Introduction to Estriol Cream
a. Definition and purpose of Estriol cream
Women starting the menopausal age will have hormonal changes, this decrease in hormones will lead to some symptoms, such as vaginal dryness, irritation, itching, and burning.
Estriol is from the three main estrogens produced by the body, the placenta produces it in significant amounts during pregnancy.
Estriol cream is suggested for menopausal and post-menopausal women because it’s effective in controlling hot flashes, insomnia, vaginal dryness, and frequent urinary tract infections associated with menopause.
b.How Estriol cream works
Estriol acts on cell genes to produce specific proteins, and the result is the increase of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), thyroid-binding globulin (TBG), and other serum proteins, with a decrease in the action of follicle-stimulating hormone, All of this will cause the regulation of the symptoms.
c. Conditions or symptoms it addresses
When Estriol is applied vaginally it can reach circulation in minor doses, this means that it can treat several conditions and symptoms such as:
- Menopausal and Postmenopausal Disorders.
- Cervix inflammation.
- Estrogen Deficiency
Benefits of Estriol Cream
a. Managing menopausal symptoms
Symptoms include vaginal dryness, itchiness, and painful urination. These symptoms are discomforting and affect the quality of life, sleep, mood, interpersonal relationships, and even the daily life of the patient. When women enter menopause, estrogen synthesis greatly decreases due to lower-functioning ovaries. This can be reversed with Estriol cream.
b. Treating vaginal dryness and atrophy
19 women used Estriol 1 mg and progesterone 30 mg daily for two weeks, then three times weekly for a total of six months. The medications were well tolerated, and Their vaginal symptoms (e.g., change in pH and vaginal dryness) improved greatly. No cancerous activity was observed and estriol had minimal systemic build-up. This indicates that Estriol is perfect for vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy symptoms management.
c. Preventing osteoporosis
Estriol protects against osteoporosis because it prevents bone loss and increases bone mineral density in postmenopausal women.
d. Improving skin elasticity
Estrogen deficiency may cause aging signs to appear in women. Clinically, it is likely that topical estrogen products and its derivatives may be used cosmetically to improve skin texture and elasticity. However, To this day, there is limited information to support this use.
Available Estriol Creams
a. Commercial Vs. Compounded Estriol cream
Estriol cream is available commercially in some countries like the UK. In other countries like the United States, it is only available in the compounded form. The prices of different commercial estrogen formulations have become increasingly high leading the patients to search for OTC treatments that often provide minimal symptoms management. So the compounded estriol cream is considered the perfect solution for them.
How to Use Estriol Cream
a. Proper application techniques
The Cream is applied into the vagina, preferably with an applicator. The applicator when filled should be inserted high into the vagina and emptied.
b. Recommended dosage and frequency
The recommended initial daily dose is one applicator per day then a maintenance dose of one applicator twice a week.
c. Possible side effects
Side effects:
- Breast pain
- Urination frequency increased
- Vaginal discharge
- cystitis (urinary tract infection affecting the bladder)
- leg pain
- pre-menstrual tension
- lower abdominal pain
- palpitation
- Depression
d. When to consult a healthcare professional
Treating postmenopausal symptoms must be done under medical supervision, treatment is only used if the symptoms are affecting the quality of life. In all cases, a careful assessment of risks and benefits must be done at least once per year and treatment is only to be continued as long as the benefit outweighs the risk.
Choosing the Right Estriol Cream
a. Factors to consider when selecting a cream
You must make sure that you don’t have an allergy to any of the cream ingredients.
b. Some formulas used in post-menopausal symptoms management
•Estriol 0.05% Vaginal Gel (MucoLox/VersaBase)
• Estriol 5 mg/mL Vaginal Cream
•Estriol 0.005% Vaginal Gel (MucoLox/VersaBase)
• Estriol 0.1%/Testosterone 0.1% Vaginal Gel (MucoLox/VersaBase)
• Estriol/Estradiol [50%/50%] 0.25 mg/0.5 Gm to 1 mg/0.5 Gm topical cream (versaBase)(FormulaPlus BUD Bracketed study)
Frequently Asked Questions about Estriol Cream
What should I do before starting the therapy?
Before starting the therapy, you should visit your doctor to take a complete Physical examination (including pelvic and breast examination) and inform him about your family medical history. You will be informed about the contraindications and warnings for use.
What should I do during the therapy?
Periodic check-ups are recommended during the therapy. If you notice any change in your breasts or you had side effects you must inform your doctor.
b. Safety Considerations and potential risks
Risks such as breast or ovarian cancer are usually associated with systemic use, It is applied to a lesser extent for estriol creams used vaginally as the systemic exposure remains minor.
c. Interactions with other medications
You can check if estriol may interact with your other medications here
Conclusion
a. Recap of key points
Estriol cream is a more safe and more effective way to manage post-menopausal symptoms, treat vaginal dryness, osteoporosis and even it is thought that it can make your skin young again. It is available in a commercial form or as a compounded formula, it may have some side effects or risks but it is considered minor when compared with other estrogens.
b. Final thoughts on the use of Estriol cream.
If you have any questions about estriol cream or you want to order a compounded estriol cream please don’t hesitate to contact Welltopia Pharmacy as we are specialized in compounding different estriol cream formulas.
