Estring and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• Pri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 17, 2018

For Atrophic Vaginitis "Started two weeks ago for leak control. Have been on Vivelle dot for 10 years, no weight gain. On Estring, plus patch and gained 5 pounds. Went off patch one week ago... still very bloated... but hot flashes. Back on smaller doses patch with Estring but now went off after two weeks due to weight gain. Note: My weight has always been perfect, I was always quite slender, so a 5-pound fluctuation is significant in my case. No change to diet or exercise. I will report again in two weeks of being off Estring."

• ski...
• March 24, 2010

For Atrophic Vaginitis "I had extreme pain during intercourse and also experienced severe atrophy. The Estring provided a miracle solution. I have had no side effects, except a little weight gain. My vagina seems to be more lubricated, and intercourse is no longer painful. I am wondering if it is okay to go in a hot tub and take hot baths with it. I have not found the answer to this question anywhere."

• Ele...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 23, 2018

For Atrophic Vaginitis "The first time I used it, within days the vaginal dryness was gone. But I gained 6 lbs, got belly bloat, and developed an odor. It was extremely difficult to remove! The second time using it, I had some pressure and odor (no infection), and then after a total of 6 months, I finally realized that my hot flashes came back due to the ring. I had them ever since I began using this... I am done! Coconut oil for me!"

• Eve...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 31, 2016

For Atrophic Vaginitis "Estring makes a huge difference in my life. It restored my ability to have normal sex (win!), with no pain and with normal lubrication. I've used it for 2+ years. The first few months my weight went up 10+ lbs, and I've been unable to lose weight. It is worth getting used to a new normal weight for me to feel normal again. I have a false advertising complaint against Estring. Their coupon says in large letters, 'Pay no more than $15 for your ESTRING prescription.' The very fine print says, 'savings are limited to $100 for each of 4 uses,' meaning you only save $100 for each Rx, but this Rx is VERY expensive, so no one pays $15, but usually much more. Still, some savings are better than none."

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 31, 2020

For Atrophic Vaginitis "Just took it out due to odd back pain. Noticed when I first put it in, it brought back the hot flashes, and then when it wore off after 3 months, the hot flashes showed back up with the declining estrogen levels. Some weight gain. Cost is absurd. With a coupon, it was over $400. I don’t even want to think about a cost per use as in how many more times did I have sex with my husband while it was in. Didn’t help at all with my sex drive. Removing it took multiple attempts. Going to take a break from it now. Didn’t notice a big difference. Still needed artificial lubrication with sex."

• Dog...
• February 7, 2016

For Atrophic Vaginitis "The Estring worked very well for vaginal atrophy and dryness. Intercourse was no longer painful. However, I had it for three months and gained 7 lbs during that time, (with no other changes to my diet or exercise regimen), almost all of it showing up in my belly! I took it out for a few days while waiting to refill the prescription and immediately lost 2 lbs. As soon as I put the new one in, I regained the 2 lbs in a matter of a few days. I'm not sure if I'm going to keep using it. I love the convenience, as I had tried Estrace cream and found it messy and a hassle to remember to use it, and the Estring definitely alleviated my symptoms, but I can't stand the weight gain."

• AAW...
• March 23, 2017

For Atrophic Vaginitis "I have been using it for almost 10 years - it was definitely not this expensive when I started. My first cost was only $75, then it went to $100, and my doctor gave me one of the manufacturers' coupons. I did only pay $15 for each ring until last year when I needed a new prescription. The new coupon has a max discount amount of $100, and the product is almost $400. I am thinking of stopping - it seems the more popular it got, the more expensive it got. I don't like the weight gain, but enjoying sex with my husband is a way better trade-off. I may just go back to the hassle of the cream."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 6, 2015

For Atrophic Vaginitis "I stopped using Estring after the first 3-month ring. I gained 10 lbs during those 3 months. My hot flashes returned, and I still had pain during intercourse. I regret ever trying it. I wish I had my $150.00 back!"

• Jle...
• January 28, 2017

For Atrophic Vaginitis "I've been using Estring for 10 years without any side effects whatsoever. Just recently, I have gained 10 lbs and can't figure out why. Also cannot get it off. Perhaps it's time to stop the treatment and see what happens. My question, if anyone can share, once stopped, does the sweating and other symptoms return? I've just turned 60 and feel great. Don't want to have the unwanted effects. But totally open to stopping the Estring if it's dangerous to continue after all these years. My most recent doctor said it's okay to stay on it even though my mother and sister have had breast cancer."

• Fed...
• January 26, 2016

For Atrophic Vaginitis "Initially, I had stomach pains, like period pains. Then I got really bad PMT. When my husband asked if I wanted a cup of tea and my reaction was an extremely aggressive 'why,' I realized it was time to take out the ring. I thought I might be able to do a week on and a few days off, but I got very sore within 36 hours of re-insertion. I also put on weight, which my osteopath says I can't afford to carry. I had a hysterectomy 20 years ago and now have vaginal atrophy, there seems no other treatment, but I would not go back to this ever."