estova (ESTRADIOL)
Introduction to Estova:
Estova is a medication primarily used in hormone replacement therapy. It is formulated to provide relief from symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes, mood swing... See More
What is Estova?
Estova is a potent form of estrogen, essential for regulating the menstrual cycle, supporting reproductive health, and maintaining bone density. It's used in hormone replacement therapy, birth control, and gender-affirming care. It treats menopause symptoms and low estrogen levels.
What is the usual dose of Estova?
The usual daily dose of Estova for adults is 0.5 to 2 mg orally for menopause symptoms and 0.5 mg for osteoporosis prevention. For children, dosing is not typically established and should be determined by a healthcare provider based on specific conditions, such as hypogonadism or other hormonal therapies, ensuring careful monitoring and individualized treatment plans.
How do I take Estova?
Take Estova as directed by your doctor. Forms include oral tablets, skin patches, topical gels, vaginal products, or injections. Follow dosing instructions, apply or take at the same time daily, and don’t skip doses.
For how long do I take Estova?
Estrogens should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest amount of time to minimize risks. Talk to your healthcare provider regularly (every 3-6 months) to discuss dosage and whether you still need treatment.
What disease or symptom is Estova used for?
Estova is used to treat hormone-related conditions, including menopausal symptoms (like hot flashes and vaginal dryness), hormone replacement therapy after menopause, low estrogen levels, and osteoporosis prevention. It is also used in birth control pills, gender-affirming therapy for transgender women, and certain gynecological disorders like endometriosis.
How long does it take for Estova to start working?
Estova typically starts working within a few days to weeks, depending on the condition being treated. For symptoms like hot flashes or vaginal dryness, improvement is often noticeable within 1-2 weeks, with full effects in a few months. Bone density and long-term changes may take several months. Always follow your doctor’s guidance for monitoring progress.
Is Estova effective?
Yes, Estova is highly effective when used as prescribed. It helps relieve menopausal symptoms, supports bone health, regulates hormonal imbalances, and improves quality of life in gender-affirming therapy. Effectiveness depends on the condition being treated, the dose, and adherence to the treatment plan.
How do I know if Estova is working?
You'll know Estova is working if symptoms it was prescribed to treat improve. For menopausal symptoms, expect fewer hot flashes, reduced vaginal dryness, or better sleep within a few weeks. For bone health or hormonal therapy, long-term monitoring through medical tests like bone density scans or hormone levels may be needed. Always follow up with your doctor to assess progress.
How does Estova work?
Estrogen is a female hormone. It's found in high levels in women of childbearing age. After menopause, estrogen levels drop, which can lead to symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Estrogen can be taken as a medication to relieve these symptoms. It comes in different forms, like pills and patches. Estrogen works by replacing the estrogen that the body is no longer making. It can help to reduce hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and other symptoms of menopause. Estrogen is also used to prevent osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle. It can help to keep bones strong and prevent fractures. Estrogen is metabolized by the liver and excreted in the urine.
Who should avoid taking Estova?
**Important warnings and contraindications:** * Don't use if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. * It might get absorbed into your body and cause side effects like those of birth control pills (oral estrogen). * Possible side effects include abnormal bleeding, breast changes, nausea, clots, high blood pressure, and cancer (uterus, breast, and others). * Older women taking certain estrogen medications may have an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, breast cancer, and dementia.
Can I take Estova with other prescription drugs?
Certain medications can affect the effectiveness of estrogen-based treatments. **Inducers** like St. John's Wort, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, and rifampin can lower estrogen levels, potentially reducing their effectiveness and leading to irregular bleeding. **Inhibitors** like erythromycin, clarithromycin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, and grapefruit juice can increase estrogen levels, possibly causing side effects. It's important to inform your healthcare provider about any medications you're taking to ensure they won't interact with your estrogen treatment.
Can Estova be taken safely while pregnant?
Estova is not recommended during pregnancy because there is no data on its safety. However, studies show that using combined hormonal contraceptives (estrogen and progestin) before or during early pregnancy does not increase the risk of birth defects. In general, the risk of birth defects is around 2-4%, and the risk of miscarriage is around 15-20%.
