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Estrace Vaginal Cream and Breastfeeding
Before using Estrace Vaginal Cream (estradiol vaginal cream), breastfeeding women should check with their healthcare providers first. The estrogen hormones in the cream may decrease the production and quality of breast milk. Studies on Estrace Vaginal Cream and breastfeeding also suggest that the hormones in the medication pass through breast milk, although these amounts are probably too low to cause significant problems in breastfeeding infants.
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Estrace® Vaginal Cream (estradiol vaginal cream) is a prescription hormone replacement medication used to treat vaginal menopause symptoms (such as vaginal dryness and irritation). The estrogen hormone in Estrace Vaginal Cream is absorbed into the bloodstream and can pass through breast milk. Also, the estrogen in Estrace Vaginal Cream may decrease the quality and quantity of breast milk. Therefore, make sure to check with your healthcare provider before using Estrace Vaginal Cream if you are breastfeeding.
It's important to note that the estrogen hormones in Estrace Vaginal Cream may decrease the production and quality of breast milk. It is for this reason that estrogen-containing medications (including Estrace Vaginal Cream and many birth control pills) are usually not recommended for women who are breastfeeding. In fact, estradiol (the estrogen in Estrace Vaginal Cream) is sometimes used to suppress lactation in women who choose not to breastfeed.
Research suggests that the hormones in Estrace Vaginal Cream pass through breast milk in low amounts. These small amounts are probably too low to cause significant or long-lasting problems in breastfeeding infants.
You should talk with your healthcare provider about Estrace Vaginal Cream and breastfeeding. Each woman's situation is different, and you and your healthcare provider understand your situation best. After considering what you want and expect, as well as your current health situation, you and your healthcare provider can make a shared decision about Estrace Vaginal Cream and breastfeeding that is right for you.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD