Estrogel (estradiol) is a medication used to reduce symptoms of menopause including hot flashes and vaginal dryness, burning or irritation. Estrogel contains the female estrogen hormone estradiol. Estrogens are female sex hormones produced by the ovaries which regulate many body processes. Estrogel is absorbed through the skin and enters into your blood stream.

Make sure to always read the patient information and instructions before using this medication. Always follow your doctor’s directions.

• Only apply Estrogel to clean, dry and unbroken skin. Do not apply it to skin which is irritated or red. Never apply Estrogel to your breasts.
• Before using this medication for the first time, prime it by depressing the pump for the number of times advised by the enclosed instructions and discard the unused gel.
• Apply Estrogel to dry skin at the same time each day.
• Press the pump down firmly and collect the Estrogel dose in the palm of your hand. Apply the gel to one arm, spreading it as thinly as possible over the entire area on the inside and outside of your arm from wrist to shoulder.
• Wash your hands with soap and water after applying this medication.
• Allow the gel to dry for five minutes before dressing. Estrogel is flammable. Do not smoke or go near an open flame until the medication has dried.
• Apply Estrogel after a bath, shower or sauna. If you go swimming, leave as much time as possible between applying the medication and swimming.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• About your drug and other allergies.
• If you take any other prescription or over-the-counter medications.
• Your medical history particularly of abnormal vaginal bleeding, cancer, heart attack, stroke, blood clot, liver disease, bleeding disorder, blood clotting disorders, heart disease asthma, epilepsy, kidney disease, hereditary angioedema, endometriosis, thyroid disorder, lupus, migraines, gallbladder disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or high levels of calcium in your blood.
• If you have any other risk factors for coronary artery disease including smoking, being overweight, being over 40 or having a hysterectomy.

You should also know:

• Estrogel should not be used during pregnancy.
• Estradiol may increase your risk of uterine cancer. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any unusual vaginal bleeding.
• Children should avoid contact with Estrogel and areas where Estrogel has been applied.
• Estrogel should not be used if you are breast-feeding.

Common side effects of Estrogel include but are not limited to:

• Breast pain.
• Vaginal itching or discharge.
• Light vaginal bleeding or spotting.
• Changes to your menstrual periods.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Bloating or stomach cramps.
• Thinning scalp hair.

Get medical help if you have any of the following side effects of Estrogel:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding.
• A lump in your breast.
• Confusion or problems with your memory or concentration.
• Signs of a blood clot in the lung including wheezing, chest pain, sudden cough, rapid breathing or coughing up blood.
• Signs of a blood clot in your leg including pain, swelling, warmth or redness in one or both legs.
• Symptoms of a stroke including sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance or a sudden numbness or weakness especially on one side of your body.
• Symptoms of liver problems such as nausea, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice, upper stomach pain. Tiredness or clay-colored stools.
• Heart attack symptoms including nausea, sweating, chest pain or pressure or a pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder.
• Symptoms of an allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, hives or swelling in your face, lips or throat.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Estrogel?

If you miss a dose of Estrogel, you should take it as soon as you remember. However, if you are more than twelve hours late, then skip your missed dose.

What else is Estrogel called?

Estrogel is also known as Oestrogel internationally. Oestrogel is the same brand name medication with a different name internationally and is not a generic alternative medication.