Medically reviewed by Jessica Swirble, PharmD
Last updated on 5/3/2024

Drug Information | Side Effects | Use & Dosage | Request a Prescription

• Brand Name: Estrace, Vivelle-Dot, Climara, Estring, Femring, Imvexxy, Vagifem, Divigel, Elestrin, Alora, Estradot, Estrogel, Evamist, Menostar
  
• Generic Name: Estradiol
  
• Uses: Treating symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness, hormone replacement therapy, and certain cases of breast cancer and prostate cancer
  
• Drug Class: Estrogen hormone
  
• Availability: Prescription only
  
• Generic Status: Yes
  
• Controlled Substance: No
  
  

Estradiol is a form of estrogen, a female sex hormone produced by the ovaries. It is used primarily in hormone replacement therapy to alleviate symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and irritation. It also plays a role in the treatment of certain cases of breast and prostate cancer.

Estradiol is primarily used to treat conditions such as:

• Menopausal symptoms: Helps reduce hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal discomfort.
  
• Hormone replacement therapy: Supplements or replaces estrogen naturally produced by the ovaries, which diminishes during menopause.
  
• Osteoporosis prevention: Used in postmenopausal women to help prevent bone loss and fractures.
  
• Breast and prostate cancer: Certain types that are responsive to hormones may be treated with estradiol.
  
  

It may also be prescribed for other hormone-related conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

Estradiol works by supplementing the estrogen naturally produced by the body, which decreases during menopause. By replacing estrogen, estradiol helps alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms associated with lowered hormone levels and supports normal bodily functions that rely on estrogen.

Estradiol can be taken in various forms, depending on the specific needs:

• Oral tablets (Estrace): Typically taken once daily.
  
• Topical patches (Vivelle-Dot, Climara): Applied to the skin and changed at intervals prescribed by a healthcare provider.
  
• Vaginal creams, rings, or tablets: Used to treat local symptoms of menopause like vaginal dryness and irritation.
  
  

The dosage and duration of treatment depend on the condition being treated, its severity, and your response to the medication.

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding dosage and schedule. Do not exceed the prescribed dose or duration of treatment without consulting your provider.

The effectiveness of estradiol and the time it takes to notice improvement can vary among individuals. Improvement in menopausal symptoms can be noticed within a few weeks, but it may take longer to feel its full effects.

Continue taking estradiol as prescribed even if you start feeling better. Do not abruptly stop the medication, as it may lead to a recurrence of symptoms.

While estradiol is primarily used for managing menopausal symptoms and hormone replacement, healthcare providers may sometimes prescribe it off-label for other conditions, such as:

• Menstrual migraines
  
• Postpartum depression
  
  

Discuss any alternative uses of estradiol with your healthcare provider.

Estradiol is available in the following dosage forms:

• Oral tablets: Commonly available in dosages such as 0.5mg, 1mg, and 2mg.
  
• Topical patches: Available in various strengths and are typically changed once or twice a week.
  
• Vaginal creams, rings, or tablets: Specifically designed for localized treatment of vaginal symptoms.
  
  

Generic versions of estradiol are available, providing cost-effective treatment options.

Estradiol is a prescription medication. You will need a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider to obtain this medication.