Estradiol cream
There is a sex hormone found in both men and women that is called estradiol. This is a critical form of estrogen in the human body. The ovaries and the adrenal glands in women produce estradiol in the female body which is important to the reproductive system. Estradiol levels in the body also affect certain bones. The body fat in women is also governed by it. This hormone also has an important role during pregnancy.
As a woman ages her levels of estradiol in the body will decrease. At the point of menopause the levels are very low. The decline in this hormone is what is thought to bring on night sweats, hot flashes, vaginal dryness and the loss of bone mass after menopause. Women can be given injections of estradiol or estradiol cream can be used. Men also experience a decline in their estradiol levels as the age too. It should be noted that estradiol cream is not the same thing as estriol cream and should not be confused. Estriol cream is a natural estrogen whereas estradiol is a synthetic estrogen.
Estradiol cream has to be prescribed by a medical doctor. You can not get it over the counter without a prescription in the United States. You can get it online however without a prescription. Estradiol cream is usually prescribed for extreme vaginal dryness and itching that many postmenopausal women experience. Estradiol cream can also be used to lessen the occurrence of hot flashes, bone loss and mood changes in post menopausal women. There is some indication that using it may also lessen a woman’s risk for heart attack but that is not substantiated. Using estradiol cream is preferred by some women rather than taking it in pill form. It will bypass the digestive system and be quickly absorbed into the bloodstream.
However, there are some significant risks of side effects associated with using this hormone cream. One precaution is the increased risk for breast cancer associated with estrogen. Women who use estradiol cream can also be in an elevated risk for stroke if they are over 35 years of age. The minor side effects that are associated with the use of this cream are vaginal bleeding, mood swings, weight gain, nausea, high blood pressure and irregular periods if the woman is still menstruating. Women who wish to become pregnant or who are pregnant should not use estradiol cream. Synthetic estrogen can put the infant at risk for birth defects. Before you use this cream or any other form of estradiol make sure you fully understand the risks.
Any time a woman is prescribed estradiol cream she should remain under medical supervision. There must be adequate periodic testing done to rule out cancer as synthetic estrogen has been known to cause cancer. Abnormal vaginal bleeding should be medically evaluated by a professional medical practitioner and an abnormal thickening of the lining of the uterus should be watched for. Estradiol cream should not be used to prevent heart attacks or strokes. It should only be used on a short term basis to relieve vaginal dryness.
Synthetic estrogens can increase a woman’s risk for heart attack, blood clots, and cancer of the breast and uterus. If you have any concerns about the health risks associated with using estradiol cream you should discuss them with your medical doctor. If you have had cancer of any kind you should tell your doctor about it before using this cream. You should not use it if you have had blood clots or other circulatory disorders in the past as well. You should also let your doctor know if you are taking any other prescription medications or herbal remedies of any kind before using this cream. Women who smoke should not use estradiol cream.
Comments are closed
Related Information
