Ethinyl Estradiol Dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Postmenopausal Symptoms

10 to 50 mcg orally once a day

Comment:

• Given on a cyclical basis, 3 weeks on and 1 week off.
• Addition of progestogen is not recommended in women without a uterus who did not have endometriosis.
• A progestogen should be added for at least 12 to 14 days every month (28-day cycle) in women with a uterus (or in endometriosis when endometrial foci are present despite hysterectomy).
• Start therapy any time in women with amenorrhea.
• Start therapy on the first day of bleeding in women who are menstruating.

Use: For postmenopausal symptoms due to estrogen deficiency (including prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis)

Usual Adult Dose for Prostate Cancer

0.15 to 1.5 mg orally once a day

Use: Palliative treatment of prostatic cancer

Usual Adult Dose for Primary Ovarian Failure

10 to 50 mcg orally once a day

Comments:

• Usually given on a cyclical basis.
• Follow initial estrogen by combined estrogen/progestogen.

Use: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for failure of ovarian development (e.g., in patients with gonadal dysgenesis where initial estrogen therapy is later followed by combined estrogen/progestogen therapy)

Usual Adult Dose for Menstrual Disorders

20 to 50 mcg orally once a day from day 5 to day 25 of each cycle

Comments:

• A progestogen is given daily throughout the cycle or from days 15 to 25 of the cycle.
• Take a missed dose as soon as it is remembered; if it is nearly time for the next dose then the patient should wait until then. Two doses should not be taken together. Forgetting a dose may increase the likelihood of break-through bleeding and spotting.

Use: For disorders of menstruation (given in conjunction with a progestogen)

Renal Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Liver Dose Adjustments

This drug is contraindicated in acute liver disease or a history of liver disease as long as liver function tests have failed to return to normal.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

• A missed dose should be taken as soon as remembered. The missed dose should be skipped if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose.

Patient advice:

• Forgetting a dose may increase the chances of breakthrough bleeding
• See your doctor for regular check ups
• Check your breasts regularly for any changes
• Go for regular breast screening and cervical smear tests

Frequently asked questions

• When do I start taking Diane pills for birth control?

See also:

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer