estradiol

• Risk factors: People with a uterus | Using estradiol (Estrace) vaginal cream without progestin | Long-term use of estradiol (Estrace) vaginal cream | Higher doses of estradiol (Estrace) vaginal cream

There's a higher risk of endometrial cancer, or cancer in the uterine lining, in females who use estrogen products alone, like estradiol (Estrace) vaginal cream. The chances are higher in females who use estradiol (Estrace) vaginal cream for a long time at high doses. If you have a uterus, taking another hormone called a progestin along with estradiol (Estrace) vaginal cream can help lower your risk because progestin balances out estrogen's effects by slowing the growth of your uterine lining. If you have abnormal vaginal bleeding that doesn't go away or keeps coming back, let your healthcare professional (HCP) know because this can be a warning sign of uterine (endometrial) cancer.

• Risk factors: Using estradiol (Estrace) vaginal cream with progestin | Long-term use of estradiol (Estrace) vaginal cream | Personal or family history of breast cancer

There's a higher risk of developing breast cancer in females using estradiol (Estrace) vaginal cream both alone and with progestin, especially when taking the medications long term. Lower your risk by working with your HCP to use the lowest dose possible over the shortest period of time. To help with early detection and to make sure there aren't any abnormal changes in your breasts, do monthly breast self-checks at home and yearly breast exams with your HCP. Call your HCP if you notice any abnormal changes or feel lumps, pain, or swelling in your breasts.

• Risk factors: History of stroke | Personal or family history of blood clots in the veins | Postmenopausal women using estrogen products | Identified as obese | History of lupus | Using estradiol (Estrace) vaginal cream with progestin | Long-term use of estradiol (Estrace) vaginal cream | Inactivity

There's a higher risk for stroke, blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), and blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) in postmenopausal women aged 50 to 79 years who use estradiol (Estrace) vaginal cream alone or with progestin. Get emergency help right away if you have any signs of a blood clot in the legs (cramps, swelling, pain, or muscle tightness) and lungs (trouble breathing, chest pain, or cough). If you have any symptoms of a stroke, such as weakness or numbness of the arms, legs, or face on one side of the body, slurred speech, blurred vision, headache, dizziness, loss of balance, trouble walking, or confusion, get emergency help right away.

• Risk factors: History of heart attack | Heart disease | High blood pressure | High cholesterol | Diabetes | Identified as obese | Smoking tobacco

Estradiol (Estrace) vaginal cream shouldn't be used alone or in combination with progestin to lower the chances of heart disease. Chances of having a heart attack are higher in postmenopausal women between the ages of 50 to 79 years who use estradiol (Estrace) vaginal cream alone or with progestin. If you have any signs of a heart attack, such as chest pain, chest tightness, trouble breathing, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sweating, or a fast heartbeat, get emergency help right away.

• Risk factors: Age 65 or greater | Using estradiol (Estrace) vaginal cream alone or with progestin

Estradiol (Estrace) vaginal cream shouldn't be used to lower the risk of dementia. The chances of developing dementia are higher in women over the age of 65 who use estradiol (Estrace) vaginal cream alone or with progestin. If you or your loved one notices that you're becoming forgetful, confused, anxious, or are having a hard time making decisions or solving problems, let your HCP know.

• Risk factors: Postmenopausal women using estrogen products | History of gallbladder problems | History of liver problems with past estrogen use or with pregnancy

There's a higher risk of gallbladder problems in postmenopausal women using estradiol (Estrace) vaginal cream, with some requiring surgery. Also, since estradiol (Estrace) vaginal cream is mostly broken down in the liver, people with liver problems might have higher levels of medication in their body, which can lead to a greater risk of side effects.

Talk to your HCP if you have any gallbladder or liver conditions or if you notice symptoms such as stomach pain or swelling, back pain, shoulder pain, dark urine, yellowing of your skin and eyes (jaundice), loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting.

• Risk factors: History of breast cancer | Cancer that has spread to the bones | Low parathyroid hormone levels

Using estradiol (Estrace) vaginal cream can lead to very high calcium in women with breast cancer and in those whose cancer has spread to their bones. If your calcium is high, you might feel thirsty, have stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, bone pain, muscle weakness, or confusion. Tell your HCP if you have any of these symptoms because you might have to stop using estradiol (Estrace) vaginal cream.

Use estradiol (Estrace) vaginal cream carefully if you have low parathyroid hormone levels (hypoparathyroidism). Hypoparathyroidism is a condition that affects the glands in the back of your neck and leads to low calcium in your blood. Let your HCP know if you have signs of low calcium such as burning or tingling of your fingers, toes, or lips, muscle pain and cramps, or confusion.

A blood clot that blocks part of your eye, known as retinal vascular thrombosis, can develop in women using estrogen products, like estradiol (Estrace) vaginal cream. If you suddenly can't see out of one or both eyes or if you have bulging eyes, double vision, or migraines, stop using estradiol (Estrace) vaginal cream and call your HCP.

• Risk factors: History of high triglycerides

Estradiol (Estrace) vaginal cream can raise triglyceride levels in your blood, which can lead to serious conditions like inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). If you have a history of high triglycerides, which is a type of body fat that mostly comes from foods, try dietary changes, like limiting salt and sugar, avoiding alcohol, and eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, beans, and nuts. For more guidance on how to reduce your triglyceride levels, ask your HCP.

• Risk factors: Low thyroid hormone levels

Estradiol (Estrace) vaginal cream can affect thyroid hormone levels in your blood. If you take medications for low thyroid hormone levels, you might require higher doses of thyroid replacement therapy. Your HCP might have you get regular blood tests to check your thyroid hormone levels.

• Risk factors: History of heart or kidney problems

Using estrogen products, like estradiol (Estrace) vaginal cream, might cause some fluid retention, or edema, and chances are higher in people with heart conditions (e.g., congestive heart failure) or kidney damage. If you notice unusual swelling in any part of your body or if you suddenly gain weight over a short period of time, let your HCP know.

• Risk factors: History of asthma or diabetes | History of lupus | History of seizures or migraines | History of hereditary angioedema | Taking other medications that can cause seizures

If you have certain conditions, such as asthma or diabetes, talk to your HCP before using estradiol (Estrace) vaginal cream because estrogen products can worsen these conditions. The medication does so by either raising your blood sugar levels or causing asthma attacks.