Can Estova be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Estova, a hormone used in hormone replacement therapy, should not be taken while breastfeeding. It can reduce the amount and quality of breast milk. Estova has been found in breast milk of women taking it, so there is a risk of it reaching the baby through breastfeeding. While breastfeeding has many benefits for both mother and child, it's important to weigh those against the potential risks of Estova on the baby or the mother's underlying condition.
Is Estova safe for the elderly?
Estrogen therapy alone does not protect against heart disease or dementia in older women. Studies show that women over 65 who take estrogen alone or with progestin have an increased risk of dementia and stroke compared to women who take a placebo. There is not enough information to tell if women over 65 respond differently to estrogen than younger women.
How should I store Estova?
Store the Estova inserts in a cool, dry place at room temperature, between 68ºF to 77ºF (20ºC to 25ºC). Do not put them in the refrigerator. Keep them out of reach of children.
Does Estova make people tired or drowsy?
Estova may cause tiredness or drowsiness in some individuals, especially when first starting treatment. If you experience fatigue, rest and avoid activities that require full alertness, such as driving. If this side effect persists, consult your doctor for advice on adjusting your dosage.
Does Estova cause stomach upset?
Some people taking Estova may experience mild stomach upset, including nausea or bloating. If this occurs, taking the medication with food or lowering the dosage may help. If the symptoms continue, it’s important to contact your doctor for further evaluation.
Does Estova affect sleep?
Estova can influence sleep, particularly in women experiencing menopause or hormone imbalances. It may either help with sleep disturbances due to hot flashes or cause sleep-related issues. If sleep problems arise, talk to your doctor to adjust your treatment plan.
Does Estova make it hard to think or concentrate?
Estova usually doesn’t affect concentration directly. However, hormonal fluctuations can sometimes lead to mood changes or brain fog, especially during menopause. If you notice difficulty concentrating or remembering things, consult your doctor for possible solutions or adjustments in your medication.
Does Estova affect mood?
Estova may affect mood, especially during changes in hormonal levels, like menopause. Some women may experience mood swings, irritability, or even symptoms of depression. If mood changes are noticeable, it’s important to consult your doctor to see if an adjustment in treatment is needed.
Does Estova interfere with sexual function?
Estova is used to improve sexual function in women, especially those experiencing vaginal dryness or discomfort due to low estrogen levels. However, in rare cases, it could lead to reduced libido or other sexual issues. If you experience these changes, discuss it with your doctor for personalized guidance.
Does Estova affect appetite?
Estova may slightly influence appetite in some people, either increasing or decreasing it. This is a less common side effect, but if you notice significant changes in your appetite, it’s important to discuss these concerns with your doctor.
Does Estova cause weight gain?
Weight gain isn’t a common side effect of Estova, but hormone therapy can sometimes lead to water retention or changes in fat distribution. If you experience noticeable weight gain, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor about your treatment plan to assess if any adjustments are necessary.
Does Estova cause headaches?
Headaches are a known side effect of Estova, occurring in some women. If you experience frequent headaches, they may be linked to changes in hormone levels. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help, but if headaches persist, consult your doctor to adjust your therapy.
Does Estova limit driving?
Estova generally doesn't affect your ability to drive. However, if you experience dizziness, headache, or mood changes, it might be best to avoid driving until you know how the medication affects you. Always inform your doctor if these symptoms interfere with your daily activities.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Estova?
Drinking alcohol in moderation may not significantly interfere with Estova, but it can worsen side effects such as dizziness or increase the risk of liver problems. It's best to limit alcohol consumption, and you should discuss with your doctor whether it's safe to drink while on Estova.
Is it safe to drink coffee or tea while taking Estova?
Caffeine doesn't usually interfere with Estova. However, excessive caffeine intake might aggravate some side effects such as headaches or anxiety. Drinking coffee or tea in moderation should be fine, but inform your doctor about your caffeine consumption if you experience any side effects.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Estova?
Yes, it is safe to exercise while taking Estova, and regular physical activity is often recommended, especially for maintaining bone health. However, if you feel lightheaded or dizzy, avoid vigorous exercise and consult your doctor to ensure your treatment plan is well-suited to your lifestyle.
What are the most common side effects of Estova?
