Estradiol Valerate is a medication used in Hormone Replacement Therapy by women who have had a hysterectomy. It contains a hormone very similar to the natural hormone estrogen which is produced by the body. Estradiol Valerate is needed when women go through menopause levels, when estrogen becomes low, leading to uncomfortable symptoms such as dryness of the vagina, hot flushes, and night sweats, just to name a few. Estradiol Valerate works to replace the woman’s low level of estrogen, relieving the symptoms attributed to menopause.
Estradiol Valerate is also usable to women who are not able to produce enough estrogen due to hypogonadism, primary ovarian failure, and for men undergoing prostate cancer treatment.
How to Take Estradiol Valerate
Estradiol Valerate is injected into a muscle as directed by a doctor, usually 10 to 20 mg every 4 weeks, and every 1 to 2 weeks if undergoing treatment for prostate cancer. Your doctor will decide on your dosage, making an informed decision based on your medical condition and personal response to the drug. It is recommended that the patient use this medication regularly and as prescribed to receive the most benefit possible.
Check Estradiol Valerate before using for any discoloration or particles, and dispose of the liquid if either are present. Stored at low temperatures, the medication may form crystals in the liquid, which can easily be remedied by warming the product up to room temperature and thus dissolving the crystals.
It is important to note that though using Estradiol Valerate in your hormone replacement therapy to treat symptoms of menopause, the drug may also increase the chances of contracting certain heart or circulatory problems, as well as certain types of cancers. As a user, you and your doctor will need to weigh up the risks and benefits attributed to taking Estradiol Valerate. If there are any changes or lumps found in the breast, or if there are any unusual vaginal bleeding, report these symptoms immediately to your health professional, because these could be symptoms of breast, endometrial or ovarian cancers.
Common side effects include: vaginal pain/dryness/discomfort, vomiting, loss of appetite, nausea, swollen breasts, acne or skin color changes, decreased sex drive, swelling of ankles or feet, depression, headaches or dizziness, changes in menstrual periods, and break-through bleeding, among other things.
References
Delestrogen. (2014). Retrieved from www.rxlist.com: http://www.rxlist.com/delestrogen-drug/patient-images-side-effects.htm
Estradiol valerate. (2014, August 13). Retrieved from www.drugs.com: http://www.drugs.com/cdi/estradiol-valerate.html
Estradiol valerate 2mg tablets . (2012, July 22). Retrieved from www.medicines.org.uk: http://www.medicines.org.uk/guides/estradiol%20valerate/Hormone%20replacement%20therapy
