Side Effects

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

The risk of any serious adverse effect is unlikely for most women using low doses of estrogens vaginally. Even women with special risks have used vaginal estrogens without problems.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

  1. Breast pain
  2. enlarged breasts
  3. itching of the vagina or genitals
  4. headache
  5. nausea
  6. stinging or redness of the genital area
  7. thick, white vaginal discharge without odor or with a mild odor

Rare

  1. Feeling of vaginal pressure (with estradiol vaginal insert or ring)
  2. unusual or unexpected uterine bleeding or spotting
  3. vaginal burning or pain (with estradiol vaginal insert or ring)

Incidence not known

  1. Diarrhea
  2. dizziness
  3. fast heartbeat
  4. feeling faint
  5. fever
  6. hives
  7. hoarseness
  8. itching
  9. joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
  10. muscle pain
  11. rash
  12. shortness of breath
  13. skin redness
  14. swelling of eyelids, face, lips, hands, or feet
  15. tightness in the chest
  16. trouble with breathing or swallowing
  17. vomiting
  18. wheezing

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

  1. Abdominal or back pain
  2. clear vaginal discharge (usually means the medicine is working)

Incidence not known

  1. Acne
  2. enlargement of penis or testes
  3. growth of pubic hair
  4. rapid increase in height
  5. swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in males

Also, many women who are using estrogens with a progestin (another female hormone) will start having monthly vaginal bleeding that is similar to menstrual periods. This effect will continue for as long as the medicine is taken. However, monthly bleeding will not occur in women who have had the uterus removed by surgery (hysterectomy).

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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Portions of this document last updated: May 01, 2024

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