Dienestrol
Dienestrol is a synthetic non-steroidal estrogen medication used primarily as a topical vaginal cream to treat symptoms of vaginal atrophy associated with menopause, such as dryness, irritation, and painful intercourse. It works by replenishing estrogen levels locally in vaginal tissues to restore mucosal thickness and moisture.
Dienestrol is a topical estrogen cream used to treat vaginal atrophy and menopausal symptoms by restoring local estrogen levels.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- G03CB01
- RxNorm
- 3368
- Generic
- Dienestrol
- Class
- atc-g03
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- vaginal
- Forms
- cream
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesterabsolute contraindication
do not use during pregnancy. similar to diethylstilbestrol, dienestrol is a known teratogen associated with clear cell adenocarcinoma in offspring and other developmental abnormalities
not applicable - avoid completely
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesterabsolute contraindication
do not use during pregnancy
not applicable - avoid completely
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesterabsolute contraindication
do not use during pregnancy
not applicable - avoid completely
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingabsolute contraindication
do not use while breastfeeding. estrogen is excreted in breast milk and may suppress lactation
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyuse lowest effective dose, consider alternative therapies
use with caution due to increased risk of thromboembolic events, stroke, cardiovascular events, and gallbladder disease in older adults
regular monitoring of blood pressure, cardiovascular status, and signs of thromboembolism
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsnot indicated for pediatric use
not recommended for use in children or adolescents. avoid in prepubertal individuals
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentreduce dose or avoid use
use with caution in patients with renal impairment. estrogen metabolism may be altered
monitor renal function and fluid retention
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmentabsolute contraindication
do not use in patients with severe hepatic impairment or history of cholestatic jaundice
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
alcohol_users
chronic alcohol useavoid or limit alcohol consumption
limit alcohol intake while taking dienestrol as alcohol may increase estrogen-related hepatic stress
monitor liver function tests periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Withdrawn from market
Market status
Treatment of atrophic vaginitis and vaginal atrophy symptoms in postmenopausal women, including vaginal dryness, itching, burning sensation, and dyspareunia (painful intercourse). May also be used for kraurosis vulvae.
As a synthetic estrogen, dienestrol binds to estrogen receptors in vaginal epithelial cells, promoting cell proliferation and increasing vaginal mucus production. Its topical application allows local estrogenic effects with minimal systemic absorption.
Contraindicated in patients with known or suspected estrogen-dependent malignancies (breast cancer, endometrial cancer), undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, pregnancy, and history of thromboembolic disorders. Has a black box warning regarding endometrial cancer risk with unopposed estrogen use. Should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals. Regular gynecological examinations recommended during treatment.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy