Topical Estradiol

Topical estradiol is a synthetic estrogen in gel form which functions to relieve complaints due to menopause. This drug can also reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.      

Once absorbed through the skin, topical estradiol works much like estradiol taken by mouth or injected. This drug will replace the function of natural estrogen whose levels decrease during menopause.

By the way it works, estradiol gel can relieve symptoms due to decreased estrogen levels during menopause, such as difficulty sleeping, hot flashes , hair loss, or unstable moods. However, estradiol gel is preferred when the symptoms are limited to the vagina, such as vaginal dryness , soreness and itching .

Topical estradiol trademark: Oestrogel

What is Topical Estradiol

Precautions Before Using Topical Estradiol

Estradiol gel should not be used carelessly. There are several things that must be considered before undergoing treatment with this drug, including:

• Do not use estradiol gel if you have an allergy to this drug. Always tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
• Do not apply estradiol gel to your face, breasts, inside of the vagina, or the skin around the vagina, even if the symptoms you want to treat are vaginal symptoms.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had unexplained vaginal bleeding, liver disease, kidney disease , lupus, thyroid disease , asthma, depression, dementia , seizures, or angioedema .
• Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had breast cancer , uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, myoma , or endometriosis .
• Tell your doctor if you have had or are having any health conditions caused by blocked arteries or embolism , such as a heart attack, stroke , or deep vein thrombosis . Also tell if you have a condition that tends to cause blood clots.
• Tell your doctor if you have a history of diabetes, gallbladder disease, electrolyte disturbances, migraines , high cholesterol, hypertension or porphyria .
• Tell your doctor if you have recently had surgery, or if you have to sit or lie down for a long time. These conditions can increase the risk of blood clots.
• Do not smoke while undergoing treatment with topical estradiol, because it can increase the risk of developing hypertension, stroke, or heart attack in the future.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking other medications, including supplements and herbal products, to anticipate drug-to-drug interactions.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
• Immediately consult a doctor if you experience an allergic drug reaction, overdose, or serious side effects after using estradiol.

Dosage and Rules for Using Topical Estradiol

For menopausal symptoms , apply 2.5 grams of estradiol gel to your thighs, arms, stomach or waist once a day, in the morning or at night.

Dosage and rules for using topical estradiol to treat vaginal symptoms are the same as the doses above. This is because estradiol on the skin will be absorbed into the blood and spread throughout the body, including to the vagina.

It is important to remember, do not apply topical estradiol directly to the vagina because it can increase the risk of side effects.

How to Use Topical Estradiol Properly

Follow your doctor 's instructions and read the directions on the drug packaging before using topical estradiol. Do not increase or decrease your dose without first consulting your doctor.

Wash hands before and after using estradiol gel. Also make sure the area to be smeared with the drug is clean and dry. Estradiol gel should be used after bathing. Take the gel according to the dosage recommended by your doctor and apply it in a thin layer to large areas on your thighs, arms, stomach and waist.

Make sure the medicine you apply is dry before wearing clothes. If you want to take a shower or swim after using estradiol gel, wait at least 1 hour after applying the gel.

Wear closed clothing to prevent other people, especially children, from touching the gel. If accidentally touched, tell them to clean the area affected by the gel with water and soap.

Do not apply estradiol gel to your face, breasts, areas of skin that have cuts or irritation, and the area around the vagina or inside the vagina. Rinse with clean water if the estradiol gel accidentally gets on the part.

Do not apply sunscreen close to the time of application of estradiol gel. Pause at least 30 minutes before or after applying sunscreen to the gel-covered skin area.

Topical use of estradiol can cause dark spots to appear on the face or skin. This condition can be exacerbated by sun exposure. Therefore, use sunscreen and closed clothing when doing outdoor activities during the day. Also avoid using UV lamps or tanning the skin.

Store estradiol gel in a cool place and protected from direct sunlight. Keep this drug out of reach of children.

Topical Estradiol Interactions with Other Drugs

The use of estradiol gel together with other drugs can cause the following drug-drug interactions:

• Decreased effectiveness of estradiol when used with carbamazepine , phenobarbital, or rifampicin
• Increased risk of side effects with estradiol when used with fluconazole , clarithromycin or diltiazem
• Decreased absorption and effectiveness of folic acid

In addition, the use of estradiol together with grapefruit and its derivatives can increase the risk of side effects. Meanwhile, if used with herbal ingredients St. St. John's Wort , the effectiveness of estradiol will decrease.

Topical Estradiol Side Effects and Dangers

Some of the side effects that may appear after using topical estradiol are:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach ache
• Bloated
• Headache
• Weight gain or loss
• The breasts are swollen and sensitive to touch
• Melasma (dark patches on the face)

Check with your doctor if the side effects above don't go away or even get worse. Immediately consult a doctor if an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects occur, such as:

• Depression
• Unusual vaginal bleeding
• Lumps on the breast
• Stinky vaginal discharge accompanied by itching and vaginal irritation
• Dark urine
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes ( jaundice )

Although it rarely happens, the use of topical estradiol also carries the risk of causing serious side effects such as heart attack, stroke, pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis . Immediately go to the nearest emergency room if you experience the following symptoms:

• Chest pain such as pressure or being crushed, which can radiate to the neck, jaw, arms, or back
• Weakness on one side of the body
• It's hard to talk
• dazed
• Swelling in one or both legs, with or without pain
• Sudden loss of vision
• Shortness of breath and coughing up blood
• Very dizzy like I'm going to pass out