The Basics
What is Estradiol Valerate?
Used to treat symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, and vaginal dryness, burning, and irritation. Delestrogen is also used to treat a lack of estrogen that is caused by ovarian failure or a condition called hypogonadism.
Brand names for Estradiol Valerate
Delestrogen
How Estradiol Valerate is classified
Estrogens, Hormones
Estradiol Valerate During Pregnancy
Estradiol Valerate pregnancy category
Category Not AssignedNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Estradiol Valerate while pregnant
DELESTROGEN (estradiol valerate) should not be used during pregnancy.
Taking Estradiol Valerate While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Estradiol Valerate?
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.
Maternal / infant drug levels
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.
Possible effects of Estradiol Valerate on milk supply
Estradiol valerate injection was previously used therapeutically to suppress lactation, usually in combination with testosterone.[3][4][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]
Possible alternatives to Estradiol Valerate
Ethinyl Estradiol.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Nilsson S, Nygren KG, Johansson ED. Transfer of estradiol to human milk. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1978;132:653-7. PMID: 717472
2. Perheentupa A, Critchley HO, Illingworth PJ, McNeilley AS. 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. PMID: 11095468
3. Louviere RL, Upton RT. Evaluation of Deladumone OB in the suppression of postpartum lactation. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1975;121:641-2. PMID: 1090174
4. 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. PMID: 4912251
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. PMID: 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. PMID: 17531440
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
