topic Re: ESTRADIOL CREME SIDE EFFECTS in Wellness

ESTRADIOL CREME SIDE EFFECTS

pdlinda — Sat, 10 Feb 2024 18:28:07 GMT

I went to a specialist regarding my pelvic prolapse situation and he prescribed Estradiol creme to help in managing my condition.

He said to take a "blueberry sized" amt 3X a week. He didn't mention any side effects.

I haven't had any estrogen in my body for many years.

Would be interested in any experiences anyone here has had with side effects from Estradiol?

I am VERY SENSITIVE to "weight gain" as I lost 100 lbs 16 yrs ago and have kept it off. I think if I experienced weight gain, it would have a very traumatic affect on me. Also, other things I'm reading about, like breakthrough bleeding and breast sensitivity have me concerned.

I will call my doctor on Monday but wanted to know any real-life experiences women here might be able to share. Thanks!!

Re: ESTRADIOL CREME SIDE EFFECTS

de1rdre — Sat, 10 Feb 2024 18:42:56 GMT

First, I am not a doctor. But I do use this crème and have for several years 1x weekly. Unlike oral estrogen, this product is not systemic but will affect the areas where applied. I have had NO issues with weight gain. Please ask your doctor so you can be reassured.

Re: ESTRADIOL CREME SIDE EFFECTS

GingerHead — Sat, 10 Feb 2024 19:36:14 GMT

@pdlinda I'm on HRT and have had some breakthrough bleeding but I'm on systemic estrogen (estrogen patch)and newly menopausal. It's common and nothing to worry about if you're under a doctors care and get a workup to make sure nothing nefarious is going on (mine was due to polyps, which I had removed).

It sounds like you are only using the cream vaginally? I'm guessing.

With this form and usage the estrogen isn't absorbed systemically, it stays local to sorta plump up the tissues and help them to work better. You should be fine and not worry about any breakthrough bleeding and breast tenderness and even if you did develop these symptoms (which is unlikely) then they would stop as soon as you stopped the estrogen.

Good luck!

Edited to say: a little cream applied locally stays "mostly" in this area but "technically" minimal systemic absorption can occur in low to negligible amounts from my research and is considered very safe and helpful....

Re: ESTRADIOL CREME SIDE EFFECTS

Shelbelle — Sat, 10 Feb 2024 18:51:22 GMT

It may be considered topical, but a certain amount of it will still go thru the blood stream, usually says that on the website. I was prescribed estrogen cream for dryness years ago and refused it for that reason. We all have to be our own advocates when it comes to our healthcare.

Re: ESTRADIOL CREME SIDE EFFECTS

Shelbelle — Sat, 10 Feb 2024 18:53:16 GMT

My Mom had what was called uterine prolapse, not sure if that is the same thing, but she had it well under control with use of a pessary. You can look this up if unsure of what that is.

Re: ESTRADIOL CREME SIDE EFFECTS

GingerHead — Sat, 10 Feb 2024 18:59:31 GMT

@pdlinda

Also, don't worry about weight gain. I actually find my systemic estrogen has no effect on my weight and maybe even helps with it.

Locally, you shouldn't notice any affects on your weight.

Re: ESTRADIOL CREME SIDE EFFECTS

Ainhisg — Sat, 10 Feb 2024 19:18:54 GMT

I've been on estrogen cream for years. I use 1g by applicator twice a week. I've had no issues whatsoever. I've seen two different doctors since I've been on it, and both say I can stay on it indefinitely.

Re: ESTRADIOL CREME SIDE EFFECTS

Tinkrbl44 — Sat, 10 Feb 2024 19:22:40 GMT

@pdlinda wrote:
I went to a specialist regarding my pelvic prolapse situation and he prescribed Estradiol creme to help in managing my condition.

He said to take a "blueberry sized" amt 3X a week. He didn't mention any side effects.

I haven't had any estrogen in my body for many years.

Would be interested in any experiences anyone here has had with side effects from Estradiol?

I am VERY SENSITIVE to "weight gain" as I lost 100 lbs 16 yrs ago and have kept it off. I think if I experienced weight gain, it would have a very traumatic affect on me. Also, other things I'm reading about, like breakthrough bleeding and breast sensitivity have me concerned.

I will call my doctor on Monday but wanted to know any real-life experiences women here might be able to share. Thanks!!

@pdlinda

While I'm sure you'll get good feedback here, don't neglect good old Google for side effects.

Also, the FDA website also has information on reported side effects. Not every single possible side effect always shows up in clinical trials, so after the fact people can report what happened to them.

