Estradiol is widely known as a female hormone, though it is present in males too in a much smaller quantity. Estrace is the brand name of Estradiol and it is usually administered on women who are in their reproductive stage. Low levels of Estradiol in the body may lead to the underdevelopment of sexual organs like breasts, the gradual thickening of the endometrium and discrepancies in the menstrual cycle.
Estrace (Estradiol) is widely used for treating conditions like vaginal irritation, burning sensation and hot flashes in menopausal women. It is also used in women whose low levels of Estradiol are caused by ovarian failure. Estrace (Estradiol) is also known to be administered in very high doses on patients of prostrate cancer to reduce certain symptoms.

Estrace (Estradiol) is available in oral, topical, vaginal, transdermal and injectable forms. It is essential that Estrace (Estradiol) be used on the advice of a doctor and in a way he deems fit. Estrace (Estradiol) may be had by mouth, by injection or it may be inserted into the vagina. The healthcare personnel will give you the injection or he may advice you exactly how you can do it on your own. If you are taking oral tablets, have them with a glass of plain water. Do not take Estrace (Estradiol) on an empty stomach. If you notice any discoloration of the injection, do not use it before consulting your doctor. Do not under any circumstances reuse needles and syringes.
Estrace (Estradiol) are to be had once a day or as your doctor advices.

Taking Estrace (Estradiol) may lead to side effects such as bleeding of the uterus, nausea, vomiting, tenderness in breasts, cholestasis, chloasma and migrane.
Estrace (Estradiol) may also lead to sudden periods in menopausal women. Women smokers are advised to quit smoking before being medicated Estrace (Estradiol) because it may be the cause of blood clotting. Long-term treatment with Estrace (Estradiol) may increase the risk of endometrial carcinoma in patients. Moreover, women suffering from breast cancer should not be given Estrace (Estradiol) as it may aggravate the disease. In fact, a person suffering from any kind of hormone-related cancer should be kept away from Estrace (Estradiol).

Estrace (Estradiol) may have negative side effects if taken simultaneously with any of the following drugs:
1) warfarin
2) synthroid, levothroid or levoxyl
3) glyburide or glipizide
4) didanosine
5) tamoxifen
6) ethotoin
7) primidone
8) carbamazepine
9) rifampin
10) Phenobarbital

The uses of Estrace (Estradiol) are as follows:
1) Helps reducing vaginal dryness and irritation in menopausal women.
2) Helps in reducing hot flashes in menopausal women.
3) Helps build strong bones in younger women.
4) Helps in reducing symptoms of osteoporosis.
5) Also used in the palliative treatment of prostrate cancer in men.

Estrace (Estradiol) in all of its forms should be kept in an airtight container, preferably in normal room temperature.

Have a thorough discussion with your doctor about your medical history before starting medication. Full discussion about previous stroke or liver cancer, asthma, migrane, seizure, diabetes, heart disease, kidney malfunction, hypothyroidism, blood pressure, depression, dementia, high cholesterol, obesity, gall bladder and lupus you may have had is desirable. The doctor will prescribe the proper dosage of Estrace (Estradiol) based on that.
Pregnant women should not take Estrace (Estradiol) as it may lead to defects in the unborn baby. Women are strongly advised on taking contraception so as not to get pregnant while medication is going on. Mothers who are nursing their babies should also not take Estrace (Estradiol) because the Estradiol passing through the milk may be harmful for the baby.