Information on Estrogen Cream

Estrogen cream is a form of estrogen replacement therapy which is used to alleviate vaginal symptoms associated with menopause. Women should always seek the advice of a physician before using any type of estrogen replacement therapy.

Types

• Prescription estrogen creams come in two forms: conjugated equine estrogen vaginal cream and estradiol vaginal cream. Conjugated equine estrogen cream contains a mixture of estrogen hormones, which are produced from urine excreted by pregnant horses. Estradiol vaginal creams contain one form of synthesized estrogen hormone.

  Over-the-counter vaginal estrogen creams, also known as bioidentical estrogen creams, which may be purchased without a prescription, contain forms of estrogen derived from natural sources such as soy and yams.

Features

• Prescription estrogen creams are prescribed to treat menopause symptoms that affect the vagina; these symptoms include vaginal dryness, hardening of the tissues of the vagina (also known as vaginal atrophy) and pain during intercourse. The creams are used by inserting a measured amount of the cream into the vagina before bedtime. These creams are not intended to alleviate other types of menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings.

  Over-the-counter estrogen creams are purported to treat all symptoms associated with menopause. The creams are either inserted into the vaginal or rubbed into the skin. These creams have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Considerations

• Physicians recommend that women try over-the-counter lubrication creams (which contain no estrogen) to alleviate menopausal vaginal symptoms before resorting to estrogen creams.

  Estrogen creams are not recommended for women who are currently on other forms of estrogen replacement therapy (pills, patches or vaginal rings).

  Women who have not had a hysterectomy are often prescribed progestin cream in addition to estrogen cream to lower increased risks of endometrial cancer that are associated with estrogen use.

Effects

• Estrogen creams may cause side effects that include light vaginal bleeding, breast pain, headaches and bloating. Long-term use of estrogen creams may also cause a thickening of the uterine lining, which can increase risks for endometrial cancer.

  Estrogen cream may interact with some types of prescription medications, particularly blood thinners, cyclosporine and barbiturates.

Warning

• Women should never use estrogen creams without the advice and care of physician. While women are using estrogen creams their hormone blood levels should be monitored; physicians must evaluate a women's prior medical history and any current medications before estrogen creams may be prescribed.

  Over-the-counter estrogen creams have not been evaluated by the FDA and their effectively is unknown. The dose of estrogen in OTC creams can vary widely and is not always consistent, and women may be over or under medicating themselves with these creams.

  Symptoms of estrogen cream overdose include abdominal pain, dizziness, lethargy, vaginal bleeding and vomiting. Women who develop these symptoms after using an estrogen cream must contact their doctor immediately.

  Estrogen creams are not recommended for women who have a history of estrogen-dependent cancers, such as breast cancer, because the use of estrogen replacement therapy can increase their risks of reoccurring cancer.