Re: ESTRADIOL CREME SIDE EFFECTS

GingerHead — Sat, 10 Feb 2024 19:25:32 GMT

I edited my post above to say that local usage "mostly" stays local not a definite and depends....

Re: ESTRADIOL CREME SIDE EFFECTS

Still Raining — Sat, 10 Feb 2024 19:45:27 GMT

Seems like there might be a little more going on. Please have the doctor explain more.

I have friends that used the cream and friends who had surgery for prolapse, but they were not ever the same persons.

Re: ESTRADIOL CREME SIDE EFFECTS

pdlinda — Sat, 10 Feb 2024 19:46:43 GMT

@GingerHead Thanks for the info, including the edit.

As a side note: The doc said apply "a blueberry sized" amount. I eat blueberries every day. My blueberries come in various sizes (I looked this morning) so I guess I'll err on the side of a smaller blueberry when beginning Estradiol (LOL)

Re: ESTRADIOL CREME SIDE EFFECTS

pdlinda — Sat, 10 Feb 2024 19:50:31 GMT

@Still Raining What's going on is that I have vaginal tissue atrophy that's contributing to my prolapse situation, so before I agree to surgery, my doc wants a more conservative approach to see if the Estradiol can plump up those tissues to avoid the prolapse getting worse. I have a Stage 2 prolapse so, if it can be maintained at that level, I'll probably be able to manage it.

Re: ESTRADIOL CREME SIDE EFFECTS

GingerHead — Sat, 10 Feb 2024 19:56:58 GMT

@pdlinda Haha, that's so true! Just the other day I was thinking how huge the blueberries from Trader Joe's were. I mean they were the size of small cherry tomatoes!

Before starting my systemic HRT I did use the cream for dryness and my doctor had me use 1 gram as measured by a syringe looking thingy (minus the needle, ouch!haha) and it worked very well.

Good luck and I hope it all works out well for you!

Re: ESTRADIOL CREME SIDE EFFECTS

pdlinda — Sat, 10 Feb 2024 20:09:43 GMT

@GingerHead OK...I'll call the doc Monday morning and see if he agrees that's a more accurate way to dose. (I get my frozen blueberries at Costco and, yes, they are very different in size one from the other). Thanks!

Re: ESTRADIOL CREME SIDE EFFECTS

Still Raining — Sat, 10 Feb 2024 20:24:53 GMT

@pdlinda wrote:
@Still Raining What's going on is that I have vaginal tissue atrophy that's contributing to my prolapse situation, so before I agree to surgery, my doc wants a more conservative approach to see if the Estradiol can plump up those tissues to avoid the prolapse getting worse. I have a Stage 2 prolapse so, if it can be maintained at that level, I'll probably be able to manage it.

That sure makes a lot of sense and is a conservative approach.

None of my friends who used the cream ever, ever mentioned any adverse side effects at all. No weight gain for sure.

All good wishes to you.

Re: ESTRADIOL CREME SIDE EFFECTS

granddi — Sat, 10 Feb 2024 21:24:00 GMT

@pdlinda My I ask if you are well passed menopause?

Have any of you taken DHEA for vaginal atrophy?

Re: ESTRADIOL CREME SIDE EFFECTS

pdlinda — Sat, 10 Feb 2024 21:25:12 GMT

@granddi Most definitely YES! I haven't had any estrogen in my body for many years.

Re: ESTRADIOL CREME SIDE EFFECTS

PansyBoo — Sat, 10 Feb 2024 21:28:15 GMT

I use Estradiol cream vaginally. You should have a syringe included with the prescription cream that has markings on it to measure out the dose. I'm just guessing but a blueberry size might be 1/2 gram. Ask your doctor to be more specific.

In my case, they prescribed 1 gram daily for the first week to ten days to sorta jump start the process. Then 1 gram twice a week for a bit with the goal to get down to the lowest dose that was still effective. I've kinda landed on 1/2 gram twice per week. This is for my situation and your's is different. I had vaginal atrophy but I do not have prolapse.

Re: ESTRADIOL CREME SIDE EFFECTS

Shelbelle — Sat, 10 Feb 2024 21:51:32 GMT

For the last 12 years I have my V atrophy and dryness and itching well under control naturally. I am very careful about body washes, only use Sweet Spot Labs washes, and I take Sea Buckthorn Oil softgels daily, which lubricates tissues from the inside.

Re: ESTRADIOL CREME SIDE EFFECTS

pdlinda — Sat, 10 Feb 2024 21:47:59 GMT

@granddi No, I never heard of DHEA; however, I work with a nutritionist so I just shared the Amazon listing of DHEA from Pure Encapsulations to get her opinion. That's the brand she always recommends. Thanks so much!