estradiol valerate at a glance
Medicine class
Oestrogen-only hormone replacement therapy.
Licensed role
Relief of oestrogen-deficiency symptoms during perimenopause and after menopause.
Taking the tablet
Swallow whole with water or milk, with or without food.
Womb protection
People who still have a womb generally need an appropriate progestogen alongside systemic oestrogen to protect the womb lining.
Contraception
It does not prevent pregnancy.
What is estradiol valerate used for?
The selected product is licensed for:
Hormone replacement therapy for symptoms caused by oestrogen deficiency during perimenopause and after menopause, such as hot flushes and associated symptoms.
How does estradiol valerate work?
Estradiol valerate is rapidly converted to estradiol, replacing some of the oestrogen lost around menopause. Oestrogen also stimulates the womb lining, so an additional progestogen is generally required when the womb is present.
How to take estradiol valerate
Follow the prescription label and pack leaflet. Swallow the sugar-coated tablet whole with water or milk; food is optional.
Do not use it as contraception.
Ask a pharmacist before crushing or altering the tablet.
estradiol valerate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache or migraine
- Breast tenderness or pain
- Nausea, abdominal discomfort or bloating
- Unexpected vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Mood changes
- Leg cramps
- Mild rash or itching
- Fluid retention
Get urgent medical advice
- Symptoms of a blood clot, pulmonary embolism, heart attack or stroke require urgent assessment.
- A severe allergic reaction or worsening angioedema requires emergency help.
- New jaundice, a marked blood-pressure rise or a new migraine-type headache requires prompt medical review.
- Persistent, heavy or newly developing vaginal bleeding should be assessed.
- Report a breast lump, nipple change or skin dimpling promptly.
estradiol valerate in pregnancy
Estradiol valerate HRT is not indicated during pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, stop it and contact the prescriber. Available evidence about accidental early exposure has not shown teratogenic or fetotoxic effects.
estradiol valerate while breastfeeding
The selected product is not indicated while breastfeeding. Systemic oestrogen HRT is not usually prescribed during breastfeeding unless a specialist recommends it because evidence is limited.
estradiol valerate interactions
Check all prescribed, non-prescribed and herbal products with a pharmacist or prescriber. Important examples include:
Enzyme-inducing antiseizure medicines, including carbamazepine, phenytoin, primidone and barbiturates
They can increase oestrogen breakdown, reducing symptom control or altering bleeding.
Rifampicin or rifabutin
They can reduce oestrogen exposure and effectiveness.
Some HIV or hepatitis C medicines
They may increase or decrease oestrogen concentrations, so product-specific advice is needed.
Common questions about estradiol valerate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
How is estradiol valerate different from estradiol?
Estradiol valerate is an ester prodrug that the body converts to estradiol. The released estradiol is chemically and biologically equivalent to endogenous human estradiol.
Do I need progesterone with estradiol valerate?
If you still have a womb, an appropriate progestogen is generally needed to reduce the risk of excessive growth and cancer of the womb lining. It is usually unnecessary after hysterectomy unless there are particular clinical reasons.
Can estradiol valerate cause vaginal bleeding?
Spotting or breakthrough bleeding can occur, particularly early in treatment or after a missed tablet. Heavy, persistent or newly developing bleeding needs medical assessment.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.