Estradiol is a form of estrogen hormone, which is a steroid sex hormone important to the maintenance of fertility and secondary sexual characteristics in females. It is a derivative formulated for oral or parenteral administration. Tis hormone binds to and activates specific nuclear receptors. It exhibits mild anabolic and metabolic properties, and increases blood coagulability. It acts as an Estrogen Receptor Agonist. It is available in conventional tablet form.

Class of Drugs – Estrogen Receptor Agonist

Molecular Formula – C₁₈H₂₄O₂

Molecular Weight – 272.4 g/mol

Working: This steroid hormone medication Estradiol is a female hormone. This hormone is used by women to reduce vaginal symptoms of menopause such as vaginal dryness/burning/itching. They are caused when the body makes less estrogen. While treating only vaginal symptoms of menopause, medications can be applied directly inside the vagina. Estrogens that are taken orally, absorbed through the skin, or injected may have greater risks of side effects due to more estrogen being absorbed.

Uses: This female hormone is used by women to relieve the symptoms of menopause caused due to less estrogen. Certain estrogen medications may also be used by women after menopause to prevent bone loss condition like osteoporosis. However, there are other solutions that are also effective in preventing bone loss and may be safer. Estradiol should be considered for use before estrogen treatment.

This medication can be used by men and women to treat cancers such as certain types of prostate cancer, breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body and by women who are not able to produce enough estrogen due to hypogonadism or primary ovarian failure.

Popular Brands and Dosages: This active hormone is used in popular brand medicines as follows:

• Estrace Estradiol: 1 mg and 2 mg
• Vivelle Dot: 1 mg and 2 mg
• Vagifem:  1 mg  and 2 mg
• Premarin: 1 mg and 2 mg
• Progynova: 1 mg and 2 mg

Do not consume tobacco containing products while taking this medicine, it may worsen the symptoms.