Estring (Estradiol Hemihydrate)

Description

Drug Description:

Estring (estradiol) is a vaginal ring used to minimize urinary and vaginal symptoms of menopause, such as vaginal dryness, vaginal burning, vaginal itching, painful urination, and frequent urination.

This slightly opaque, soft, and flexible ring has a whitish center that contains 2 mg of estradiol. This ring releases estradiol, an estrogen steroid hormone, consistently and stably for ninety days.

Directions

Before using this vaginal ring, make sure to read the medication or prescription guide provided. Follow the directions given by your physician.

Here’s the guide on using Estring vaginal ring:

INSERTION

1. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
2. Once your hands are dry, open the pouch and take the vaginal ring out.
3. Hold the vaginal ring using your thumb and index finger. Press the opposite sides of Estring together.
4. Assume a comfortable position and push the compressed ring gently into the vagina as far as you can. The vaginal ring should be in the upper third of the vagina, and it should feel comfortable.

REMOVAL

1. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
2. Assume a comfortable position.
3. Gently pull out the vaginal ring by looping your finger through the ring.
4. Discard the used vaginal ring properly.

Estring will relieve your vaginal and urinary symptoms a few days after the insertion but full effects could be observed in two to three weeks. Contact your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve or worsens.

Side effects

Some of the common Estring side effects you may experience include:
-nausea
-headache
-vomiting
-bloating
-abdominal pain
-weight changes
-increased vaginal discharge
-breast tenderness

These common side effects usually disappear on their own. However, some of the severe adverse reactions you should watch out for are mental or mood changes, unusual vaginal bleeding, vaginal odor, vaginal irritation, breast lumps, severe abdominal pain, dark urine, and swelling of extremities. If you experience these symptoms, seek the attention of your physician or any healthcare provider right away.

Precautions

Avoid using Estring vaginal ring if you have a known allergy to estradiol, silicone polymers, barium sulfate, and any ingredients or compound this medication may contain. Signs of an allergic reaction are trouble/difficulty breathing, skin rash, hives, itching, and severe dizziness.

Before using this vaginal ring, talk to your doctor about your present medical condition or if you have a history of vaginal bleeding, blood clots, stroke, heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, hypertension, diabetes, ovarian cancer, or breast cancer. If necessary, tell your doctor about your family medical history as well.

Avoid smoking or using tobacco as these may further increase the risk of blood clots, hypertension, heart attack, and stroke.

Limit sun exposure because Estring may also cause melasma, and sunlight may worsen this side effect. Apply sunblock lotion and wear protective clothing when going outdoors.

If you suspect vaginal infection while using Estring, remove the vaginal ring right away and consult your physician. You may only resume using Estring once the infection is resolved.

This vaginal ring should not be used during pregnancy. In addition, it also passes through the breastmilk. Consult your physician if you suspect pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding.

Frequently Asked Question

Estring vs Vagifem – which is better?
Estring and Vagifem are both estradiol. Estringis considered more convenient because this vaginal ring is dosed once every three months.

Femring vs Estring – which is better?
Femring has a higher dose of estrogen than Estring.

Is there a danger of inserting Estring too far in the vagina?
This is unlikely. There is no danger of inserting the Estring too far up, or getting lost in the vagina because the cervix could block the Estring from going further.

What should I do if Estring vaginal ring falls out of the vagina?
If Estring falls out of your vagina, clean it with lukewarm water and insert it into the vagina again.

Is there a link between Estring and weight gain?
Weight gain is one of the common side effects you may experience while using Estring. However, it could be managed by proper diet and regular exercise.