Depo-Estradiol
(estradiol cypionate injection)
Treats low estrogen and relieves menopause symptoms.
Our bottom line
Depo-Estradiol (estradiol cypionate injection) is a good once-a-month option for treating menopause symptoms and low estrogen, as long as you're comfortable with needles.
- Drug class: Women's health
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Upsides
- You only need an injection once a month, which can be less of a hassle than pills, patches, creams, and gels.
- Your doctor can show you how to inject yourself so you can do it on your own at home.
- Replenishes estrogen to your whole body and relieves multiple symptoms.
- Less side effects since lower amounts of estrogen is used compared to the pills.
Sign up and get Pill Talk, the latest in health & medicine news from Iodine
What to expect from Depo-Estradiol, on one page
Download Fact Sheet
109Downsides
- Requires injection with a needle, which can be difficult for some people.
- Increases your risk of endometrial and breast cancer.
- If you have an intact uterus, you have to use Depo-Estradiol (estradiol cypionate injection) with another hormone called progestin to lower your risk of uterine cancer.
- Can't be used in people with liver problems.
- Can be expensive since it's only available as a brand name product.
Sign up and get Pill Talk, the latest in health & medicine news from Iodine
What to expect from Depo-Estradiol, on one page
Download Fact SheetThe Depo-Estradiol (estradiol cypionate injection) replaces estrogen hormone, which your body loses during menopause. Increasing estrogen relieves hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal problems.
- Drug class: Women's health
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Used for
- Hot flashes
- Low estrogen
Dosage forms
- Injection
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- CostcoGet free coupon$112.64
- Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$114.19
What to expect when you take Depo-Estradiol (estradiol cypionate injection) for Menopause symptoms
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Menstrual changes
- Nausea
- Breast pain
- Libido changes
- Headache
- Weight changes
Side effect rates for Depo-Estradiol (estradiol cypionate injection)
Risks and Warnings for Depo-Estradiol (estradiol cypionate injection)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Taking estrogen replacement for more than one year
Vaginal bleeding after menopause can be a warning sign of uterus (endometrial) cancer, so let your doctor know if you notice any unusual bleeding. Using medicines like Depo-Estradiol (estradiol cypionate injection) for more than a year can increase your risk. Talk to your doctor about other medicines you can take with Depo-Estradiol (estradiol cypionate injection) to protect yourself from cancer if you are worried.
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Common concerns from people taking Depo-Estradiol (estradiol cypionate injection)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Worth itSome hassleReviewed estradiol cypionate injectionon 2/13/2018Had hysterectomy due to uterine fibroids (excessive bleeding) and ovaries removed ( doctor recommended it since I was starting in menopause anyway and my mom had hx of ovarian cyst at about my age). I felt so awful w/o hormones (ie; body aches, hot flashes, heart palps, dryness, insomnia, anxiety, no libido). Hormone injections were an answer to prayer, got my active life back!54WomanTwo years or moreWould rather not say