Estradiol is an estrogen steroid hormone replacement, designed for the regulation of the women’s menstrual cycle and for the appearance and maintenance of the female sexual characteristics (although it is also produced in the lower portion of the male body).

During puberty it contributes to the maturing of the female reproductive organs (such as vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries), and stimulates the ultimate appearance of secondary sex characteristics (development of breasts and the typical body shape with deposition of fat on the breast, hips and thighs). It also plays a protective role against osteoporosis.

 

What is Estradiol?

Estradiol as hormone replacement therapy is usually prescribed to women in post-menopausal phase, to control the typical symptoms and prevent diseases associated with this condition, such as osteoporosis.

 

How should Estradiol be taken?

Estradiol may be taken in the form of tablets for oral use, in the form of transdermal patch, in the form of injection solutions and in the form of gel for local use.

 

Side effects associated with Estradiol

There are several side effects recognized from the use of estradiol. Among the most frequent are:

  • Weight changes
  • Increasing breast size and tenderness
  • Changes in liver function
  • Glucose tolerance disorders
  • Migraine
  • Palpitations
  • General malaise
  • Dizziness
  • Depression
  • Libido changes
  • Endometrial hyperplasia
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Cystitis
  • Hypercholesterolemia
  • Dyspnea
  • Rhinitis

Please note that generally the use of the transdermal patch and gel, reduces the adverse effects more than oral intake.

 

Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Estradiol

It is important to remember that the therapies including estrogens increase the risk of developing breast cancer, endometrial cancer and other diseases such as thromboembolic disease, coronary heart disease and stroke. The use of the drug during pregnancy and breast-feeding is contraindicated, although epidemiological studies, to date have not revealed teratogenic or mutagenic effects on the fetus.