Estrace and Breastfeeding

Estrace, a prescription form of the hormone estrogen, is used for a variety of medical conditions in both men and women. While it can be very helpful when used properly, it also poses several concerns for women who are breast-feeding. Further research is needed to fully confirm the risks associated with breast-feeding and Estrace.

Description

Estrace is the prescription brand name of estradiol, a form of the hormone estrogen. It is most often used for symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and vaginal itching, dryness, and burning. This medication is also used to treat certain forms of hormone-related cancer in both men and women. Taking Estrace may also help to prevent osteoporosis and correct certain hormonal imbalances.

Birth Defects

The biggest concerns with taking Estrace during pregnancy come from the high risk of birth defects associated with the medication. In fact, the FDA classifies Estrace as a category X drug for pregnant women because of the severe risk it poses for the unborn child. In addition to causing birth defects, Estrace also increases the risk of certain types of childhood cancer when taken during pregnancy.

Estrace in Breast Milk

Normally, small amounts of Estrace can be found in the breast milk of women who take this medication while they are nursing. While opinions differ about whether or not these amounts are enough to harm the infant, all doctors will agree that the risk to the infant is far less than the risk posed to the fetus before birth.

Delayed Growth

In addition to these concerns, doctors must use caution when prescribing Estrace to children because it may keep them from developing at a normal rate. Children who do take Estrace must be monitored carefully to be sure that their growth is not stunted. While there is no medical evidence to support that Estrace in nursing mothers causes delayed growth in infants, this concern has also not been overruled.

Decreased Lactation

Finally, Estrace is commonly prescribed in order to limit lactation in women who choose not to breastfeed their infants. Because of this, mothers who take Estrace while breastfeeding often produce lower quality breast milk in smaller quantities. This problem alone may hinder the baby's growth, even if the hormones present in the breast milk do not.

Conclusions

Professional opinions differ regarding the safety of taking Estrace while breastfeeding. While some doctors are willing to prescribe it in some cases, others believe it to be dangerous to the infant. Because of this, most women taking Estrace are asked to stop breastfeeding, or to wait until continuing treatment with Estrace.