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What Are the Pros and Cons of Using over-The-Counter Estrogen Cream?

A. Pasbjerg
A. Pasbjerg

When considering over-the-counter estrogen cream to help relieve the symptoms of menopause, it is important to look at both the pros and cons. On the positive side, these creams are readily available and do not require a doctor’s prescription. There is also some evidence that they can help reduce problems like hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Unfortunately, their production is not well regulated, which means that the amount of estrogen in one cream may be very different from the amount in another, and there may even be differences between batches of the same brand. Using these creams may also carry some of the same health risks as using prescription creams, and do not have the benefit of a doctor’s supervision.

One of the main benefits of over-the-counter estrogen cream is its availability. Women suffering from menopausal symptoms can easily purchase it without having to wait to see their doctor. They may be able to use it to find quick relief if symptoms become extremely uncomfortable and they have no other options.

Some research has shown that an over-the-counter estrogen cream can help mitigate hot flashes.
Some research has shown that an over-the-counter estrogen cream can help mitigate hot flashes.

Using over-the-counter estrogen cream would not be much help if it did not work, but some research has shown that it can relieve menopause symptoms. Vaginal dryness may be reduced by applying some creams. Women concerned about the appearance of their skin as they age may find that some estrogen creams can reduce wrinkles and large pores. There is also some evidence that it can help control hot flashes.

Some research shows that over-the-counter estrogen cream can help relieve menopause symptoms.
Some research shows that over-the-counter estrogen cream can help relieve menopause symptoms.

While there are potential benefits of over-the-counter estrogen cream, the lack of regulation of its production is a significant concern. Unlike prescription creams, which typically include a consistent amount of estrogen, those sold over the counter are not required to follow any standard. This means that one company’s product can be very different from another’s, making it difficult for women to know how much estrogen they are really getting. If care is not used during production, there may even be significant variations between batches of products in the same line.

Estrogen levels in women who are still menstruating drop after menopause.
Estrogen levels in women who are still menstruating drop after menopause.

Some women may use an over-the-counter estrogen cream in the hopes that this will help them avoid the potential health issues associated with hormone replacement. However, even if the cream contains lower amounts of estrogen or other hormones than a prescription, there is no proof that it may not still carry the same risks. Hormone replacement can cause some serious issues, including cancer and heart disease. Using an over-the-counter product also takes a woman’s doctor out of the picture, meaning no one is monitoring for these potential problems.

Discussion Comments

ysmina

I did not experience any side effects from estrogen cream and it reduced my post-menopausal symptoms greatly. Before, I was constantly red and sweating from hot flashes. Estrogen cream seems to have resolved the hot flashes completely.

The cream I use is a phytoestrogen cream made from soy. It can be applied anywhere and absorbs real fast. I also like that this is available as a cream because I often forget to take pills.

bluedolphin

@burcinc-- Was the estrogen cream recommended by your doctor? I hope you used the cream with your doctor's approval.

Most over the counter estrogen creams are made for women in menopause because their body no longer produces estrogen. When women who are not in menopause use estrogen cream, side effects are possible because the hormone balance can be upset.

It sounds like you experienced the side effects of too much estrogen. This is why these creams should not be used without doctor supervision. Just because they are available over the counter and made from plants does not mean that they are safe and suitable for everyone.

burcinc

I used over the counter estrogen cream for several weeks for irregular periods. I should have use the product longer but I could not because of the side effects. The cream made me very moody and emotional. I was getting upset over little things and felt irritable all the time.

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    • Some research has shown that an over-the-counter estrogen cream can help mitigate hot flashes.
      By: roboriginal
      Some research has shown that an over-the-counter estrogen cream can help mitigate hot flashes.
    • Some research shows that over-the-counter estrogen cream can help relieve menopause symptoms.
      By: rob3000
      Some research shows that over-the-counter estrogen cream can help relieve menopause symptoms.
    • Estrogen levels in women who are still menstruating drop after menopause.
      By: Dragos Iliescu
      Estrogen levels in women who are still menstruating drop after menopause.
    • Some women choose to increase their estrogen levels so as to enhance their sex drive.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Some women choose to increase their estrogen levels so as to enhance their sex drive.
    • Over-the-counter estrogen cream may help treat vaginal dryness.
      By: takasu
      Over-the-counter estrogen cream may help treat vaginal dryness.
    • One of the main benefits of over-the-counter estrogen cream is its availability.
      By: Picture-Factory
      One of the main benefits of over-the-counter estrogen cream is its availability.