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Estradiol Valerate use while Breastfeeding

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 5, 2022.

Drugs containing Estradiol Valerate: Estrace, Yuvafem, Vagifem, Estradiol Patch, Estring, Climara, Estrace Vaginal Cream, Estrogel, Myfembree, CombiPatch, Show all 116 »Dotti, Imvexxy, Activella, Angeliq, Vivelle-Dot, Estrogen Patches, Divigel, Oriahnn, Depo-Estradiol, Evorel, Progynova, Estraderm, Climara Pro, Femring, Minivelle, Natazia, Alora, Delestrogen, Vivelle, Amabelz, Prefest, Bijuva, Depogen, Estradot, Estradot 75, Zumenon, Estreva, Lyllana, Elestrin, Evamist, Mimvey, Duragen, Estradot 100, Oestrogel Pump-Pack, Sandrena, Estrofem, Climodien, Oestrodose, Systen, Thais, Menostar, Ortho-Prefest, Valergen, Dep Gynogen, Gynogen LA 20, Dioval 40, Dioval XX, Estra-C, Estra-V 40, Estro-Cyp, Gynodiol, Estro-Span 40, Medidiol 10, Dura-Estrin, Fempatch, Esclim, Estragyn LA 5, Oesclim, Clinagen LA 40, Estro-LA, Menaval-20, Estradot 37.5, Estradot 50, Dermestril, FemSeven, Progynova TS, Aerodiol, Elleste Solo, Adgyn Estro, Fematrix, FemSeven Sequi Phase I, Menorest Patch, Nuvelle TS Phase I, Climaval, FemTab, Estrasorb, Femtran, Primogyn Depot, Organon Oestradiol, Bedol, Oestradiol Implants, Delidose, Dermestril Septem, Estradiol G GAM, Estrapatch, Femsept, Menorest, Oestrogel, Oromone, Provames, Thaissept, Estra Pellets, Femtrace, Lunelle, Ena, Lopreeza, Mimvey Lo, Depo-Testadiol, Depotestogen, Dep Androgyn, Delatestadiol, Estra-Testrin, Valertest No 1, Duo-Cyp, Dura-Dumone, Duratestrin

Estradiol Valerate Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding

Summary of Use during Lactation

Estradiol valerate has not been studied during breastfeeding. Injectable estradiol valerate has been used to suppress lactation, usually in combination with testosterone. Generally, it should be avoided in mothers wishing to breastfeed.

Oral estradiol valerate is only available in the United States in a combination oral contraceptive product that also contains dienogest. Based on the available evidence, expert opinion holds that nonhormonal methods are preferred during breastfeeding and progestin-only contraceptives are preferred over combined oral contraceptives in breastfeeding women, especially during the first 4 weeks postpartum. For further information, consult the record entitled, Contraceptives, Oral, Combined.

Drug Levels

Maternal Levels. Relevant published information on estradiol valerate was not found as of the revision date. However, estradiol appears in breastmilk in small amounts after administration by other routes.[1,2]

Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects in Breastfed Infants

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk

Estradiol valerate injection was previously used therapeutically to suppress lactation, usually in combination with testosterone.[3-5]

A retrospective cohort study compared 371 women who received high-dose estrogen (either 3 mg of diethylstilbestrol or 150 mcg of ethinyl estradiol daily) during adolescence for adult height reduction to 409 women who did not receive estrogen. No difference in breastfeeding duration was found between the two groups, indicating that high-dose estrogen during adolescence has no effect on later breastfeeding.[6]

Alternate Drugs to Consider

Ethinyl Estradiol

References

1.
Nilsson S, Nygren KG, Johansson ED. Transfer of estradiol to human milk. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1978;132:653–7. [PubMed: 717472]
2.
Perheentupa A, Critchley HO, Illingworth PJ, et al. Enhanced sensitivity to steroid-negative feedback during breast-feeding: Low-dose estradiol (transdermal estradiol supplementation) suppresses gonadotropins and ovarian activity assessed by inhibin B. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2000;85:4280–6. [PubMed: 11095468]
3.
Morris JA, Creasy RK, Hohe PT. Inhibition of puerperal lactation. Double-blind comparison of chlorotrianesene, testosterone enanthate with estradiol valerate and placebo. Obstet Gynecol. 1970;36:107–14. [PubMed: 4912251]
4.
Louviere RL, Upton RT. Evaluation of Deladumone OB in the suppression of postpartum lactation. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1975;121:641–2. [PubMed: 1090174]
5.
Iliya FA, Safon L, O'Leary JA. Testosterone enanthate (180 mg.) and estradiol valerate (8 mg.) for suppression of lactation: A double-blind evaluation. Obstet Gynecol. 1966;27:643–5. [PubMed: 5949195]
6.
Jordan HL, Bruinsma FJ, Thomson RJ, et al. Adolescent exposure to high-dose estrogen and subsequent effects on lactation. Reprod Toxicol. 2007;24:397–402. [PubMed: 17531440]

Substance Identification

Substance Name

Estradiol Valerate

CAS Registry Number

979-32-8

Drug Class

Breast Feeding

Lactation

Estrogens

Hormones

Disclaimer: Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. The U.S. government does not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.

Further information

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