Estrogel

Generic name:estradiol topical (for use on skin) [ ess-tra-DYE-ol-TOP-ik-al ]
Drug class:Estrogens

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Dec 2, 2020.

What is Estrogel?

Estrogel is a clear, colorless gel medicine that contains an estrogen hormone called estradiol. Estrogens are female sex hormones made by a woman's ovaries that regulate many processes in the body.

Estrogel is a prescription medicine used to reduce certain symptoms of menopause such as moderate to severe hot flashes, and vaginal symptoms such as dryness, burning, and irritation.

Estrogel may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

You should not use Estrogel if you have any of the following conditions: a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot, a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder, liver disease, abnormal vaginal bleeding, history of an allergic reaction to estradiol topical, or a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer.

Do not use if you are pregnant.

Estradiol may increase your risk of developing a condition that may lead to uterine cancer. Call your doctor at once if you have any unusual vaginal bleeding while using Estrogel.

Children should avoid coming into contact with skin areas where you have applied Estrogel. Topical estradiol is absorbed through the skin and can cause side effects in a child who comes into contact with this medicine or with skin where Estrogel was applied.

Estradiol should not be used to prevent heart disease, stroke, or dementia, because this medicine may actually increase your risk of developing these conditions. Long-term use of Estrogel may also increase your risk of breast cancer or blood clot.

Before using this medicine

You should not use Estrogel if you have:

• abnormal vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor;

• any type of breast, uterine, or hormone-dependent cancer;

• a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot (especially in your lung or your lower body);

• liver disease;

• a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder;

• if you are pregnant or may become pregnant; or

• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to estradiol topical.

Estradiol will not prevent heart disease, heart attack, stroke, breast cancer, or dementia, and may actually increase your risk of developing these conditions. Estradiol may also increase your risk of uterine or ovarian cancer. Talk with your doctor about your individual risks.

To make sure Estrogel is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• unusual vaginal bleeding;

• heart disease;

• asthma;

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• liver or kidney disease;

• hereditary angioedema;

• endometriosis;

• a thyroid disorder;

• lupus;

• high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia);

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