General Information on Estring
Estring is used to treat signs of menopause such as itching, irritation, burning, or dryness. It is also used to treat urgent or painful urination that may occur after menopause. The medication is a better alternative to an oral hormone replacement therapy.
The main active ingredient in the medication, Estradiol, is actually a type of Estrogen, which is a female hormone produced by the ovaries. In postmenopausal women the ovaries do not Estrogen. Deficiency of this hormone in body affects the lining of the vagina and is one of the causes of menopausal symptoms.
Estring works to replenish the stores of estrogen hormone in the body. This, in turn, helps in preventing menopausal symptoms. It also reduces the vulnerability of urinary or vaginal infections.
Estring is a vaginal ring containing Estradiol. It is designed to release 0.0075 mg of Estradiol per day for 90 days. The drug is a prescription medication, so you should consult a doctor before you buy Estring.
Side effects of Estring
Every medicine has some side effect. Some women may experience mild to severe side effects after Estring is inserted in the vagina. Abdominal discomfort or pain, itching, vaginal irritation, feeling of pressure on the rectum, bladder, or vagina, vaginal itching, increased sweating, or urinary tract infection are some common side effects associated with Estring.
Some side effects are specifically associated with long-term use of Estring. Leg cramps, breakthrough bleeding and spotting, headaches, breast pain/enlargement/tenderness, fatigue, gut disturbances (such as bloating, indigestion, nausea, flatulence, abdominal pain), depression, vaginal thrush, fatigue, or weight changes are some side effects associated with long term use of Estring.
Women may also experience side effects such as dizziness, overgrowth of the womb lining, anxiety, rise in blood pressure, changes in sex drive, swelling of the ankles due to fluid retention, rashes, itching or gall bladder disease after using the medication. This is not a complete list of side effects. To know more about the possible risks associated with this drug, consult your doctor. You should also consult your doctor if any side effect(s) becomes bothersome.
Dosage of Estring
The Estring vaginal ring is inserted in the vagina by a trained medical professional or by a doctor in a clinic or hospital setting. After insertion, the vaginal ring is left in place for 90 days. After 90 days, your doctor will decide if there is need to insert another vaginal ring or not.
Women can insert and remove vaginal ring on their own after learning the right procedure from their doctor. The vaginal ring, sometimes, may come out. So, it is useful to know the procedure to insert the ring inside the vagina.
Interactions
Estring may interact with other medicines you are using and cause side effects. The probability of side effects due to drug interactions is less, as very low amount of Estradiol is actually absorbed in the bloodstream.
Estring may interact with barbiturates, protease inhibitors, Cyclosporine, Rifamycin antibiotics, thyroid medications, St John's Wort, seizure medications, specific antibiotics and anti-fungals. You’re your doctor about every medicine you are using before you buy Estring. Your doctor should know about all prescription drugs, over the counter medicines and herbal supplements that you are using.
