Estriol in local hormone therapy: clinical aspects and oncological alertness
Dubrovina S.O.
During menopause, when hypoestrogenism leads to atrophic changes in the vaginal mucosa, the use of local estrogens plays an important role in a number of preventive and therapeutic strategies. The use of estriol has been justified due to its strong affinity for estrogen receptors, its minimal systemic effects, and its high safety when applied locally. This makes it a safer option compared to other estrogen-containing drugs, as it reduces the risk of both systemic side effects and the development of cancer. This article presents a review of recent studies demonstrating the use of estriol in menopause during oncological processes and its effect on a woman’s body. Particular attention is given to the analysis of the data on the oncological safety of local hormone therapy with estriol. It includes the results of long-term clinical observations and meta-analyses, which show a low probability of developing gynecological tumors when this drug is used properly. The issues of individual aspects of prescription, optimal treatment plans, and monitoring the effectiveness and safety of treatment are discussed. The article also provides a critical analysis of the risks and benefits of using estriol for the prevention and treatment of vaginal conditions, allowing us to draw conclusions about the potential for expanding its use in clinical practice. This analysis takes into account modern standards for the safety and efficacy of gynecological hormone therapies.
Conclusion: The use of estriol in local hormone therapy shows promising potential for expanding its clinical use, given its high oncological safety. These findings help to improve modern standards of obstetric and gynecological care, the quality of life for women during menopause and the postmenopausal period, and treatment of gynecological conditions that require hormonal correction.
Conflicts of interest: The author declares lack of the possible conflicts of interest.
Funding: The study was conducted without sponsorship.
For citation: Dubrovina S.O. Estriol in local hormone therapy: clinical aspects and oncological alertness.
Akusherstvo i Ginekologiya/Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2025; (12): 154-161 (in Russian)
https://dx.doi.org/10.18565/aig.2025.344
Keywords
References
- The NAMS 2017 Hormone Therapy Position Statement Advisory Panel. The 2017 hormone therapy position statement of The North American Menopause Society. Menopause. 2017; 24(7): 728-53. https://dx.doi.org/10.1097/GME.0000000000000921
- Doust J., Huguenin A., Hickey M. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause: does everyone have it? Clin. Obstet. Gynecol. 2024; 67(1): 4-12. https://dx.doi.org/10.1097/GRF.0000000000000834
- Skinner R., Wallace W.H., Levitt G.A. Long-term follow-up of people who have survived cancer during childhood. Lancet Oncol. 2006; 7(6): 489-98. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S1470-2045(06)70724-0
- Crean-Tate K.K., Faubion S.S., Pederson H.J., Vencill J.A., Batur P. Management of genitourinary syndrome of menopause in female cancer patients: a focus on vaginal hormonaltherapy. Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 2020; 222(2): 103-13. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2019.08.043
- Biglia N., Cozzarella G., Cacciari F., Ponzone R., Roagna R., Maggiorotto F. et al. Menopause after breast cancer: a survey on breast cancer survivors. Maturitas. 2003; 45(1): 29-38. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0378-5122(03)00087-2
- Faubion S.S., Larkin L.C., Stuenkel C.A., Bachmann G.A., Chism L.A., Kagan R., Kaunitz A.M. et al. Management of genitourinary syndrome of menopause in women with or at high risk for breast cancer: consensus recommendations from The North American Menopause Society and The International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health. Menopause. 2018; 25(6): 596-608. https://dx.doi.org/10.1097/GME.0000000000001121
- Wigertz A., Ahlgren J., Holmqvist M., Fornander T., Adolfsson J., Lindman H. et al. Adherence and discontinuation of adjuvant hormonal therapy in breast cancer patients: a population-based study. Breast Cancer Res. Treat. 2012; 133(1): 367-73. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10549-012-1961-4
- Мерабишвили В. М., Семиглазов В. Ф., Комяхов А.В., Семиглазова Т.Ю.,Криворотько П.В., Беляев А.М. Состояние онкологической помощи в России: рак молочной железы. Эпидемиология и выживаемость больных. Влияние эпидемии бета-варианта коронавируса SARS-CoV-2 (клинико-популяционное исследование). Опухоли женской репродуктивной системы 2023; 19(3): 16-24. [Merabishvili V.M., Semiglazov V.F., Komyakhov A.V., Semiglazova T.Yu., Krivorotko P.V., Belyaev A.M. The state of cancer care in Russia: breast cancer. Epidemiology and survival of patients. The impact of the SARS-CoV-2-beta-coronavirus epidemic (clinical and population study). Tumors of female reproductive system. 2023; 19(3): 16-24 (in Russian)]. https://dx.doi.org/10.17650/1994-4098-2023-19-3-16-24
- Каприн А.Д., Старинский В.В., Шахзадова А.О., ред. Злокачественные новообразования в России в 2021 г. (заболеваемость и смертность). М.: МНИОИ им. П.А. Герцена − филиал ФГБУ «НМИЦ радиологии» Минздрава России; 2022: 252 c. [Kaprin A.D., Starinsky V.V., Shakhzadova A.O., eds. Malignant neoplasms in Russia in 2021 (incidence and mortality). Moscow: P. Herzen Moscow Oncology Research Institute − branch of the National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation; 2022: 252 p. (in Russian)].
