Estring

Estrogen therapy, like Estring (estradiol), can raise your risk of blood clots. Sometimes, these blood clots can be very dangerous and lead to a heart attack, stroke, or a blood clot in your lungs (called a pulmonary embolism). Because of this risk, Estring (estradiol) shouldn't be used to prevent heart disease.

Estrogens like estradiol, found in Estring (estradiol), can thicken and change the lining of your uterus (called the endometrium). This can lead to uncontrolled growth of the uterine lining and put people who have a uterus at risk for uterine cancer (or endometrial cancer). Watch for warning signs like vaginal bleeding after menopause or pelvic pain, and let your prescriber know if you notice anything unusual.

Studies suggest that taking estrogens like Estring (estradiol) for several years might raise the risk for breast cancer. This risk is even higher if you take estrogen with a progestin. Don't take Estring (estradiol) if you currently have or have ever had breast cancer.

Some studies suggest that people who take estrogens like Estring (estradiol) for menopause symptoms might have a higher risk for ovarian cancer. Speak with your prescriber if you're concerned about this risk. Let your care team know if you have any unusual bloating, pelvic pain, trouble eating, or feeling full quickly. These can be signs of ovarian cancer.

People ages 65 and older who take estrogen medications like Estring (estradiol) might have a higher risk of developing dementia. Because of this, estrogen therapy shouldn’t be used to prevent dementia.

The risk for gallbladder problems is higher for people who have gone through menopause and are taking estrogen therapy, like Estring (estradiol). In some cases, these problems have required surgery. Let your prescriber know if you've ever had jaundice (yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes). Also tell your care team right away if you notice jaundice, stomach pain that doesn't go away, nausea, or vomiting while you're taking this medication — these could be signs of liver damage or gallbladder problems.

Let your prescriber know if you've ever had high triglyceride levels. Estrogens like estradiol (found in Estring (estradiol)) can sometimes raise the amount of triglycerides (fat) in your blood. Having too much can lead to swelling of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Tell your care team right away if you have symptoms like sudden stomach or back pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, or weakness.

Estrogen therapy like Estring (estradiol) can affect the calcium levels in your blood. People with breast cancer or cancer that's spread to the bones are at higher risk of dangerously high calcium levels while they're taking estrogens. Tell your care team if you have any symptoms of high calcium levels like tiredness, muscle weakness, bone pain, nausea, constipation, and thirst.

Estrogen therapy like Estring (estradiol) can change thyroid hormone levels. If you have low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism), it might be harder for your body to adjust. If you're taking thyroid replacement medication, you might need a higher dose while using estrogen therapy. Talk to your prescriber so they can help adjust your medication if needed.

Estrogen therapy like Estring (estradiol) can make your body hold onto extra fluids. This can sometimes cause swelling of your hands and feet. Fluid retention can worsen symptoms of certain heart conditions like heart failure, or kidney damage. If you have heart or kidney problems, tell your healthcare team right away if you notice swelling, sudden weight gain, or other signs of fluid retention while taking Estring (estradiol).

Before you start Estring (estradiol), talk to your care team about your medical history. Estrogen-containing medications can make certain health conditions worse, and you might need closer monitoring. These conditions include diabetes, asthma, migraine, lupus, seizures, and hereditary angioedema.

Estring (estradiol) might not be the best choice if you have certain vaginal problems like a narrow or shortened vagina or a history of vaginal infections. These conditions can make your vagina more sensitive and more likely to get irritated or develop sores from using the ring. Let your prescriber know right away if you feel any discomfort, irritation, or pain while using the ring.