Estradiol, taken by mouth
A tablet containing estradiol, the main estrogen the ovaries make before menopause. It is taken to relieve menopausal symptoms.
Not for
- Anyone with undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding.
- Anyone with a history of, or suspected, breast cancer, or another estrogen-dependent cancer.
- Anyone with active or past blood clots in the legs or lungs, or a clotting disorder.
- Anyone with active or recent arterial disease, including stroke or heart attack.
- Anyone with liver impairment or disease.
- Anyone who is pregnant, or who may be pregnant.
Common effects
- Headache, breast pain or tenderness, irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting.
- Nausea, abdominal cramps, bloating, and fluid retention.
- Mood changes and, for some, worsened migraine.
Serious effects
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs, stroke, and heart attack.
- Endometrial cancer, where estrogen is taken without adequate progestogen and the uterus is present.
- Breast cancer, reported with estrogen plus progestin.
- Gallbladder disease, and, rarely, severe high blood calcium in cancer that has spread to bone.
Get medical help if
- Sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing blood.
- Pain, swelling, warmth or redness in one leg.
- Sudden weakness or numbness on one side, trouble speaking, or a sudden severe headache.
- Any vaginal bleeding that is new, heavy, or continues.
- A new breast lump.
Tell your provider
- Whether you still have a uterus. If you do, estrogen on its own raises the risk of endometrial cancer and a progestogen is usually added.
- Every medicine and supplement you take. Thyroid medicine, some seizure medicines, rifampin and St John's wort all interact with estrogen.
- If you smoke. Smoking raises the clot and cardiovascular risks of estrogen, particularly over 35.
- Any personal or family history of breast cancer, blood clots, stroke or liver disease.
Sources
- Estradiol tablets prescribing information, Indications and Usage. US Food and Drug Administration. FDA-approved labeling
- Estradiol tablets prescribing information, Boxed Warning. US Food and Drug Administration. FDA-approved labeling
- Estradiol tablets prescribing information, Warnings and Precautions. US Food and Drug Administration. FDA-approved labeling