- “The 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society” Advisory Panel. The 2022 hormone therapy position statement of The North American Menopause Society. Menopause. 2022; 29(7): 767-94. https://dx.doi.org/10.1097/GME.0000000000002028
- Cho L., Kaunitz A.M., Faubion S.S., Hayes S.N., Lau E.S., Pristera N. et al.; ACC CVD in Women Committee. Rethinking menopausal hormone therapy: for whom, what, when, and how long? Circulation. 2023; 147(7): 597-10. https://dx.doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.122.061559
- Hirschberg A.L., Sánchez-Rovira P., Presa-Lorite J., Campos-Delgado M., Gil-Gil M., Lidbrink E. et al. Efficacy and safety of ultra-low dose 0,005 % estriol vaginal gel for the treatment of vulvovaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women with early breast cancer treated with nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitors: a phase II, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Menopause. 2020; 27(5): 526-34. https://dx.doi.org/10.1097/GME.0000000000001497
- Beste M.E., Kaunitz A.M., McKinney J.A., Sanchez-Ramos L. Vaginal estrogen use in breast cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis of recurrence and mortality risks. Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 2025; 232(3): 262-70. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2024.10.054
- Mendoza N., Ramírez I., de la Viuda E., Coronado P., Baquedano L., Llaneza P. et al. Eligibility criteria for Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT): a position statement from a consortium of scientific societies for the use of MHT in women with medical conditions. MHT Eligibility Criteria Group. Maturitas. 2022; 166: 65-85. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2022.08.008
- Шляхто Е.В., Сухих Г.Т., Серов В.Н., Дедов И.И., Арутюнов Г.П., Сучков И.А. Российские критерии приемлемости назначения менопаузальной гормональной терапии пациенткам с сердечно-сосудистыми и метаболическими заболеваниями. Согласительный документ Российского кардиологического общества, Российского общества акушеров-гинекологов, Российской ассоциации эндокринологов, Евразийской ассоциации терапевтов, Ассоциации флебологов России. Акушерство и гинекология. 2023; 11: 211-32. [Shlyakhto E.V., Sukhikh G.T., Serov V.N., Dedov I.I., Arutyunov G.P., Suchkov I.A. Russian eligibility criteria for menopausal hormone therapy in patients with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Consensus document of the Russian Society of Cardiology, Russian Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Russian Association of Endocrinologists, Eurasian Association of Therapists, Russian Phlebological Association. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2023; (11): 211-32 (in Russian)]. https://dx.doi.org/10.18565/aig.2021.267
- Дубровина С.О. Перенесенный рак: что делать с климактерическим синдромом – проблема и решение. Акушерство и гинекология. 2025; 1: 134-44. [Dubrovina S.O. Managing menopause after cancer: the problem and the solution. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2025; (1): 134-44 (in Russian)]. https://dx.doi.org/10.18565/aig.2025.8
- Pruthi S., Simon J.A., Early A.P. Current overview of the management of urogenital atrophy in women with breast cancer. Breast J. 2011; 17(4): 403-08. https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1524-4741.2011.01089.x
- Kendall A., Dowsett M., Folkerd E., Smith I. Caution: vaginal estradiol appears to be contraindicated in postmenopausal women on adjuvant aromatase inhibitors. Ann. Oncol. 2006; 17(4): 584-7. https://dx.doi.org/10.1093/annonc/mdj127
- Sánchez-Rovira P., Hirschberg A.L., Gil-Gil M., Bermejo-De Las Heras B., Nieto-Magro C. A phase II prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled and multicenter clinical trial to assess the safety of 0,005% estriol vaginal gel in hormone receptor-positive postmenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer in treatment with aromatase inhibitor in the adjuvant setting. Oncologist. 2020; 25(12): 1846-54. https://dx.doi.org/10.1634/theoncologist.2020-0417
