacts with trenamexic acid, estrogen and estrogen agents, anti-aromatase agents, contraceptives, antibiotics rifamycins, St. John's wort (anti-depression herb) and lamotrigine. It also moderately interacts with some human immunoglobulins, raloxifene, some anticolvusants and corticosteroids. You should also stop drinking grapefruit juice while taking Estrace. It is not a complete list of components Estrace interacts with, so it is advised to inform your doctor about any medications you are taking. The drug might also change the results of some medical tests.
It is not unusual to experience headache, changes in menstrual phases, moderate vaginal bleeding or slight itching, pain in breasts, hair loss, queasiness, bloating or mulligrabs in the stomach while using Estrace. Nevertheless, if any of these symptoms worsen, do not hesitate to contact a specialist.
Recommendations for Use
It is highly important to take the medicine exactly as prescribed and not to decrease/increase the dosage. Not only does overdosing worsen the side effects, but it also increases the risk of uterine cancer. Check with your healthcare provider once in three or four months to make sure everything is fine with you.
Precautions and Contraindications
Pregnant women should not use Estrace.
Drug Interactions
Side Effects
In case you have any of the following adverse effects that are usually the signs of heart attack, stroke, blood clots or other serious conditions, you have to call your healthcare provider as soon as possible. These symptoms include sudden weakness, difficulty speaking, troubles with vision and balance, pain in the chest, severe and persistent nausea, severe sweating, blood in cough; swelling, pain or unusual warmth in legs, yellow skin or eyes and dark urine, heavy vaginal bleeding, unusual tenderness or swelling in the stomach, lump in one of the breasts, difficulty concentrating, uncomfortable feeling in muscles or loss of appetite.
At last, you must call the emergency once you notice the signs of allergy to Estrace, such as swelling of your tongue, lips, throat or face, trouble breathing and seizures.