Estring
(estradiol vaginal ring)
Relieves vaginal dryness due to menopause.
Our bottom line
Estring (estradiol vaginal ring) is more convenient than other forms of estrogen therapy since you only have to replace it every 3 months, but it needs to be inserted directly into the vagina.
- Drug class: Women's health
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Upsides
- Many women find Estring (estradiol vaginal ring) more comfortable to use and easier to apply than creams or gels.
- Estring (estradiol vaginal ring) may be more convenient since it is dosed once every 3 months compared to alternatives that need to taken daily or twice weekly.
- Works directly at the site of application and safer than oral estrogen pills.
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What to expect from Estring, on one page
Download Fact Sheet
56Downsides
- Estring (estradiol vaginal ring) may not be the best option if you have a narrow vagina or frequent vaginal infections.
- The ring can fall out without you noticing.
- Estring (estradiol vaginal ring) is only available as brand name, so can be expensive.
- Estring (estradiol vaginal ring) All estrogen therapies increase your risk for uterine cancer, heart problems, and blood clots.
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What to expect from Estring, on one page
Download Fact SheetEstring (estradiol vaginal ring) acts like estrogen to restore functions lost when hormone levels are dramatically reduced during menopause.
- Drug class: Women's health
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Used for
- Vaginal dryness and inflammation
Dosage forms
- Vaginal ring
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Get free coupon
$435.44 - CostcoGet free coupon$436.87
What to expect when you take Estring (estradiol vaginal ring) for Vaginal dryness and inflammation
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonthsLong term
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonthsLong term
- Possible side effects
- Headache
- Vaginal discharge
- Yeast infection
- Vaginal discomfort/pain
- Vaginal inflammation
- Back pain
Side effect rates for Estring (estradiol vaginal ring)
- Headache13%13%
- Vaginal discharge7%7%
- Back pain6%6%
- Yeast infection6%6%
- Upper airway infection5%5%
- Vaginal inflammation5%5%
- Vaginal discomfort/pain5%5%
- Arthritis4%4%
- Trouble sleeping4%4%
- Stomach pain4%4%
- Sinus infection4%4%
- Vaginal bleeding4%4%
- Bacterial growth in the genitals4%4%
- Joint pain3%3%
- Nausea3%3%
- Flu-like symptoms3%3%
- Bone pain2%2%
- Bladder infection2%2%
- Hot flashes2%2%
- Stress2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Estring.
People taking Estring felt side effect more
People taking Estring felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Estring (estradiol vaginal ring)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Using estrogen for more than one year
- › Higher dose of estrogen
Taking Estring (estradiol vaginal ring) for more than 1 year increases your risk for uterine cancer. Talk to your doctor if this concerns you. Let your doctor know if you notice any unusual bleeding while on Estring (estradiol vaginal ring).
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.
Pharmacist Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this drug for?
This medication treats moderate to severe urogenital symptoms associated with postmenopausal vaginal atrophy.Common concerns from people taking Estring (estradiol vaginal ring)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Not sureLow hassleReviewed Estringon 9/10/2016Love the convenience still have issues, burning pain69WomanVaginal dryness and inflammation