estradiol

There's a higher risk of endometrial cancer, or cancer in the uterine (womb) lining, in people who take estrogen products alone, like estradiol. The chances are higher in people who take estradiol for a long time at high doses. If you still have your uterus, taking another hormone called a progestin along with estradiol 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 provider know because this can be a warning sign of uterine (endometrial) cancer.

There's a higher risk of developing breast cancer in people taking estradiol both alone and with progestin, especially when taking the medications long term. For certain people, estradiol can also help treat breast cancer. If you're not taking estradiol for breast cancer, lower your risk by working with your healthcare provider 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, you can do monthly breast self-checks at home and yearly breast exams with your healthcare provider. Call your healthcare provider if you notice any abnormal changes or feel lumps, pain, or swelling in your breasts.

Estradiol shouldn't be used alone or in combination with progestin to prevent heart disease. The chances of having a heart attack are higher in people who take estradiol 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.

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 who take estradiol alone or with progestin. Resting for long periods of time with no walking or activity can also raise the risk of blood clots. You might also have to stop taking estradiol at least 4 to 6 weeks before certain surgeries that can put you at a higher risk for blood clots. Ask your healthcare provider for guidance if you have an upcoming surgery. Seek 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 signs 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.

The chances of developing dementia are higher in people over the age of 65 who use estrogen products, such as estradiol. 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 healthcare provider know.

There's a higher risk of gallbladder problems in postmenopausal women who take estradiol, with some requiring surgery. Your body also mainly breaks down or metabolizes estradiol in the liver. For people with a history of liver problems (such as cholestatic jaundice), that have occurred with past estrogen use or during pregnancy, take estradiol with caution.

Taking estradiol can lead to severely high calcium in people with breast cancer and in people 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 healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms because you might have to stop taking estradiol.

A blood clot that blocks part of your eye, known as retinal vascular thrombosis, can develop in people taking estrogen products, like estradiol. If you suddenly can't see out of one or both eyes or if you have bulging eyes, double vision, or migraines, stop taking estradiol and call your healthcare provider.

Estradiol 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 to make some 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 healthcare provider.

Estradiol 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 healthcare provider might have you perform regular blood tests to check your thyroid hormone levels.

Estradiol might cause some fluid retention, or edema. This could worsen symptoms of certain conditions, like heart conditions (e.g., congestive heart failure) or kidney problems. 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 healthcare provider know.