Estrace (Estradiol)

Estrace is an estrogen hormone used to treat moderate to severe symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes or severe dryness, itching, and burning in or around your vagina. Also, Estrace is used to treat certain conditions in which a young woman’s ovaries do not produce enough estrogens naturally, certain prostate cancers in men, certain breast cancers in selected women and men, and to reduce your chances of getting postmenopausal osteoporosis (thin, weak bones).

Estrogens increase your risk of developing cancer of the uterus. Tell your doctor right away if you experience any unusual vaginal bleeding while you are using Estrace. Do not take Estrace to prevent heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, or dementia (an illness involving loss of memory, judgment, and confusion.) Using Estrace can increase your chances of getting heart attacks, strokes, breast cancer, or blood clots. Estrace can also increase your risk of dementia, gallbladder disease, ovarian cancer, visual abnormalities, high blood pressure, pancreatitis (inflammation of your pancreas), or thyroid problems. Talk regularly with your doctor about whether you still need treatment with Estrace. You can lower your chances of serious side effects with Estrace by having a breast exam and mammogram (breast x-ray) every year, unless directed by your doctor to have it more often. See your doctor right away if you get vaginal bleeding while you are taking Estrace. Also, ask your doctor for ways to lower your chances of getting heart disease, especially if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, if you are overweight, or if you use tobacco.