Estrace

What is Estrace?

Estrace is a type of HRT (hormone replacement therapy) available as either a tablet or vaginal cream. Both forms contain the active ingredient estradiol, which is a synthetic estrogen. Although primarily used to treat the symptoms of menopause (like hot flashes, mood changes and vaginal dryness), it can also be used as part of some cancer treatments and to help prevent bone loss (osteoporosis).

Estrace tablets should be taken alongside a progestin if you haven’t had a hysterectomy, and only for as long as it helps your symptoms for. Ideally, your treatment should be reviewed every three-to-six months to see if your dose can be lowered, or to see if treatment can be stopped entirely. Estrace vaginal cream might be safer to use on a more long-term basis because the risks are lower. And it can be used without a progestin, even if you haven’t had a hysterectomy.

How does Estrace work?

Menopause can happen for one of two reasons: either through age, where your body stops producing eggs and you stop getting periods, or through a medical procedure that stops your ovaries from working (called ‘medically induced menopause’). In either case, the amount of estrogen that circulates in your body decreases. This decrease in estrogen is what causes your symptoms. Estrace works to counteract these symptoms by, quite simply, supplying your body with estrogen, making up the deficit.

Another common risk associated with the menopause is decreased bone density, called osteoporosis. Estrace tablets can also help to reduce and prevent this bone loss, though other treatments may be recommended if you have no other symptoms. Similarly, Estrace tablets can help with vaginal symptoms like vaginal dryness, but the vaginal cream will be better for you if this is the main symptom you’re getting.

How to take Estrace for menopause

Make sure to follow the instructions given to you by your doctor when taking Estrace.

How to take Estrace tablets

Take one tablet a day, with water (your doctor will help you decide the dose that’s right for you)
Swallow it whole — don’t chew or crush it.

How to use Estrace Vaginal Cream

Estrace Vaginal Cream comes with an applicator to help you insert it into your vagina.

• Wash and dry your hands well.
• Remove the cap from the cream.
• Hold the applicator with your index finger on top of the plunger and screw the threaded end onto the open nozzle of the vaginal cream tube.
• Hold the cream and the applicator vertically so you can clearly see the numbered dose reader on the applicator.
• Gently squeeze the tube from the bottom to push your prescribed dose of cream into the applicator.
• When your dose has been reached, unscrew the tube from the applicator and replace the cap.
• To deliver the cream, lie on your back with your legs spread apart and insert the applicator deep into your vagina.
• Press the plunger downwards to its original position, then remove the applicator.
• Clean the applicator with mild soap and warm water.

What are the different forms and doses of Estrace?

Estrace comes in either tablets for systemic (whole body) menopause symptoms (like hot flashes and mood changes), or a vaginal cream for local symptoms, like vaginal dryness or atrophy (weakening).

In terms of doses, you can take the tablet as either a 0.5mg, 1mg or 2mg dose. The one you’re prescribed will be the lowest one to treat your symptoms.

And the cream is available in one strength: 0.01%, of which you can measure doses of 1g, 2g, 3g or 4g into the applicator. Again, the dose you’re prescribed will be the lowest one that helps your symptoms.