Estradiol Valerate
About
Estradiol Valerate is a hormone replacement therapy used in the treatment of the symptoms of menopause, osteoporosis, hypoestrogenism due to hypogonadism, and advanced androgen-dependent carcinoma of the prostate. Menopause is the stopping of a woman’s period for life and is marked after an entire span of 12 months without periods.
Estradiol Valerate is composed of Estradiol valerate that works by enhancing the lowered levels of the sex hormone oestrogen in the peri or post-menopausal female body. This helps combat the various symptoms of menopause such as vaginal dryness, hot flashes (hot face, neck and chest) and weak bones.
Take Estradiol Valerate as prescribed. In some cases, Estradiol Valerate may cause certain common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, breast soreness, headache and bloating. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects consistently.
Keep your doctor informed if you are allergic to any medicines. Discuss with the doctor if you have/had cardiovascular disease, thrombotic disorders, pulmonary embolism, mental health disorders, liver disease, gall bladder disease, anaemia, bleeding disorders, or breast/uterine/cervical cancer. Estradiol Valerate is intended for post-menopausal women; therefore, do not take Estradiol Valerate if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Uses of Estradiol Valerate
Medicinal Benefits
Estradiol Valerate is a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) used in the treatment of the symptoms of menopause, osteoporosis, hypoestrogenism due to hypogonadism, and advanced androgen-dependent carcinoma of the prostate. Estradiol Valerate helps in the synthesis and maintenance of sex hormone oestrogen in the body, by acting as its precursor. It acts directly on plasma membrane receptors and promotes the conversion of oestradiol to its most potent counterpart, thereby enhancing the body’s levels of oestrogen and helping fight the symptoms of menopause.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Estradiol Valerate
- Headache
- Irregular vaginal bleeding/spotting
- Stomach cramps
- Bloating
- Breast pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Hair loss
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Estradiol Valerate should not be used in case of any known allergy to any of the components. Inform your doctor if you have/had arterial or thrombotic disorders, cardiovascular health disorders, porphyria, anaemia, hypertension, diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, bleeding disorders, liver problem, kidney problem, depression, gallbladder disease, breast/uterine/cervical cancer or any hormone-sensitive cancer. Estradiol Valerate is intended for use in postmenopausal women, do not take Estradiol Valerate if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Estradiol Valerate should be used with caution if you are on any anti-epileptic, anti-tuberculosis, anti-hypertensive, cardiac, antifungal, antibiotic, anti-depressant or anti-retroviral therapy. Women with a tendency for chloasma/melasma (skin condition commonly seen in middle-aged women), should avoid sun exposure after taking Estradiol Valerate. Women with a history of angioedema should exercise caution while taking Estradiol Valerate as it may worsen the angioedema.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Estradiol Valerate is known to interact with antiepileptics (carbamazepine, phenytoin), anti-depressant (St. John’s wort), anti-tuberculosis drug (rifampicin), antibiotics (clarithromycin, erythromycin), antifungals (itraconazole, fluconazole, griseofulvin), cardiac medications(verapamil, diltiazem) and anti-retroviral drugs (ritonavir, nelfinavir, nevirapine)
Drug-Food Interactions: Grapefruit juice may interfere with the absorption of Estradiol Valerate. Proceed with caution.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have/had breast cancer, cervical cancer, stroke, epilepsy, porphyria, thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, cardiovascular disturbances, gallstones, migraine or any severe headaches, anaemias, bleeding disorders, liver problem, kidney problem, depression, and any other hormone-dependent cancers.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionCaution should be exercised while consuming alcohol with Estradiol Valerate as there may be an interaction.
Pregnancy
unsafeEstradiol Valerate is indicated for use only in menopausal conditions and is not recommended for use during pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
unsafeEstradiol Valerate is indicated for use only in menopausal conditions and is not recommended for use during breastfeeding.
Driving
safe if prescribedEstradiol Valerate does not normally affect your ability to drive.
Liver
cautionTake Estradiol Valerate with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionEstradiol Valerate should be used with caution in patients suffering from kidney disease. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
Children
unsafeEstradiol Valerate is not meant for use by children or adolescents.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- As nausea and vomiting may occur with the use of Estradiol Valerate, make sure to take it on light, small meals.
- Avoid grapefruit juice while taking Estradiol Valerate as this may interact with Estradiol Valerate and affect its absorption.
- Avoid smoking as it increases the risk of stroke.
- Keep your meals balanced and invest in a healthy diet to avoid any cardiovascular problems.
- Load up on meats, fatty fish, oranges and strawberries, sesame seeds, soybean and canola oil and pistachios to enhance anti-oxidation and overall health during menopause.
Special Advise
- Your doctor may recommend regular breast examinations/screenings and routine cervical smears while you are on Estradiol Valerate, just to be on the safe side. Be sure to attend the check-ups.
- Regularly check your breasts at home in front of a mirror, for any changes such as skin dimpling, nipple discharge, or any lumps.
- Inform the doctor immediately if you notice any breast lump, dark urine, yellowing of the skin, mood changes, headache, palpitations, severe fatigue or any alarming changes in vaginal bleeding.
- Call for the doctor right away in case of any stroke symptoms such as breathlessness, confusion, dizziness, left arm pain, jaw pain or sudden vision changes and pulmonary embolism symptoms such as cough, leg pain and warmth, pain in calf etc.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Post-Menopausal Syndrome: Menopause is the ceasing of a woman’s menstrual cycle around the age of 45-51. It is marked by an absence of periods for a consecutive time of at least 12 months. It is characterised by hot flashes, mood changes, decreased libido, changes in the skin, vaginal dryness and osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis: It is a bone disease that weakens and thins the bones by decreasing bone density. As the density of bones decreases, they weaken and are more likely to break. Post-menopausal women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men because, at menopause, women's ovaries stop producing oestrogen (a female hormone) that is essential to keep bones healthy. Following menopause, bone loss occurs, making bones weak and more likely to break. Signs and symptoms include back pain caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra, loss of height over time, a stooped posture, a bone that breaks much more easily than expected.
FAQs
Estradiol Valerate works by enhancing the levels of the sex hormone oestrogen in the female body. Thereby, helps treat menopausal symptoms.
Yes, Estradiol Valerate is very effective in combating hot flashes in menopausal women.
Estradiol Valerate helps with various symptoms of menopause including osteoporosis and weakened bones. However, you may need Vitamin D supplements to address this issue. Discuss with your physician.
You may be advised to stop taking Estradiol Valerate about 4 to 6 weeks before surgery to decrease the risk of a blood clot. Therefore, inform your doctor that you are taking Estradiol Valerate before undergoing any surgery.
Estradiol Valerate is not a contraceptive. Estradiol Valerate is a hormone replacement therapy. Therefore, if you are less than 50 years old or if it is less than 12 months since your last period, you are advised to use additional contraceptive measures to avoid pregnancy. However, discuss with a doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
