Estradiol is a form of the female hormone, estrogen and is a component of most birth control pills. It is produced by the ovaries and is necessary for the development and maintenance of the female sex organs, for the feminization of women, and for regulation of the menstrual cycle. After menopause your ovaries stop producing estradiol, resulting in menopausal symptoms, some of which, are hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal thinning, and dryness. To relieve these symptoms, your doctor may prescribe a synthetic estradiol. Hormone replacement with synthetic estradiol may cause a number of side effects.
Vaginal Bleeding/Problems
Estradiol may cause vaginal bleeding, spotting, breakthrough bleeding, and changes in menstrual flow. You may also experience a yeast infection or a bacterial vaginal infection. An increase in vaginal and cervical secretions is also possible with estradiol.
Breast Changes/Fluid Retention
Breast changes are also potential side effects of estradiol. Your breasts may get bigger and feel much fuller. You may also have breast pain or a discharge from your nipples. Estradiol may also cause you to hold on to more fluid than usual. This fluid retention or swelling may occur in your legs or feet. The excess fluid may contribute to weight gain.
Mental Changes/Headache
While on estradiol, you may experience a low sex drive and disturbances in your mood. You may be irritable, nervous, and/or depressed. Estradiol can cause headaches, which may or may not, be considered a migraine.
Skin Problems/Stomach Problems
Estradiol may cause hair loss, or hirsutism, which is excessive hairiness. It may also cause skin discolorations called chloasma and melasma. Chloasma is a brown-looking patch that usually occurs on the face. Melasma is more of a tan discoloration, but it also occurs on the face. These discolorations may be permanent. Estradiol may also cause nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps.
Cancer
Estradiol potentially causes cancer of the endometrium--lining of the uterus, and the breasts. Taking a progestin hormone, such as medroxyprogesterone, in conjunction with estradiol, reduces your risk for developing endometrial cancer. Combining estradiol with a progestin, however, increases your risk for breast cancer. The Women's Health Initiative study, showed iin 2002 that there was an increased risk for invasive breast cancer in women taking estrogens and progestins together for a mean period of approximately five years. You should receive annual breast exams by your doctor and do your own monthly self-examinations if you are currently taking an estrogen/progestin combination.
Blood Clots/Heart Attack/Stroke
Estradiol may cause blood clots in a deep vein or in the lungs. The Women's Health Initiative reported an increased risk of heart attacks, stroke and blood clots in post-menopausal women ranging from age 50 to 70 years old. These women were taking an estrogen in combination with a progestin.
References
- Warner Chilcot: Estrace Prescriber's Information
- "Drug Information Handbook"; Charles Lacy, Lora Armstrong, Morton Goldman, Leonard Lance; 2008
- MayoClinic.com: Estrogen
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