Estring

Pronounced: ESST-ring
Generic name: Estradiol vaginal ring

Why is Estring prescribed?

Estring is an estrogen replacement system for relief of the vaginal problems that often occur after menopause, including vaginal dryness, burning, and itching, and difficult or painful intercourse. Estring is also prescribed for postmenopausal urinary problems such as difficulty urinating or urinary urgency.

Most important fact about Estring

Estrogens increase the risk of cancer in the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium. Because estrogen replacement therapy is not advisable if you are in any danger of developing cancer, your doctor should take a complete medical and family history, and perform a complete physical exam, before prescribing Estring. It is important to have regular check-ups (at least once a year) and to report any unusual vaginal bleeding to your doctor immediately.

Estring and other estrogen drugs, with or without progesterone, should not be used to prevent heart disease. Recent studies have confirmed an increased rate of heart attack, stroke, and dangerous blood clots among women taking estrogen or estrogen combinations for 5 years. Blood clots can lead to phlebitis, stroke, heart attack, a loss of blood supply to the lungs, a blockage in the blood vessels leading to the eye, and other serious disorders.

How should you use medication?

Each Estring is left in place for 3 months. Press the Estring into an oval and insert it as deeply as possible into the upper third of the vagina. The exact position is unimportant as long as you don't feel the ring. If the ring causes discomfort, it is probably not far enough inside.

If the ring slips down into the lower part of the vagina, push it back up with your finger. If it falls out, rinse it in warm water and reinsert it. When replacing the ring, simply hook a finger through it and pull it out.

--If you miss a dose...

If the ring is not replaced after 90 days, the dose of estrogen will gradually decline and your symptoms will return.