Estradiol is an estrogen hormone which is used in a variety of applications, either on its own or in combination with other medications. Estrogen is important for regulating a variety of functions in the body; when levels are abnormal a wide range of unpleasant symptoms may develop, including the notorious hot flashes, mood swings, painful intercourse and other such symptoms associated with menopause.

However, menopause is not the only reason patients buy estradiol; it may also be used to:

• Prevent osteoporosis
• Prevent pregnancy
• Develop female characteristics
• Promote fertility
• Treat certain kinds of cancer
• Control abnormal vaginal bleeding

Given the volume of products containing estradiol, it is easiest to sort them by mode of delivery:

Estradiol Tablets

Tablets, such as Estrace, are used to manage symptoms of menopause, prevent osteoporosis, and, less commonly, to treat metastatic breast cancer in both men and women, and androgen-positive prostate cancer in men. Dosage depends on the condition being treated:

• For menopause or osteoporosis prevention, 1 to 2 mg daily, which may be taken long-term.
• In prostate cancer, 1-2 mg three times daily, taken for as long as beneficial.
• In metastatic breast cancer, 10 mg per day for 3 months or longer.

Note that while the product may be used to treat certain kinds of cancer, it increases the risk of developing other kinds of cancer; patients with a family or personal history of cancer should not buy estradiol products without first discussing risks with a doctor.

Estradiol Patches

Patches, such as brand-name products Climara or Estraderm, are typically used to treat symptoms of menopause or in osteoporosis prevention. Patches have the advantage of bypassing the liver, which makes the product a little more effective than tablets, and reduces the risk of certain side effects. Treatment is simple:

• Apply a patch to the buttocks, lower back, lower abdomen, or hips.
• Replace patch every 3 or 4 days.
• Never apply patches to the breasts.

Improvements in menopausal symptoms are usually noticeable in 3 to 8 weeks. Use may continue indefinitely if needed.

Estradiol Birth Control

It is actually a derivative of estradiol used in birth control, called ethinyl estradiol, and it is used in combination with a progestin hormone. Do not buy estradiol alone as a birth control method; it is unlikely to work and may cause complications. There are a few birth control options:

• Pills, such as Marvelon, Nordette, Yasmin and Yaz, are typical of oral birth control pills; active tablets are taken daily for 21 days, followed by 7 days of "reminder" pills.
• Patches, such as Ortho Evra, are applied to the buttocks, stomach, upper outer arm, or back once a week for 3 weeks, followed by a 1 week break.
• Vaginal Rings, such as NuvaRing, are inserted vaginally once per month.

Effects, and side effects, are similar to those of any hormonal contraceptive.

Vaginal Tablets & Creams

Estradiol can also be applied locally with products such as Vagifem, relieving vaginal symptoms of low estrogen, including dryness, itching, and painful intercourse. Little of the hormone is absorbed into the bloodstream, significantly reducing the risk of all side effects.

• Creams or tablets are usually applied daily for the first 3 weeks of treatment.
• Application may be reduced after initial treatment if desired; many women find 2 applications per week is sufficient.

Do not engage in unprotected intercourse while cream is applied; exposure to estrogen can cause undesirable side effects in men, such as development of female characteristics.

Our Business is Your Health

A prescription may be required to buy estradiol treatments, depending on the particular medication. In other cases clients can buy estradiol products through our online doctor for no additional charge. Click on the particular product of interest for more details about purchasing requirements. Clients are welcome to contact us with any questions.