Estriol

Dosage Forms Available

• Estriol is available for use via the oral route (tablets), vaginal creams and suppositories for intravaginal administration.

Age and Dose Restrictions

• Estriol is meant for use in adult women, particularly those who are postmenopausal.

Contraindications

• Estriol is contraindicated in patients with undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding, active deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, a history of venous thromboembolism, known or suspected breast cancer or other oestrogen-sensitive cancers, and liver disease.

Other Medications to Avoid

• This medicine may interact with anticoagulants (such as warfarin and heparin), antiplatelet agents (like aspirin and clopidogrel), antidiabetic medications (including metformin and insulin), antihypertensives (such as amlodipine and lisinopril), corticosteroids (including prednisone), immunosuppressants like cyclosporine and tacrolimus, seizure medications including lamotrigine, thyroid hormones like levothyroxine, and bronchodilators such as theophylline.

Overdose and Missed Dose

• An overdose of Estriol may lead to excessively high oestrogenic effects such as severe nausea, vomiting, and vaginal bleeding. If you experience these symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical assistance promptly.

• If you miss a dose of Estriol, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the forgotten one.

Management of Side Effects

Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless and resolve when discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of any of the symptoms, please consult your doctor.

• To manage nausea, try taking Estriol with food or in the evening.

• If experiencing fluid retention, reducing salt intake may be helpful.

Use in Driving and Operating Machinery

• Estriol may cause dizziness or blurred vision in some individuals. It is advisable to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how Estriol affects you.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• Estriol is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Consult your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Caution in Other Conditions

Caution is advised when using Estriol in patients with:

• Hypertension

• Diabetes mellitus

• Migraines

• Endometriosis

• Uterine fibroids

• Hypothyroidism

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

• Maintain a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to support bone health, especially if using Estriol for bone density management.

• Regular weight-bearing exercise such as walking or jogging can help strengthen bones.

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, which can help manage any potential fluid retention associated with Estriol use.

• Limit intake of caffeine and alcohol as they can exacerbate certain menopausal symptoms like hot flashes which Estriol is used to manage.