Can estring cause yeast infections?
Menopause marks the end of reproductive years, with average age 52 in the US. After menopause, estrogen levels drop, leading to vulvar and vaginal atrophy symptoms such as dryness, burning, painful sex, and painful urination.
Estring is a vaginal ring that releases estradiol continuously over 90 days to treat these symptoms. In clinical trials, 6% of users developed a vaginal yeast infection. First-line treatment is an over-the-counter antifungal cream or suppository containing miconazole (Monistat) or clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF). If symptoms persist, prescription fluconazole (Diflucan) may be needed. Consult your healthcare provider before self-treating.
Other common side effects
- Vaginal discharge
- Headache
- Vaginal soreness or irritation
- Back pain
- Vaginal pain or discomfort
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Upper respiratory infection
- Joint pain
- Insomnia
- Stomach pain
- Stuffy nose
- Flu-like symptoms
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Fluid retention
- Breast pain
- Urinary tract infection
Serious side effects
Estring carries an FDA Boxed Warning:
- Estrogen-alone therapy may increase endometrial cancer risk without progestin
- Do not use estrogen alone to prevent dementia or cardiovascular disease
- Avoid combined estrogen‑progestin for stroke, clot, or dementia prevention
Other rare but serious effects:
- Heart attack (chest pain, arm pain, cold sweats, shortness of breath)
- Stroke (sudden weakness, severe headache, vision or speech changes)
- Blood clots (leg pain/swelling, lung pain, shortness of breath)
- Toxic shock syndrome (fever, rash, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain)
- Liver problems (abdominal pain, jaundice, nausea, fever)
- Severe allergic reaction (angioedema, hives, breathing difficulty)
- Breast lumps
- Increased risk of ovarian, breast, and uterine cancers
- High blood sugar
- Fibroid enlargement
- Thyroid level changes
- High blood pressure
- Gallbladder disease
- Worsening endometriosis
Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding
Do not use Estring if pregnant—confirm with a pregnancy test. Avoid during breastfeeding, as estrogen can reduce milk supply and quality. Discuss alternatives if you plan to breastfeed.
Storage
Store at controlled room temperature, 59 °F to 77 °F (15 °C to 25 °C).
Source
- Estring (estradiol vaginal ring). Pfizer. Last updated 09/2015. Accessed Dec 4, 2024.