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Estradiol

Estradiol is an oestrogen hormone tablet used mainly for menopause symptoms and low oestrogen levels.

Clinical information

Common uses

  • moderate to severe hot flushes and menopause symptoms
  • vulval and vaginal atrophy
  • low oestrogen from hypogonadism or ovarian failure
  • prevention of osteoporosis (selected women)

Common side effects

  • breast tenderness or enlargement
  • nausea, bloating and abdominal cramps
  • changes in vaginal bleeding pattern
  • headache or migraine
  • fluid retention and weight changes

Cautions

  • boxed warning: raised risk of endometrial cancer — unexplained vaginal bleeding must be checked
  • trials found raised risk of heart attack, stroke, blood clots and breast cancer
  • not with liver disease, oestrogen-dependent cancer or clot history
  • use the lowest dose for the shortest time

Interactions

  • thyroid replacement — higher thyroid hormone doses may be needed
  • changes results of many laboratory tests

Pregnancy: do not use in pregnancy

Reference information, not medical advice — always follow your doctor or pharmacist. Source: DailyMed, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov, Estradiol Tablets USP (Epic Pharma) label, setid 5c9a2e0f-704b-4d16-8ea3-d94f7f36ce6b (accessed 2026-08-16)

Approved brands & formulations3

Brand nameDosage formStrengthImporterCategory
EstradiolTransdermal Patch0.025mgPOM
Estradiol ValerateTablet2mgPOM
Estradiol ValerateTablet1mgPOM
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