Estrogen (Vaginal Route)

Free

E-newsletter

Subscribe to Housecall

Our weekly general interest
e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics.

Side Effects

The risk of any serious adverse effect is unlikely for most women using low doses of estrogens vaginally. Even women with special risks have used vaginal estrogens without problems.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

• Breast pain
• Enlarged breasts
• Itching of the vagina or genitals
• Headache
• Nausea
• Stinging or redness of the genital area
• Thick, white vaginal discharge without odor or with a mild odor

• Feeling of vaginal pressure (with estradiol vaginal insert or ring)
• Unusual or unexpected uterine bleeding or spotting
• Vaginal burning or pain (with estradiol vaginal insert or ring)

• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Fast heartbeat
• Feeling faint
• Fever
• Hives
• Hoarseness
• Itching
• Joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
• Muscle pain
• Rash
• Shortness of breath
• Skin redness
• Swelling of eyelids, face, lips, hands, or feet
• Tightness in the chest
• Trouble with breathing or swallowing
• Vomiting
• Wheezing

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

• Abdominal or back pain
• Clear vaginal discharge (usually means the medicine is working)

• Acne
• Enlargement of penis or testes
• Growth of pubic hair
• Rapid increase in height
• Swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in males

Also, many women who are using estrogens with a progestin (another female hormone) will start having monthly vaginal bleeding that is similar to menstrual periods. This effect will continue for as long as the medicine is taken. However, monthly bleeding will not occur in women who have had the uterus removed by surgery (hysterectomy).

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Copyright © 2013 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.