A side effect is an unwanted symptom caused by medical treatment. For this medicine, common side effects might include nausea, which is feeling sick to your stomach, dizziness, which is feeling lightheaded, headache, which is pain in your head, fatigue, which is feeling very tired, and dry mouth, which is when your mouth feels unusually dry. The frequency of these side effects can vary, but they are generally not experienced by everyone. It's important to remember that when starting a new medicine, you might notice new symptoms. These could be unrelated to the medicine, temporary, or due to another health issue. Always talk to your healthcare provider before stopping any medicine, as they can help you understand the risks and benefits.
Does Estova have adverse effects?
Adverse effects, which are unwanted or harmful reactions to a medicine, can occur with any medication. For this medicine, common adverse effects might include nausea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and dry mouth. These effects can vary in how often they happen, but they are generally not severe. However, there are serious adverse effects that, although rare, need immediate medical attention. These might include severe allergic reactions, which can cause difficulty breathing or swelling, or signs of liver damage, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes. It's important to report any new or worsening symptoms to a healthcare provider. Never stop taking a medicine without first consulting a healthcare professional, as they can provide guidance on how to manage side effects safely.
Is Estova addictive?
To determine if a medicine is addictive, we first need to know if it has habit-forming potential. If it does, this means the body can become dependent on it, which means needing more of the medicine to feel the same effects or experiencing withdrawal symptoms without it. Warning signs of dependence include using the medicine more often or in larger amounts than prescribed, feeling anxious or irritable without it, or neglecting responsibilities. To prevent addiction, follow the prescription exactly, do not increase the dose without consulting a doctor, and discuss any concerns with a healthcare provider. If the medicine has no known potential for addiction, it is safe to use as directed without the risk of developing a dependence.
Does Estova have any safety warnings?
This medicine does have safety warnings. One key warning is the risk of allergic reactions, which occur when the body's immune system overreacts to the medicine. This can lead to symptoms like rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing. If you notice these symptoms, seek medical help immediately. Another warning is the potential for liver damage, which can happen if the medicine is processed by the liver and causes harm. Signs to watch for include yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe fatigue. If these occur, contact a healthcare provider. Lastly, there is a warning about possible interactions with other medications, which can alter how the medicine works or increase side effects. Symptoms to monitor include unusual tiredness, dizziness, or changes in heart rate. Always inform your doctor about any other medicines you are taking.
Is it safe to stop Estova?
To determine if it's safe to stop a medicine, first identify its purpose. If it's for managing a chronic condition like hypertension or diabetes, stopping it might lead to worsening symptoms or complications. For medicines providing symptomatic relief, stopping might cause symptoms to return. If it's for a temporary condition like an infection, stopping early might not fully resolve the issue. Some medicines can cause withdrawal symptoms or rebound effects, meaning symptoms could return stronger. Abruptly stopping certain medicines can be life-threatening, especially those affecting the heart or brain. Always consult a doctor before stopping any medicine to ensure it's safe and to discuss a proper plan for discontinuation if needed.
How do I dispose of Estova?
If you can, bring unused medicines to a drug take-back program or collection site at a pharmacy or hospital. They will dispose of this medicine properly so they don't harm people or the environment. If you can't find a take-back program, you can throw most medicines in the trash at home. But first, take them out of their original containers, mix them with something undesirable like used coffee grounds, seal the mixture in a plastic bag and throw it away.
What are Estova possible harms and risks?
**Common side effects:** * Upset stomach (nausea, vomiting) * Belly pain (cramps, bloating) * Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes) * Gallbladder problems * Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) * Liver cysts * Headaches * Migraines * Dizziness * Depression * Mood swings * Epilepsy * Weight changes * Trouble digesting sugar * Porphyria (a rare blood disorder) * Swelling * Muscle cramps * Changes in sex drive * Hives * Angioedema (severe swelling) * Allergic reactions * Low calcium **Serious side effects:** * Stroke * Blood clots * Heart attack * Cancer (uterus, breast, ovary) * Dementia * Liver problems * Gallbladder disease * High or low calcium * High blood pressure * High triglycerides * Fluid retention * Worsening of face and tongue swelling * Changes in lab tests (e.g., high blood sugar) * Vision problems
Available in 2 variations
Estova 1 Tablet
Estova 1 Tablet
Estradiol (1mg)
strip of 28 tablets
Estova 2 Tablet 28s
Estradiol (2mg)
strip of 28 tablets
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