Q. Is estradiol and estrogen the same/ is estradiol the same as progesterone/ is estradiol a synthetic hormone/does estradiol valerate work/ what is evalon cream?

Estradiol is the most potent natural estrogen (or “estrogen”) produced by ovaries in female. It is different from another female hormone that is progesterone. It is not a conjugated estrogen and it not a synthetic hormone. Estradiol valerate and Evalon vaginal cream works same as estradiol.

Q. Can I take estrogen for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is mainly a result of hormonal disturbance in which there are high levels of male hormones in the body. Oral contraceptive pills containing low dose estrogen and progestogen are commonly prescribed to reduce the levels of endogenous hormone, which helps regularize the menstrual cycle, reduce male hormone levels and decrease acne associated with PCOS. Always consult your doctor before using any medication.

Q. What can I take for estrogen dominance?

A balanced diet, exercise, a healthy life style and less exposure to environmental pollutants is what works best to restore the normal hormone balance and reduce estrogen dominance. Your doctor may also start a progesterone therapy, compounds that promote bile secretion, lipotropic formulas (excrete extra estrogen from body), substance which deactivate toxic substances and excess hormones to remove extra estrogen from your body.

Q. What can I take for estrogen deficiency?

For estrogen deficiency, treatment is based on the underlying cause. Your doctor may choose from a variety of medications depending upon your condition for e.g. young or old with menopause, estrogen deficiency or high progesterone levels, etc. You may be given bio-identical estradiol or estriol or counterbalance with natural progesterone in the form of micronized capsules, etc.

Q. Can I take estrogen forever?

The length of necessity of hormone therapy varies from person to person and the condition for which it is being treated for.

Q. Can I take estradiol or estrogen without progesterone/ with food/ with Synthroid (levothyroxine)/ with Mirena (levonorgestrel)/ with Estroven (multivitamins)/ with melatonin/ paracetamol?

In some cases, a progesterone therapy may be given simultaneously to reduce the risk associated with estrogen therapy. You may take estradiol with food but eating or drinking grapefruit juice should be avoided as it may increase the risk of estradiol’s side effects. Estrogen is known to have moderate interaction with Synthroid (levothyroxine), Mirena and minor with melatonin. No interactions have been found with paracetamol.Tell your doctor if you also any other medicinal or herbal products before using estrogen in any form.

Q. Is estradiol safe/ stop your period/ increase libido/cause constipation/ cause high blood pressure/ make you sleepy/ cause blood clots/ cause insomnia/ cause bloating/ make you emotional?

Estradiol is safe if used at recommended dosage and duration. Estradiol can stop your periods. It may cause high blood pressure and blood clots on long-term use. Other side effects are not confirmed but may occur with some patients. Consult your doctor if you experience one of them.

Q. Is estradiol gluten free?

Estradiol preparations are gluten free. However, as the content of excipients differs according to the manufacturer, please refer to the package insert of the particular preparation/brand that you have been prescribed.

Q. Is estradiol a conjugated estrogen/ better than Premarin?

Estradiol is a synthetic hormone, whereas Premarin contains conjugated estrogen. Both are different types of estrogen and have comparable benefit and side-effect profile.