Elleste Solo (estradiol) is a replacement for estrogen, predominantly used as a part of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) by women to alleviate menopause symptoms. Though less common it may be used in any scenario in which estrogen levels are uncommonly low, and it is sometimes used in treating certain types of breast cancer or prostate cancer.

Women who take Elleste Solo, or any estrogen supplement, and have an intact uterus should also take a progestin. Taking a progestin with estrogen supplements will reduce the risk of some types of uterine cancer. Women who have had their uterus removed and men do not need to worry about taking a progestin.

Elleste Solo Uses

Though predominantly marketed toward minimizing menopause symptoms, Elleste Solo also sees a fair bit of use off-label. It can be used to treat:

• Menopause symptoms
• Vaginal atrophy when creams or other direct applications are unsuitable
• Hypogonadism (low estrogen) from injury, removal, or other ovarian failure
• Preventing osteoporosis
• Palliative treatment of breast cancer
• Palliative treatment of prostate cancer
• Controlling abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Promoting fertility
• Preventing pregnancy
• Developing female characteristics

Elleste Solo may be used in additional conditions not listed above. In all cases treatment is best individualized according to a patient's personal variables, including age, weight, and other medical factors. Doctor instructions regarding treatment should always be followed.

Regardless of what Elleste Solo is used to treat, the lowest effective dose taken for the shortest possible time is ideal. The medication---like all estrogen supplements---does carry some risk of severe side effects, including breast cancer.

Dosage & Administration

Elleste Solo comes in tablets of 1 mg or 2 mg strengths, which are suitable for the majority of patients. Cancer patients are a bit of an exception, as they often require much higher doses, as much as 10 mg per day.

To treat menopause or vaginal atrophy, most patients:

• Take 1 to 2 mg once per day for 3 weeks.
• Take 1 week off.
• Resume treatment for the next 3 weeks.
• Treatment should end every 6 months to 1 year to determine if it's still needed.

To treat low estrogen from ovarian removal or failure:

• Take 1 to 2 mg once per day.
• Treatment can last years, and dosage may be adjusted several times.

To treat prostate and breast cancer:

• Breast cancer patients often take 10 mg three times per day for at least three months.
• Prostate cancer patients often take 1 to 2 mg three times per day until a doctor instructs otherwise.
• Cancer is a complex subject and dosage or administration instructions given by a doctor may deviate considerably from the above.
• Some forms of cancer respond positively to estrogen; estrogen supplements should not be given in all cases.

Other applications are typically off-label, which simply means that regulatory agencies have not approved the medication for a use, but use is legal provided a doctor is involved. There are no set dosage and administration guidelines for off-label uses, and patients should follow doctor instructions.

Remember, women with an intact uterus should also take a progestin if taking estrogen supplementation for any reason, be it Elleste Solo or another brand.

Potential Complications

Elleste Solo is not recommended for use in all patients; the risk of serious adverse effects are simply too high. The medication should not be used by patients with:

• Multiple risk factors for arterial cardiovascular disease
• Known or suspected estrogen-dependent neoplasia
• Bleeding or blood-clotting disorder
• Hypertension with vascular disease
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding
• History of breast cancer
• Deep vein thrombosis
• History of stroke
• Pulmonary embolism
• Acute liver disease

Elleste Solo does have some common side effects associated with it. In most cases such symptoms are mild, not cause for concern unless severe:

• Headache
• Thinning of hair
• Weight gain
• Breast tenderness
• Vaginal itching
• Fluid retention
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Vaginal discharge

Seek medical attention if experiencing any of the severe side effects associated with Elleste Solo:

• Unusual vaginal bleeding
• Lump in breast
• Jaundice
• Low calcium in blood (numbness, tingling around mouth, muscle contractions, overactive reflexes)
• High calcium in blood (increased thirst or urination, muscle pain or weakness, confusion, nausea, vomiting)
• Symptoms of blood clots in legs (pain, warmth, redness, swelling)
• Symptoms of blood clots in lungs (sudden cough, wheezing, chest pain, rapid breathing, coughing up blood)

Elleste Solo can interact with a wide range of other medications, both over-the-counter as well as prescription. Check with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing medications.