estradiol vaginal insert

Vaginal bleeding after menopause can be a warning sign of uterine or endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus), so let your provider know if you notice any unusual bleeding. Using estrogen replacement medications like estradiol vaginal insert for more than a year can raise your risk of this type of cancer. If your uterus hasn't been removed through surgery (hysterectomy), you'll need to also take a progestin medication while you're using estradiol vaginal insert, as this is the best way to prevent this problem.

There is a higher risk of developing breast cancer when taking estrogen medications, such as estradiol vaginal insert, and progestin medications together. The longer you take this combination, the higher your risk is. That's why it's best to use estradiol vaginal insert only for the shortest amount of time needed. Talk to your provider about ways to protect yourself, especially if you or someone in your family has or has had breast cancer. Make sure to schedule breast exams (mammograms) with your healthcare provider every year. Contact your provider if you notice any abnormal changes or feel lumps, pain, or swelling in your breasts.

Estrogen medications alone and estrogen with progestin therapy can raise your risk of blood clots, which can be very dangerous. Blood clots can lead to a heart attack, a stroke, or a pulmonary embolism (life-threatening blood clot in the lungs). This risk is higher if you have certain conditions, including tobacco use and a history of blood clots. Be sure to discuss all your past and present medical conditions with your provider before starting estradiol vaginal insert. Call 911 or seek immediate medical attention if you have pain in your legs or arms, chest pain, sudden severe headaches, trouble breathing, or sudden changes in your speech or vision. Estradiol vaginal insert should not be used for prevention of any heart-related conditions or problems.

People taking medications with estrogen, such as estradiol vaginal insert, might have a higher risk of developing dementia. While experts aren't sure why this happens, your risk is highest if you start using estrogen medications for the first time at the age of 65 or older. Talk to your provider if this worries you. Estradiol vaginal insert should not be used for prevention of dementia.

Estradiol vaginal insert can cause you to have problems with your gallbladder. Some people have even needed to have their gallbladder removed after starting this medication. If you experience stomach pain, nausea or vomiting that doesn't go away, fever, or a yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), speak with your provider or seek medical attention.

Estradiol vaginal insert is processed by the liver. If the liver isn't working properly, your body isn't able to break down the medication as well and affect your liver. Because of this, if you have or have had any problems with your liver, including liver problems during a past pregnancy, use estradiol vaginal insert with caution. Let your provider know if you experience yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), since you might need to stop the medication.

Estrogens can raise the amount of your body's blood fats (triglycerides). This can lead to inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Your provider might order regular blood tests to watch for this while you're using estradiol vaginal insert. If you experience symptoms of pancreatitis, such as sudden stomach, nausea, vomiting, trouble eating, or yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), contact your provider or seek medical care right away.

Some people find that the estradiol vaginal insert applicators cause vaginal irritation right after they insert the medication. This is more likely to happen if your menopause symptoms are more severe. This side effect typically gets better or goes away after the medication starts to relieve your vaginal dryness. If the irritation you experience gets worse or is very bothersome, speak with your provider.