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This medicine is used to treat symptoms of menopause and
to help prevent the development of osteoporosis.

How does it work ?

Estradiol is a naturally occurring form of the main female sex hormone, oestrogen. It is responsible for the development and maintenance of the reproductive system and secondary sexual characteristics in women. Certain parts of the body such as the vagina, bones and breasts rely on oestrogens to function normally. When the levels of oestrogen are low, these tissues can slowly degenerate.

Oestrogen (in this case in the form of estradiol) is supplemented to counteract the detrimental effects experienced with low levels of oestrogen (particularly at menopause). This is known as hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT is used to help reduce the symptoms of menopause such as hot flushes, mood swings and vaginal dryness. It may also be used as long term treatment to prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) that is experienced after menopause.

HRT is usually given in conjunction with another hormone called progesterone which acts to prevent overstimulation of the lining of the womb (endometrium) by oestrogen. This preparation contains estradiol alone and should therefore only be used as a single medicine in women who have had their womb removed surgically (hysterectomy). Women who still have their wombs should also receive a progesterone replacement in conjunction with this medicine.

This preparation is implanted under the skin to release oestrogen slowly into the body over a period of months.

How should Estrofem, Estrace (Estradiol) be used?

Take Estrofem exactly as prescribed. Do not share it with anyone else.

If you are taking calcium supplements as a part of the treatment to help prevent brittle bones, check with your doctor about how much to take.

You should take a few moments to read the patient package insert provided with your prescription.

If you are using Estrofem vaginal cream, apply it as follows:

Remove cap from tube.
Screw nozzle end of applicator onto tube.
Gently squeeze tube from the bottom to force sufficient cream into the barrel to provide the prescribed dose. Use the marked stopping points on the applicator as a guide.
Unscrew applicator from tube.
Lie on back with knees drawn up. Gently insert applicator deeply into the vagina and press plunger downward to its original position.
To cleanse the applicator, pull the plunger to remove it from the barrel, then wash with mild soap and warm water. Do not boil or use hot water.

Warning
In women with an intact uterus, long-term use of oestrogen therapy will require the addition of a progestogen to prevent the risk of over-growth (hyperplasia) and possible cancer of the lining of the womb (endometrium).

It is important to be aware that all women taking HRT appear to have a small increase in the risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer, compared with women who do not take HRT. However, this risk must be weighed against the benefits of taking HRT, such as prevention of osteoporosis. You should discuss the risks and benefits of HRT with your doctor before starting treatment. Women on HRT are advised to have regular breast examinations and mammograms, and to practice breast self-examination.

This medicine may interfere with some laboratory tests such as thyroid function tests.
Women with a history of irregular brown patches of skin on the face and elsewhere (chloasma) during pregnancy or when taking oral contraceptives should avoid exposure to the sun while using this medicine.