Estrogen is a female sex hormone produced by the ovaries. Estrogen is necessary for many processes in the body.

Vaginal conjugated estrogens are a mixture of estrogen hormones used to treat the vaginal symptoms of menopause such as dryness, burning, irritation, and painful sexual intercourse.

Vaginal conjugated estrogens should not be used to prevent heart disease or dementia, because this medication may actually increase your risk of developing these conditions.

Vaginal conjugated estrogens may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

This medication can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use vaginal conjugated estrogens if you are pregnant.

Do not use this medication if you have any of the following conditions: a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot (especially in your lung or your lower body), liver disease, abnormal vaginal bleeding, or a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer.

Long-term treatment with conjugated estrogens may increase your risk of breast cancer, heart attack, or stroke. Talk with your doctor about your individual risks before using vaginal conjugated estrogens long term, especially if you smoke or are overweight. Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis (every 3 to 6 months) to determine whether you should continue this treatment.

Have regular physical exams and self-examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis while using vaginal conjugated estrogens.

Vaginal conjugated estrogens should not be used to prevent heart disease or dementia, because this medication may actually increase your risk of developing these conditions.

Do not use vaginal conjugated estrogens if you are pregnant, or if you have:

• a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot (especially in your lung or your lower body);

• abnormal vaginal bleeding that a doctor has not checked;

• liver disease; or

• any type of breast, uterine, or hormone-dependent cancer.

Before using vaginal conjugated estrogens, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• high blood pressure, heart disease, or circulation problems;

• a personal or family history of stroke;

• endometriosis;

• liver or kidney disease;

• asthma;

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• migraines;

• diabetes;

• underactive thyroid;

• high cholesterol or triglycerides;

• high or low levels of calcium in your blood;

• porphyria;

• systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE);

• gallbladder disease; or

• if you have had your uterus removed (hysterectomy).

Vaginal conjugated estrogens increase your risk of developing endometrial hyperplasia, a condition that may lead to cancer of the uterus. Taking progestins while using conjugated estrogens may lower this risk. If your uterus has not been removed, your doctor may prescribe a progestin for you to take while you are using vaginal conjugated estrogens.

Long-term conjugated estrogens treatment may increase your risk of stroke or blood clots. Talk with your doctor about your individual risks before using vaginal conjugated estrogens long term, especially if you smoke or are overweight. Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis (every 3 to 6 months) to determine whether you should continue this treatment.

FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can cause birth defects. Do not use vaginal conjugated estrogens if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication. You should know that conjugated estrogens vaginal cream can weaken the latex of a condom, diaphragm, or cervical cap. Talk to your doctor about the best contraceptive methods to use.

Conjugated estrogens can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. This medication may also slow breast milk production. Do not use if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not use this medication in anyone under 18 years old without the advice of a doctor.