estradiol hemihydrate at a glance
Medicine class
Oestrogen hormone replacement therapy.
Available forms
Oral tablets, skin patches, skin gel and vaginal tablets are represented by the selected products.
Womb protection
Systemic oestrogen usually requires an appropriate progestogen if the womb is present; low-dose vaginal Vagirux generally does not.
Not contraception
Estradiol HRT does not prevent pregnancy.
What is estradiol hemihydrate used for?
Licensed uses vary by formulation.
Systemic tablets, patches and gel relieve oestrogen-deficiency symptoms after menopause.
FemSeven, Sandrena, Zumenon and Estraderm MX can prevent osteoporosis in selected postmenopausal women at high fracture risk when other approved medicines are unsuitable.
Vagirux vaginal tablets treat postmenopausal vaginal atrophy caused by oestrogen deficiency.
How does estradiol hemihydrate work?
Estradiol activates oestrogen receptors and replaces some of the oestrogen lost around and after menopause. Systemic treatment can improve symptoms throughout the body and reduce postmenopausal bone loss. Vaginal treatment acts mainly on vaginal tissues, helping restore the lining, acidity and normal flora.
estradiol hemihydrate preparations and strengths
Gel
Route: Cutaneous
Strengths: 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 1 mg, 2 mg
Transdermal patch
Transdermal
How to take estradiol hemihydrate
Follow the instructions for your exact product because administration differs between formulations.
Swallow oral tablets with water. Zumenon may be taken with or without food.
Apply patches to clean, dry, intact skin at the product-specified site, away from the breasts. Rotate sites and remove the old patch before applying another.
Apply Sandrena to clean, dry skin at the recommended lower-body site. Let it dry, wash your hands and cover the area with clothing. Avoid skin contact with children or other people.
Insert Vagirux into the vagina using its reusable applicator. Clean and air-dry the applicator as directed.
estradiol hemihydrate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache
- Breast pain or tenderness
- Unexpected vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Nausea
- Mood changes
- Leg cramps
- Rash, itching or irritation where a patch or gel is applied
- Vaginal discomfort, itching or abdominal pain with vaginal treatment
Get urgent medical advice
- Pain, redness or swelling in one leg
- Chest pain with breathlessness
- Sudden facial droop, difficulty speaking or limb weakness
- Facial or throat swelling or difficulty breathing
- Heavy, persistent or newly changed vaginal bleeding
- A new breast lump or other concerning breast change
estradiol hemihydrate in pregnancy
Estradiol HRT is not intended for use during pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs or is suspected, stop the medicine and contact the prescriber. Estradiol HRT is not contraception.
estradiol hemihydrate while breastfeeding
Information during breastfeeding is limited. Systemic or vaginal oestrogen is not usually prescribed while breastfeeding unless recommended by a specialist. Discuss non-hormonal options and individual circumstances with the prescriber.
estradiol hemihydrate interactions
Interaction potential depends on the route; clinically important interactions are mainly associated with systemic estradiol.
Enzyme-inducing anti-seizure medicines, including carbamazepine, phenytoin and phenobarbital
They can increase estradiol metabolism, reducing symptom control and altering bleeding patterns.
Rifampicin, rifabutin and some HIV medicines
They may alter estradiol concentrations and reduce its effect.
Common questions about estradiol hemihydrate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is estradiol hemihydrate the same as estradiol?
It is a hydrated pharmaceutical form that supplies estradiol.
Does it need to be taken with progesterone?
Systemic estradiol usually needs an appropriate progestogen if the womb is present, to reduce endometrial hyperplasia and cancer risk. Low-dose vaginal Vagirux generally does not require one.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.