What is Estragyn?
Estragyn vaginal cream is a topical medication containing the active ingredient estrone.
It’s used to treat certain symptoms (i.e., itching, burning, etc.), in and around the vagina, which is associated with lack of estrogen brought on by menopause.
It’s important to note that Estragyn cream is only indicated for use in women that have an intact uterus, unless it’s prescribed alongside progestin. Estragyn is only intended for short-term use.
For more resources, including a full list of the risks and benefits of Estragyn, please review the product monograph.
How does Estragyn work?
When a person enters menopause, estrogen production slows and then stops. Although this is a natural, universal experience, it can lead to a number of different, uncomfortable symptoms.
One of these symptoms is thinning of the vagina walls, which can lead to itching, burning sensations, or dryness.
Estrone, the active ingredient in Estragyn cream, works by contributing to the growth of epithelial cells of the vaginal wall. In turn, it improves the thickness and elasticity of the vaginal walls. This aids in lubrication, as well as reduces vaginal dryness and itchiness.
What is Estragyn used to treat?
Estragyn’s primary indicated use is as a treatment for certain symptoms associated with menopause, including:
- Vaginal dryness
- Itchiness
- Burning sensations
It’s important to note that Estragyn is only indicated for use in women that have an intact uterus, and this medication should only be taken under regular supervision of your healthcare practitioner.
This includes a follow-up visit with your prescriber within 3-6 months of starting your Estragyn treatments.
Due to the fact that this medication is only recommended for short-term use, it’s important to also discuss the risks vs benefits of taking Estragyn cream with your practitioner, before starting Estragyn.
How do you take Estragyn?
Dosing Estragyn cream can range from 0.5g to 4g daily, depending on your practitioner’s recommendation. Estragyn is administered intravaginally.
If you’ve been wondering how to use Estragyn cream, it’s recommended for use cyclically on a schedule of 3 weeks on, 1 week off. It’s always recommended to use the lowest dosage possible to control symptoms, and discontinue use as soon as is appropriate.
This is part of the reason that regular check-ups with your practitioner are suggested, so that you can revisit how effective the medication is working for you, and whether you need to continue with Estragyn treatments.
How long does Estragyn last after you take it?
What are the common side effects of Estragyn?
The most common side effects associated with Estragyn cream are spotting and changes in vaginal secretion, and you should speak with your practitioner if these symptoms continue beyond a few days.
Additionally, there are some serious side effects that occur more rarely with Estragyn dosages, but are important to be able to recognize. These include:
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Breast lumps
- Chest heaviness or crushing chest pain
- Pain or swelling in the legs
- Persistent sad moods
- Sharp pain in the chest, coughing blood, or sudden shortness of breath
- Sudden partial or complete loss of vision
- Sudden severe or worsening of headache
- Dizziness or fainting
- Disturbance of vision or speech
- Weakness or numbness in an arm or leg
- Unexpected vaginal bleeding
- Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin)
If you start to experience any of these serious side effects, be sure to contact your healthcare practitioner immediately.
Who shouldn't take Estragyn?
There are a number of people that shouldn’t use Estragyn cream, such as:
- People with a hypersensitivity to estrone or any of the other ingredients in Estragyn
- People with liver dysfunction (serious liver disease), or that have had liver function tests that have not yet returned to normal
- People that have or have had cancer of the uterus or endometrium (lining of the womb), or any other estrogen-dependent cancers
- People that have endometrial hyperplasia (overgrowth of the lining of the uterus)
- People that have known, suspected, or a past history of breast cancer
- People with undiagnosed, abnormal genital bleeding
- People that are pregnant, or that may be pregnant
- People that have active or a history of arterial thromboembolic disease (i.e., stroke, heart attack, coronary heart disease)
- People that have or have a history of blood clots forming in the blood vessels of their legs (deep vein thrombosis), lungs (pulmonary embolism), or other organs
- People with thrombophlebitis (painful inflammation of the veins in the legs)
- People with vision issues caused by blood vessel disease of the eye (ophthalmic vascular disease)
- People that are breastfeeding
- People that use latex condoms for any reason
- People that experience migraine headaches
In addition to these people, there are others that should be extra cautious about using Estragyn cream, such as people who:
- Have a history of allergies or intolerances to other medications
- Have a personal history of breast disease (including lumps), breast biopsies, or a family history of breast cancer
- Have experienced any unusual or undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
- Have a history of uterine fibroids or endometriosis
- Have a history of liver disease, liver tumours, jaundice
- Have experienced itching related to estrogen use or during pregnancy
- Have a history of migraines
- Have a history of high blood pressure
- Have a personal or family history of blood clots
- Have a personal history of heart disease or strokes
- Have a history of kidney disease, asthma, or epilepsy
- Have a history of bone disease, including metabolic conditions, or cancers that affect the levels of calcium of phosphorus in the blood
- Have diabetes
- Have porphyria (a blood pigment disease)
- Have a history of high cholesterol or high triglycerides
- Have had a hysterectomy
- Have lupus
- Have hearing loss due to otosclerosis
- Are pregnant or may be pregnant
- Smoke
- Use latex condoms for any reason (may not compatible with the mineral oil found in Estragyn cream)
- Have hereditary angioedema
- Have experienced episodes of rapid swelling of the hands, feet, face, lips, eyes, tongue, throat (airway blockage), or digestive tract
- Are breastfeeding
If any of these conditions apply to you, your healthcare practitioner may want to review the risks vs benefits of Estragyn with you, or potentially suggest an alternative medication that may work better for you.
Some other medications can interact negatively with Estragyn cream, so be sure to tell your practitioner if you’re on any other medications before starting Estragyn. This is especially important if you’re taking medications for:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Blood clots
- Sleeping
- Anxiety
- Seizures
- Pain relief
- Tuberculosis
Or if you’re taking certain over-the-counter medications, vitamins, or herbal products (i.e., St. John’s wort). The practitioner will be able to tell you whether Estragyn cream will potentially interact with any of the other medications you’re currently taking.
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