IF YOU'RE STARTING ESTRADIOL TABLETS
New estradiol tablets? What to watch for
MedlinePlus says to share your health history and medicines first, and to call your doctor right away about unusual vaginal bleeding.
BEFORE YOUR FIRST TABLET
Tell your doctor your history, for example
- Any cancer, now or in the past, or unusual vaginal bleeding
- Past heart attack, stroke or blood clots
- Migraines, high blood pressure, liver or gallbladder disease
- MedlinePlus lists more, including pregnancy or breastfeeding
YOUR MEDICINE LIST
Mention everything else you take
MedlinePlus says to tell your doctor about your medications, vitamins and supplements. St. John's wort can interact with estrogen. Grapefruit is worth asking about too.
ENDOMETRIAL CANCER RISK
Why a progestin may be added
- Estrogen raises endometrial cancer risk, and more so the longer it is taken
- If you haven't had a hysterectomy, MedlinePlus says a progestin should be given with estrogen. This may lower that risk but may raise others, including breast cancer.
- Anyone on estrogen: MedlinePlus says to call your doctor right away about abnormal or unusual vaginal bleeding during treatment.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
Tell your doctor if severe or lasting
Breast tenderness, upset stomach, leg cramps or dizziness are among the side effects listed. MedlinePlus says to tell your doctor if they are severe or don't go away.
WHEN TO GET IT CHECKED
Call your doctor right away if, for example
- You notice sudden swelling or pain in an arm or leg
- You have chest pain or shortness of breath
- You find breast lumps
- Face drooping, speech difficulty, severe headache or vision changes. MedlinePlus lists more. Check the full patient information.
Bring this to your appointment
Questions for your doctor
- Does my health history change whether tablets suit me?
- Do I need a progestin alongside estrogen?
- Can I have a copy of the patient information for my tablets?
As slides
Sources
- MedlinePlus: medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682922.html
General information, not medical advice.