Estradiol (Topical Application Route)

Side Effects

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

1. Cough or hoarseness
2. fever or chills
3. lower back or side pain
4. painful or difficult urination

Incidence not known

1. Acid or sour stomach
2. anxiety
3. belching
4. backache
5. blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
6. breast enlargement, pain, or tenderness
7. change in vaginal discharge
8. changes in skin color
9. chest pain, discomfort, or tightness
10. clay-colored stools
11. clear or bloody discharge from nipple
12. confusion
13. constipation
14. cramps
15. dark urine
16. decreased vision or other changes in vision
17. diarrhea
18. difficulty in speaking
19. difficulty swallowing
20. dimpling of the breast skin
21. dizziness or lightheadedness
22. double vision
23. dry mouth
24. dry skin and hair
25. fainting
26. fast heartbeat
27. feeling cold
28. full or bloated feeling or pressure in the stomach
29. hair loss
30. headache
31. heartburn
32. heavy bleeding
33. hives, itching, skin rash
34. husky voice
35. inability to move the arms, legs, or facial muscles
36. inability to speak
37. incoherent speech
38. increased urination
39. indigestion
40. inverted nipple
41. irritability
42. itching of the vagina or outside genitals
43. joint or muscle pain
44. large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
45. large amount of triglyceride in the blood
46. light vaginal bleeding between regular menstrual periods
47. loss of mental ability
48. lump in breast or under the arm
49. lumps in the breasts
50. loss of appetite
51. mental depression
52. metallic taste
53. mood or mental changes
54. muscle cramps and stiffness
55. nausea
56. numbness and tingling around the mouth, fingertips, or feet
57. pain
58. pain, redness, or swelling in the arm or leg
59. pain during sexual intercourse
60. pain or feeling of pressure in pelvis
61. painful or tender cysts in the breasts
62. pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
63. persistent crusting or scaling of the nipple
64. puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
65. red, irritated eyes
66. redness or swelling of the breast
67. seizures
68. slow heartbeat
69. slow speech
70. sore on the skin of the breast that does not heal
71. sore throat
72. sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
73. stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
74. sweating
75. swelling
76. swelling of the stomach area
77. thick, white curd-like vaginal discharge without odor or with mild odor
78. trouble breathing
79. unexpected or excess milk flow from the breasts
80. unpleasant breath odor
81. unusual tiredness or weakness
82. vaginal bleeding
83. vomiting
84. vomiting of blood
85. weight gain or loss
86. yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

1. Pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
2. stuffy or runny nose

Incidence not known

1. Brown, blotchy spots on the exposed skin
2. decreased or increased interest in sexual intercourse
3. inability to have or keep an erection
4. increase or loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
5. increased hair growth, especially on the face
6. leg cramps
7. patchy brown or dark brown discoloration of the skin

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.