What is estradiol?

Estradiol is a form of estrogen. Estrogen is a female sex hormone necessary for many processes in the body.

Estradiol injection is used to treat symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, and vaginal dryness, burning and irritation. It is also used to treat a lack of estrogen that is caused by ovarian failure or a condition called hypogonadism. Some forms of estradiol injection are used in men to treat the symptoms of prostate cancer.

Estradiol injection may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about estradiol

Do not use this medication if you have any of the following conditions: a history of stroke or blood clot, circulation problems, a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer, or abnormal vaginal bleeding. This medication can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

Estradiol increases your risk of developing endometrial hyperplasia, a condition that may lead to cancer of the uterus. Taking progestins while using estradiol may lower this risk. If your uterus has not been removed, your doctor may prescribe a progestin for you to take while you are using estradiol injection.

Long-term estradiol treatment may increase your risk of breast cancer, heart attack, or stroke. Talk with your doctor about your individual risks before using estradiol long-term. Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis (every 3 to 6 months) to determine whether you should continue this treatment.

Have regular physical exams and self-examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis while using estradiol.

Before using estradiol

Do not use estradiol injection if you have:

• a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder;
• a history of stroke or circulation problems;
• abnormal vaginal bleeding that a doctor has not checked; or
• any type of breast, uterine, or hormone-dependent cancer.

Before using estradiol injection, tell your doctor if you have:

• high blood pressure, angina, or heart disease;
• high cholesterol or triglycerides;
• liver disease;
• kidney disease;
• asthma;
• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
• migraines;
• diabetes;
• depression;
• gallbladder disease; or
• if you have had your uterus removed (hysterectomy).

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use estradiol injection.

Estradiol increases your risk of developing endometrial hyperplasia, a condition that may lead to cancer of the uterus. Taking progestins while using estradiol may lower this risk. If your uterus has not been removed, your doctor may prescribe a progestin for you to take while you are using estradiol injection.

Long-term estradiol treatment may increase your risk of stroke. Talk with your doctor about your individual risks before using estradiol long-term. Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis (every 3 to 6 months) to determine whether you should continue this treatment.

FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can cause birth defects. Do not use estradiol injection if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication. Estradiol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. This medication may also slow breast milk production. Do not use if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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