estradiol

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

There's a higher risk of endometrial cancer, or cancer of the uterine lining, in people who use estrogen products alone, like Menostar (estradiol). The chances are higher in people who use Menostar (estradiol) for a long time. If you still have your uterus, you might also need to take another hormone called a progestin medication for 14 days every 6 to 12 months along with the patch to lower your risk. Progestin balances out estrogen's effects by slowing the growth of your uterine lining. Your healthcare provider might also test yearly samples of tissue from your body to make sure you don't have cancer. If you have abnormal vaginal bleeding that doesn't go away or keeps coming back, let your provider know because this can be a warning sign of uterine (endometrial) cancer.

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

There's a higher risk of developing breast cancer in people using Menostar (estradiol) both alone and with progestin, especially when taking the medications long term. Lower your risk by working with your healthcare provider to use Menostar (estradiol) 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.

• Risk factors: History of stroke | Personal or family history of blood clots in the veins | Postmenopausal females using estrogen products | Obesity | History of lupus | Using Menostar (estradiol) with progestin | Long-term use of Menostar (estradiol) | 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 females who use Menostar (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 Menostar (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.

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

Menostar (estradiol) 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 females who use Menostar (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.

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

Menostar (estradiol) shouldn't be used to lower the risk of dementia. The chances of developing dementia are higher in people over the age of 65 who use Menostar (estradiol) 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 healthcare provider know.

• Risk factors: Postmenopausal females 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 females using Menostar (estradiol), with some requiring surgery. Your body also mainly breaks down or metabolizes Menostar (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, Menostar (estradiol) should be used carefully.

Talk to your healthcare provider 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 Menostar (estradiol) can lead to severely high calcium in people 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 healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms because you might have to stop using Menostar (estradiol).

Use Menostar (estradiol) with caution if you have low parathyroid hormone levels (hypoparathyroidism), which is a condition that affects the glands in the back of your neck and leads to low calcium in your body. Let your healthcare provider know if you have signs of low calcium such as burning or tingling of your fingers, toes, or lips, muscle pain, or confusion.

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

• Risk factors: History of high triglycerides

Menostar (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.

• Risk factors: Low thyroid hormone levels

Menostar (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.

• Risk factors: History of heart or kidney problems

Using estrogen products, like Menostar (estradiol), might cause some fluid retention, or edema, and the chances are higher in people who have heart conditions, like 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 healthcare provider know.

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

If you have certain conditions, such as asthma or diabetes, talk to your healthcare provider before using Menostar (estradiol) because estrogen products can worsen these conditions by either raising your blood sugar levels or causing asthma attacks.