What is Estradiol: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 15, 2024  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Estradiol overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Estrace, Gynodiol, Prefest, Prefest

Generic Names:

  • Estradiol

Uses:

  • Treats symptoms caused by menopause or removal of the ovaries, and treats prostate or breast cancer. Also prevents osteoporosis.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Endocrine-Metabolic Agent, Hormonal Contraceptive, Musculoskeletal Agent

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Estradiol used for?

Estradiol is an estrogen female sex hormone naturally produced in the body. As a medication, estradiol is used to treat symptoms of menopause and for osteoporosis prevention. Estradiol is a generic medication also available under the brand names Delestrogen, Evamist, Elestrin, Alora, EstroGel, Estrasorb, Vivelle, Divigel, Climara, Innofem, Estrace, Estraderm, and Menostar. In the treatment of menopausal symptoms, estradiol use is common.

What form(s) does Estradiol come in

  • Tablet

Common Estradiol prescriptions

  • Estradiol
    1 box (18 vaginal tablets), 10 mcg box

  • Estradiol
    1 box (30 gel packets), 0.25 mg/0.25 gm (0.1%) box

  • Estradiol
    1 box (30 gel packets), 0.5 mg/0.5 gm (0.1%) box

  • Estradiol
    1 box (30 gel packets), 0.75 mg/0.75gm (0.1%) box

  • Estradiol
    1 box (30 gel packets), 1.25 mg/1.25 gm (0.1%) box

  • Estradiol
    1 box (30 gel packets), 1mg/1gm (0.1%) box

  • Estradiol
    1 box (4 weekly patches), 0.025 mg/24 hr box

  • Estradiol
    1 box (4 weekly patches), 0.025 mg/24hr box

  • Estradiol
    1 box (4 weekly patches), 0.0375 mg/24hr box

  • Estradiol
    1 box (4 weekly patches), 0.05 mg/24 hr box

  • Estradiol
    1 box (4 weekly patches), 0.05 mg/24hr box

  • Estradiol
    1 box (4 weekly patches), 0.06 mg/24 hr box

  • Estradiol
    1 box (4 weekly patches), 0.06 mg/24hr box

  • Estradiol
    1 box (4 weekly patches), 0.075 mg/24 hr box

  • Estradiol
    1 box (4 weekly patches), 0.075 mg/24hr box

  • Estradiol
    1 box (4 weekly patches), 0.1 mg/24 hr box

  • Estradiol
    1 box (4 weekly patches), 37.5 mcg/24 hr box

  • Estradiol
    1 box (8 twice weekly patches), 0.025 mg/24 hr box

  • Estradiol
    1 box (8 twice weekly patches), 0.0375 mg/24 hr box

  • Estradiol
    1 box (8 twice weekly patches), 0.0375 mg/24hr box

  • Estradiol
    1 box (8 twice weekly patches), 0.05 mg/24 hr box

  • Estradiol
    1 box (8 twice weekly patches), 0.05 mg/24hr box

  • Estradiol
    1 box (8 twice weekly patches), 0.075 mg/24 hr box

  • Estradiol
    1 box (8 twice weekly patches), 0.075 mg/24hr box

  • Estradiol
    1 box (8 twice weekly patches), 0.1 mg/24 hr box

  • Estradiol
    1 box (8 twice weekly patches), 0.1 mg/24hr box

  • Estradiol
    1 box (8 vaginal tablets), 10 mcg box

  • Estradiol
    4 patch weekly box

  • Estradiol
    0.5mg tablet

  • Estradiol
    1mg tablet

  • Estradiol
    2mg tablet

  • Estradiol
    42.5gm of 0.1mg/gm tube of cream

How to take Estradiol

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.

  • You may take your medicine with food or milk to avoid stomach upset.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.

  • You may take your medicine with food or milk to avoid stomach upset.

What to do if you miss a dose of Estradiol

  • If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.

  • Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Estradiol contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to estrogen medicines, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you have had a blood clot, or if you have vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor. You should not use this medicine if you have had cancer of the uterus, or in certain cases of breast cancer.

Estradiol warnings

  • Although it is unlikely that a postmenopausal woman might become pregnant, you should know that using this medicine while you are pregnant could harm the unborn baby. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have gallbladder disease, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia), liver disease, asthma, epilepsy, migraine headaches, kidney disease, high cholesterol, or blood clots.

  • Taking large doses of estrogens over a long period of time may increase your risk of some kinds of cancer. If you have questions about this risk, talk with your doctor.

  • Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine (usually every 6 to 12 months). Be sure to keep all appointments.

  • Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.

  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

  • Vaginal bleeding of unknown cause

Estradiol interactions

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using a blood thinner (Coumadin®).

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have gallbladder disease, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia), liver disease, asthma, epilepsy, migraine headaches, kidney disease, high cholesterol, or blood clots.

  • Taking large doses of estrogens over a long period of time may increase your risk of some kinds of cancer. If you have questions about this risk, talk with your doctor.

  • Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine (usually every 6 to 12 months). Be sure to keep all appointments.

  • Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.

Estradiol side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Vaginal bleeding of unknown cause

  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

  • Shortness of breath, coughing up blood

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

  • Lumps in breast (women and men)

  • Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, pain in your chest or leg (calf)

  • Severe headache or vomiting, dizziness, slurred speech

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Vaginal itching or discharge

  • Swollen and tender breasts (women and men)

  • Changes in hair growth

  • Changes in your vision

  • Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, bloated feeling