Oestradiol

Uses of Oestradiol

Oestradiol is commonly used in the treatment of vaginal dryness, failure of ovarian development, postmenopausal osteoporosis and prostate cancer. It is also being used as contraception and hormone replacement therapy.

How Oestradiol Works

Oestradiol is a synthetic sex hormone that is similar to endogenous estrogen which binds to estrogen receptors. It helps to regulate hormones in women's body which relieves menopausal symptoms, irregular bleeding and even found to be able to suppress prostatic cancer in men.

Side Effects of Oestradiol

Risk of breast, endometrial or ovarian cancers, Breakthrough bleeding and spotting, Dementia, Heart attack, Stroke, Deep vein thrombosis, Gallbladder disease, Gynecomastia, Hypertension, Increase cholesterol level, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea

Warnings

Kidney Use With Care

In patients with renal dysfunction, they should be closely observed when using Oestradiol as it may cause fluid retention.

Alcohol Not Advisable

It is not advisable to consume alcohol with Oestradiol as research has found that the combination may increase the risk of breast cancer. Alcohol may increase the estrogen levels and thus, the extra estrogen and the synthetic Oestradiol resulted in too much estrogen.

Pregnancy Not Safe - High Risk

Oestradiol is contraindicated in pregnancy and thus the treatment should be withdrawn as soon as pregnancy is diagnosed.

Driving Generally Safe

Oestradiol usually does not affect the ability to drive. Do not drive unless you are feeling well.

Liver Use With Care

It is recommended to avoid using Oestradiol in patients with liver disease. If required, it should not be given during acute illness and need to be administered preferably through the transdermal route. This route bypasses the liver and thus, will not interfere with the hepatic enzymes and Oestradiols produced in the liver.

Lactation Not Advisable

Oestradiol should not be used during breastfeeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Written by , MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)

Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).