Estradiol (Topical)

Topical Estradiol is a gel women can apply to their skin in order to increase the amount of estrogen in their bodies. This medication is usually prescribed to menopausal women, although it can also be prescribed to women who are pre-menopausal if they have a hormone imbalance. Having the ovaries or uterus removed can also cause low hormonal levels that require the use of this medication.

Side Effects/Warnings

Post-menopausal women are more likely to have a stroke if they use this medication. This is especially true for older women who smoke, although all patients have an elevated stroke risk if they use this medication.

Women who use this medication should be monitored both for cardiovascular problems and for cancer. Women who use Estradiol are more likely to have breast cancer or endometrial cancer than women who do not use this medication.