What is an Estring?
Estring (estradiol) is a soft, flexible vaginal ring used to relieve menopausal vaginal symptoms such as dryness, burning, and pain during intercourse. It is placed directly in the vagina and replaced every 90 days.
What is Estring used for?
Estring is a brand-name estradiol vaginal ring approved to treat moderate to severe vulvar and vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women. It eases symptoms including vaginal dryness, burning, painful urination, and discomfort during sex.
How does Estring work?
The ring releases a continuous low dose of estradiol over 90 days. By restoring local estrogen levels, it reverses atrophic changes and relieves symptoms caused by decreased estrogen in menopause.
Common side effects
- Headache
- Vaginal yeast infection
- Vaginal discharge or irritation
- Back pain
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Upper respiratory infection
- Bacterial vaginal infection
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
Other side effects
- Breast pain or tenderness
- Genital itching
- Hot flashes
- Urinary tract infection
- Increased cholesterol or triglycerides
- Reduced libido
- Sore throat
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Fluid retention or bloating
Serious side effects
- Severe allergic reactions (angioedema)
- Heart attack or stroke
- Blood clots
- Uterine, ovarian, or breast cancer
- High blood pressure
- Dementia
- High blood sugar
- Gallbladder disease
- Liver problems, including jaundice
- Toxic shock syndrome
- Uterine fibroids
These lists are not exhaustive. Consult your healthcare provider for complete safety information.
Who should not use Estring?
Do not use Estring if you have any of the following:
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- History of estrogen-dependent cancers
- Recent heart attack or stroke
- History of blood clots or liver disease
- Bleeding disorders
- Allergy to the ring materials
- Current or suspected pregnancy
Discuss your full medical history with your provider before starting Estring.
How to use Estring
- Wash and dry your hands.
- Squeeze the ring between thumb and forefinger and insert it into the vagina as far as comfortable.
- Replace with a new ring exactly every 90 days.
- If it falls out, rinse with room-temperature water and reinsert. Contact your provider if it recurs.
Keep all follow-up appointments for pelvic exams and mammograms while using Estring.
When does Estring start working?
Most women notice relief from burning and dryness within 2 to 3 weeks. If symptoms persist, consult your healthcare provider.
Source
- Estring (estradiol vaginal ring) Prescribing Information, Pfizer.