General Information on Estrogel
Estrogel is a topical ointment used to treat severe burning, itching, and dryness experienced in or around the vagina by women in the menopausal stage. It is also used to treat night sweats and severe hot flashes due to menopause.
Estradiol, the main active ingredient in the medication, is actually a sex hormone known as estrogen. During menopause, the ovaries do not produce estrogen. Estrogel works to replenish estrogen in the body and binds itself to nuclear receptors in estrogen sensitive tissues to prevent the release of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone, which may be one of the causes of menopause symptoms.
Estrogel is available in the form of a topical gel. It is a prescription medication, which means it is necessary to consult a doctor before you buy Estrogel.
Side effects of Estrogel
Estrogel may cause mild to severe side effects in some women. Some women may experience darkening of the skin, hair loss, nausea, breast pain, fluid retention, bloating, stomach cramps, or migraine headaches after applying the gel. These are common side effects that can be easily treated by your doctor. However, you must consult your doctor if these side effects persist or worsen.
Estrogel may also cause severe side effects. Some of the severe side effects associated with the drug are persistent upper abdominal pain, vomiting, heavy or painful periods, abdominal tenderness, breast lumps, nausea, yellowing of the eyes or skin, or problems wearing contact lenses. Other side effects associated with Estrogel include persistent skin irritation, loss of coordination, severe or sudden headache, pain in the calf region, groin, chest, or leg.
Some women may also experience severe side effects such as sudden slurring of speech, unexplained or sudden shortness of breath, numbness or weakness in the legs or arms, and sudden vision changes such as double vision or partial or complete loss of vision. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience or notice any severe side effects after using Estrogel.
Estrogel is only indicated for women experiencing menopause. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should not buy Estrogel and use it to treat any similar symptoms.
Dosage of Estrogel
Your doctor will give you specific instructions regarding the dosage. You need to apply Estrogel to your skin once daily. The gel comes in the form of a convenient to use pump that allows you to measure the exact dose.
Squeeze out the recommended quantity of Estrogel, apply it to your wrist, shoulder, or the inner or outer sides of the arm, and let the gel dry. Estrogel must not be applied on the breasts.
Interactions
Estrogel may interact with other medicines you are using and cause side effects. It may interact with some seizure medications, barbiturates, protease inhibitor HIV medications, Cyclosporine, St. John's Wort, Rifamycin antibiotics, thyroid replacement medications, and several antibiotics and antifungal medications.
To reduce the risk of side effects, inform your doctor about every drug you are using before starting Estrogel treatment, including prescription medicines, over the counter drugs, and herbal supplements.
