Estriol (topical use)

This is one of the three major estrogens produced in the human body. It only occurs in significant amounts in the placenta during pregnancy.
Indicated in cases of vaginal dryness in postmenopause.
Used topically with trophic effects on vaginal mucosa.

Since the last update date we have not found published data on its excretion in breastmilk.

Estriol is absorbed vaginally. Intravaginal estriol administration increased plasma levels of estriol in women in menopause (Mattsson 1983, Punnonen 1980) and produced only minor modifications of gonadotropin and prolactin levels (Keller 1981). Absorption is minimal, however, plasma levels are very low (1 nanogram/L) and becomes insignificant after the 3rd week (AEMPS 2017). A very similar substance, estradiol, administered vaginally, was also detected in breast milk (Nilsson 1978 ).

Its high percentage of binding to plasma proteins and short life means transfer to milk in significant quantities is unlikely.

Although no problems have been observed in infants whose mothers were taking estrogens, and there is no clear evidence that milk production may decrease, especially outside the neonatal period, using non-hormonal lubricants (creams, gels or ovules) to treat possible vaginal dryness due to hypoestrogenism during breastfeeding may be preferable to topical estrogens.

• Estradiol (Low Risk probable)

Alternatives

• Non-Hormonal Vaginal Lubricant (Very Low Risk)