The female hormone estrogen, works to develop and maintain the female organs and their normal healthy functions. A deficiency of estrogen in the body may cause vulvar dryness, itching and redness, as well as painful sexual intercourse. These conditions may be treated with estrogen creams. According to Mayo Clinic website, most estrogens used vaginally or topically on the skin may be absorbed into the blood stream and cause some of the same side effects experienced when estrogens are taken by mouth.
Breast Changes
Estrogen cream may cause breast pain and tenderness, enlargement of the breasts, breast discharge, fibrocystic breast changes (a benign change in the breast tissue that may include itching along with irregular lumps or cysts). Other changes may include breast cancer, as well as gynecomastia or enlarged breasts in males.
Gastrointestinal Effects
Gastrointestinal effects may include nausea and vomiting as well as gas, bloating and abdominal upset and cramps. In addition, diarrhea and an increased incidence of gall bladder disease may occur.
Genitourinary Effects
Symptoms affecting the genitourinary system include, abnormal spotting or uterine bleeding and pelvic pain along with dysmenorrhea (pain or discomfort associated with menstruation). Additionally, there may be vaginitis or inflammation of the vagina with burning, irritation and discomfort of the vulva and vaginal area where the cream was applied. There may also be leukorrhea, a thick, white yellowish vaginal discharge and the development of endometrial hyperplasia (a thickening of the lining of the uterus resulting in bleeding), as well as endometrial cancer.
Other Adverse Effects
Other adverse effects may include an increase in blood pressure, rapid heartbeat and increased risks of stroke, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis. Additional effects may include hoarseness, headache and dizziness, as well as stiffness and soreness of the muscles and joints accompanied with pain.
Allergic Reaction
Signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction may occur, including a rash or hives with itching, swelling of the face, tongue or throat as well as the hands or feet. There may also be wheezing, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. Immediate emergency medical care and attention must be obtained if any of these symptoms should occur while using an estrogen cream.