- ACOG Committee Opinion No. 659: The use of vaginal estrogen in women with a history of estrogen-dependent breast cancer. Obstet. Gynecol. 2016; 127(3): e93-6. https://dx.doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0000000000001351
- Cucciniello L., Miglietta F., Guarneri V., Puglisi F. Managing sexual health challenges in breast cancer survivors: a comprehensive review. Breast. 2024; 76: 103754. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.breast.2024.103754
- Cucinella L., Tiranini L., Cassani C., Martella S., Nappi R.E. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause in breast cancer survivors: current perspectives on the role of laser therapy. Int. J. Womens Health. 2023; 15: 1261-82. https://dx.doi.org/10.2147/IJWH.S414509
- McVicker L., Labeit A.M., Coupland C.A.C., Hicks B., Hughes C., McMenamin Ú. et al. Vaginal estrogen therapy use and survival in females with breast cancer. JAMA Oncol. 2024; 10(1): 103-8. https://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jamaoncol.2023.4508
- ВИДАЛЬ. Справочник лекарственных средств. Эстрокад® (Estrokad), рег. №: ЛП-(012302)-(РГ-RU) от 31.10.25. Инструкция по применению. Доступно по: https://www.vidal.ru/drugs/estrokad__12543 [VIDAL. Estrokad® (Estrokad), reg. No.: LP-(012302)-(RG-RU) dated 31.10.25. Instructions for use. Available at: https://www.vidal.ru/drugs/estrokad__12543 (in Russian)].
- Буданов П.В., Лебедев В.А., Пашков В.М. Оценка эффективности местной заместительной терапии при атрофическом кольпите. Вопросы гинекологии, акушерства и перинатологии. 2008; 7(1): 71-6. [Budanov P.V., Lebedev V.A., Pashkov V.M. Evaluation of the effectiveness of local replacement therapy in atrophic colpitis. Gynecology, Obstetrics and Perinatology. 2008; 7(1): 71-6 (in Russian)].
- Tan-Kim J., Shah N.M., Do D., Menefee S.A. Efficacy of vaginal estrogen for recurrent urinary tract infection prevention in hypoestrogenic women. Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 2023; 229(2): 143.e1-9. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2023.05.002
- Raz R., Stamm W.E. A controlled trial of intravaginal estriol in postmenopausal women with recurrent urinary tract infections. N. Engl. Med. 1993; 329(11): 753-6. https://dx.doi.org/10.1056/NEJM199309093291102
- Hirschberg A.L., Bitzer J., Cano A., Ceausu I., Chedraui P., Durmusoglu F. et al. Topical estrogens and non-hormonal preparations for postmenopausal vulvovaginal atrophy: an EMAS clinical guide. Maturitas. 2021; 148: 55-61. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2021.04.005
- Cardozo L., Lose G., McClish D., Versi E. A systematic review of the effects of estrogens for symptoms suggestive of overactive bladder. Acta Obstet. Gynecol. Scand. 2004; 83(10): 892-7. https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.0001-6349.2004.00581.x
- Te West N.I.D., Harris K., Jeffrey S., de Nie I., Parkin K., Roovers J.P. et al. The effect of 12 weeks of estriol cream on stress urinary incontinence post-menopause: a prospective multinational observational study. Neurourol. Urodyn. 2023; 42(4): 799-806. https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/nau.25165
- Дикке Г.Б., Гурская Т.Ю., Прокофьева С.В., Стольникова И.И., Андреева А.С., Репина Н.Б., Яговкина Н.В., Теплых С.В., Федорова Е.П. Эффективность и безопасность вагинального эстриола в ультранизкой дозе в терапии генитоуринарного менопаузального синдрома: многоцентровое рандомизированное контролируемое испытание III фазы. Акушерство и гинекология. 2022; 12: 146-56. [Dikke G.B., Gurskaya T.Yu., Prokofievа S.V., Stolnikova I.I., Andreeva A.S., Repina N.B., Yagovkina N.V., Teplykh S.V., Fedorova E.P. Efficacy and safety of ultra-low dose vaginal estriol in the therapy of genitourinary syndrome of menopause: a phase III multicenter randomized controlled trial. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2022; (12): 146-56 (in Russian)]. https://dx.doi.org/10.18565/aig.2022.303
Received 25.11.2025
Accepted 15.12.2025
About the Authors
Svetlana O. Dubrovina, Professor, Dr. Med. Sci., Chief Researcher, Rostov State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia,344012, Russia, Rostov-on-Don, Nakhichevanskiy lane, 39, +7(863)250-42-00, s.dubrovina@gmail.com



