When calculating a proper Estrace® dosage, doctors must consider what they're using the drug to treat, whether the patient has had a hysterectomy, her response to Estrace, and whether she has other existing medical conditions. The standard Estrace® dosage is one tablet daily, but some healthcare providers prefer to prescribe it on a cyclical basis. Estrace® is a form of hormone replacement therapy containing estrogen. It is used to prevent osteoporosis in the postmenopausal woman, to treat symptoms of menopause, to treat hormone deficiencies, and to relieve symptoms of some cancers.
Symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and mood changes. In addition to these, other symptoms that Estrace® may be helpful for include urinary and bladder problems, lack of concentration, and bone thinning. An Estrace® dosage should be taken in conjunction with progestin, another hormone, in women who have not undergone hysterectomy because an Estrace® dosage alone may cause harmful changes to the uterus.
The standard Estrace® dosage can cause side effects, even when taken for short periods of time. Side effect may include irregular spotting or vaginal bleeding, headaches, and breast tenderness. In addition, nausea, high blood pressure and fluid retention can occur. Although most people can take this medication without significant side effects, some are unable to tolerate it. When this occurs, discussing alternative treatments with the healthcare provider may be necessary.
Taking hormone replacement therapy can cause rare but serious adverse reactions. These may include heart attacks and stroke, blood clots, certain gynecological cancers, and gallbladder disease. People taking Estrace® should be aware of signs and symptoms of a stroke and get emergency medical treatment immediately. These signs may include speech or visual changes, numbness or weakness, and severe headache.
Those taking Estrace® should also monitor for blood clot signs. Leg cramps, foot or leg swelling, and calf pain may be signs of a leg clot, while shortness of breath, coughing up blood, and chest pain may be signs of a clot in the lung. These signs are emergency situations and will need immediate medical intervention to reduce the risk of respiratory or cardiac arrest.
Alternatives to hormone replacement therapy in the treatment of menopausal symptoms include keeping rooms cool, wearing natural breathable fabrics, and drinking plenty of water to reduce the effects of hot flashes. In addition, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine and controlling weight may also help. When taking Estrace®, however, regular gynecologic examinations will be necessary to evaluate the effects of therapy, and to discuss the risks versus the benefits of hormone replacement therapy with the healthcare provider.