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Estrogel

Generic name: estradiol topical (for use on skin)ess-tra-DYE-ol-TOP-ik-al ]
Brand name: EstroGel Pump
Drug class: Estrogens

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Nov 22, 2023.

What is Estrogel?

Estrogel is a clear, colorless gel medicine that contains an estrogen hormone called estradiol. Estrogens are female sex hormones made by a woman's ovaries that regulate many processes in the body.

Estrogel is a prescription medicine used to reduce certain symptoms of menopause such as moderate to severe hot flashes, and vaginal symptoms such as dryness, burning, and irritation.

Estrogel may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

You should not use Estrogel if you have any of the following conditions: a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot, a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder, liver disease, abnormal vaginal bleeding, history of an allergic reaction to estradiol topical, or a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer.

Do not use if you are pregnant.

Estradiol may increase your risk of developing a condition that may lead to uterine cancer. Call your doctor at once if you have any unusual vaginal bleeding while using Estrogel.

Children should avoid coming into contact with skin areas where you have applied Estrogel. Topical estradiol is absorbed through the skin and can cause side effects in a child who comes into contact with this medicine or with skin where Estrogel was applied.

Estradiol should not be used to prevent heart disease, stroke, or dementia, because this medicine may actually increase your risk of developing these conditions. Long-term use of Estrogel may also increase your risk of breast cancer or blood clot.

Before using this medicine

You should not use Estrogel if you have:

Estradiol will not prevent heart disease, heart attack, stroke, breast cancer, or dementia, and may actually increase your risk of developing these conditions. Estradiol may also increase your risk of uterine or ovarian cancer. Talk with your doctor about your individual risks.

To make sure Estrogel is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

Do not use Estrogel if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine.

Estradiol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. This medicine may also slow breast milk production. Do not use Estrogel if you are breastfeeding a baby.

How should I use Estrogel?

Use Estrogel exactly as prescribed by your doctor, Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Estradiol may increase your risk of developing a condition that may lead to uterine cancer. Your doctor may prescribe a progestin to take while you are using estradiol, to help lower this risk. Report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away.

Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Apply Estrogel only to clean, dry, unbroken skin. Do not apply to skin that is red or irritated. Never apply this medicine to the breasts.

To use EstroGel:

Wash your hands with soap and water after applying Estrogel. Avoid allowing other people to get this medicine on their skin. If this happens, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water.

Children should avoid coming into contact with skin areas where you have applied Estrogel. Topical estradiol is absorbed through the skin and can cause premature puberty in a child who comes into contact with this medicine or with skin where the medicine was applied. Cover treated areas with clothing to protect others from coming into contact with the skin where you apply this medicine.

Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis (every 3 to 6 months) to determine whether you should continue this treatment. Self-examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis, and have regular mammograms while using estradiol.

If you need surgery or medical tests or if you will be on bed rest, you may need to stop using this medicine for a short time. Any doctor or surgeon who treats you should know that you are using estradiol.

Store Estrogel at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you are more than 12 hours late, skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, breast tenderness, drowsiness, and vaginal bleeding.

What should I avoid while using Estrogel?

Avoid getting Estrogel gel in your eyes. If this does happen, rinse with water.

Wait at least 25 minutes after applying Estrogel before you apply sunscreen to the same skin area.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with estradiol and lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor.

Estrogel side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Estrogel : hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Estrogel and call your doctor at once if you have:

Topical estradiol is absorbed through the skin of a child who comes into contact with this medicine. Call your doctor if a child who has close contact with you develops swollen nipples or enlarged breasts.

Common Estrogel side effects may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Estrogel?

Other drugs may interact with estradiol topical, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Estrogel only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.