Evadol

Indications

Estradiol is a female hormone (oestrogen). It is used as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to relieve menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats and vaginal dryness, and to help prevent bone thinning (osteoporosis) after menopause in some women. It is also used by specialists for low oestrogen levels, in fertility treatment and in other conditions, as prescribed.

How It Works

After menopause the ovaries make much less oestrogen. Estradiol replaces this hormone, which eases menopausal symptoms and helps keep bones strong.

Dosage and Administration

The dose, form (tablet, patch, gel or vaginal product) and length of treatment are as prescribed. For menopausal symptoms doctors use the lowest dose that works for the shortest time needed. Women who still have a womb are usually also given a progestogen to protect the womb lining. Fertility and other specialist uses: as prescribed only.

Interactions

Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, Rifampicin, St John's wort and some HIV medicines can reduce its effect. It can lower the level of Lamotrigine and may affect the dose needed of thyroid hormone (Levothyroxine) and diabetes medicines. Tell your doctor about all your medicines.

Contraindications

• Known, past or suspected breast cancer, or other oestrogen-dependent cancer such as womb cancer.
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding.
• Past or current blood clots in the legs or lungs, or a blood clotting disorder.
• Recent heart attack, angina or stroke.
• Active or severe liver disease, or porphyria.
• Pregnancy, or allergy to estradiol.

Side Effects

Common: breast tenderness, headache, nausea, bloating, mood changes, leg cramps, weight change and irregular bleeding or spotting. Long-term HRT slightly increases the risk of breast cancer, blood clots and stroke; your doctor will weigh this against the benefits.

Get urgent medical help if you have pain or swelling in one leg, sudden chest pain or breathlessness, coughing blood, sudden severe headache, weakness or numbness on one side, sudden vision or speech problems, yellow skin or eyes, or a sudden large rise in blood pressure. See a doctor soon about a breast lump or unexpected heavy bleeding.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Not for use in pregnancy, except as part of specialist fertility treatment when prescribed. It is not recommended while breastfeeding, as it can reduce milk supply.

Precautions and Warnings

Have regular check-ups, including breast checks and blood pressure, as your doctor advises. Tell your doctor about migraine, epilepsy, diabetes, high blood pressure, gallbladder disease, endometriosis, fibroids or a family history of breast cancer or blood clots. Stopping may be needed before major surgery or long periods of immobility. Smoking increases the risk of clots.

Overdose

Too much may cause nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness and vaginal bleeding. Serious harm is unlikely, but seek medical advice, especially if a child swallows it.

Therapeutic Class

Oestrogen (female sex hormone).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.