Estring is a vaginal ring that releases a controlled, small amount of the female hormone estradiol into the body. This hormone is bioidentical, meaning it is identical to the natural estradiol your body produces. This hormone replacement therapy is used to alleviate vaginal symptoms associated with menopause, such as vaginal dryness, itching, and pain. The ring works locally and is only available with a prescription.
Hormone replacement therapy
Estring
Vaginal ring
In short
- For vaginal dryness, itching, and pain
- May help with irritation in and around the vagina
- Vaginal ring with bioidentical hormone estradiol
- For postmenopausal women with local vaginal symptoms
- Prescription-only medication
What is Estring?
What can you expect from Estring?
- Estring releases a low, controlled dose of estradiol directly into the vagina
- It is a vaginal ring that you insert yourself
- You may notice an improvement in your symptoms within a few days to weeks
When do I use Estring?
- Typically, one ring is used every 90 days
- The package leaflet contains all the information about this product. Ensure you read the leaflet before using the product.
For which symptoms is Estring used?
- Vaginal dryness
- Itching or irritation of the vagina
- Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia)
It may also help with:
- A burning or tight sensation in the vaginal wall
- Preventing recurrent fungal or bacterial infections of the vagina
Do not use Estring if you:
- Are allergic to estradiol or any of the other ingredients in the ring
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Have an active liver disease
- Have or have had a blood clot, such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism
- Suffer from porphyria
This is not a complete list. The package leaflet contains all contraindications and warnings.
Consult your prescribing doctor if you are taking other medications.
Possible side effects of Estring
Common (affecting 1 to 10 in 100 people):
Vaginal discharge
Itching
Irritation or discomfort in the vagina
Uncommon (affecting 1 to 10 in 1,000 people):
Abdominal pain
Vaginal yeast infection
Headache
Rare (affecting fewer than 1 in 1,000 people):
Hypersensitivity reactions
Rash
In rare cases, serious symptoms may occur, such as a blood clot or a severe allergic reaction. Always contact a doctor immediately in such cases.
Risks of hormone therapy
The use of medication containing hormones can carry risks; however, this does not apply to vaginal hormone therapy. Vaginal administration of hormone therapy is entirely safe and free from risk because the hormones are minimally absorbed into the bloodstream. Studies indicate no increased risk of thrombosis, strokes, or cancer.
For a complete list of side effects, consult the package leaflet.
Scientific sources
Patient leaflet - Medicines Information Bank
estradiol in the vagina | Apotheek.nl
Estradiol (vaginal) - Farmacotherapeutisch Kompas
2016 IMS Recommendations on women's midlife health and menopause hormone therapy - PubMed
Management of unscheduled bleeding on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) - British Menopause Society
Rethinking Menopausal Hormone Therapy: For Whom, What, When, and How Long? - PubMed
Hormone Therapy in Menopause: Concepts, Controversies, and Approach to Treatment - PubMed
Updates in Hormone Replacement Therapy for Survivors of Gynecologic Cancers - PMC
Oestrogen-based therapies for menopausal symptoms - PubMed
The 2022 hormone therapy position statement of The North American Menopause Society - PubMed
Hormone Therapy in Menopause - PubMed
Hormoonsuppletietherapie en het risico op veneuze trombo-embolie | Stichting Geneesmiddelenbulletin
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Erik KnauffRegistration number:: 89059736001
Patient Information Leaflet
Read the patient information leaflet carefully before using Estring.
Estring helps with
Frequently asked questions
Will my treatment be covered?
This depends on your health insurance provider. We recommend you check with your own insurance company. Supplements are not usually covered.
What is a consultation and how does it work?
During the consultation, you will complete a comprehensive medical questionnaire. You can also state your preferred type of treatment. Based on your answers, a doctor will prepare a treatment plan for you within 48 hours. If you approve this plan, a pharmacy will dispatch the products to your home within 3 days.
How long will it take to receive my order?
Our partner pharmacies will dispatch your order within 3 days. You can then typically start your treatment straight away.
Are there delivery charges?
For prescription medicines, delivery is included in the price. For over-the-counter products, there is a delivery charge of £4.21. We offer free delivery on orders over £40. If your order includes both, delivery is free.
Can I change, cancel or return my order?
Unfortunately, once an order has been placed, it cannot be changed. If you have ordered the wrong product, or wish to change or cancel your order, please contact our customer service team immediately. Over-the-counter products can only be cancelled if they have not yet been prepared or dispatched by the pharmacy. Prescription medicines can be cancelled if they have not yet been assessed by a doctor. Returns are only accepted for over-the-counter products in their original unopened and undamaged packaging, within 14 days of dispatch.