Estradiol is a female hormone (estrogen). It is used by women to help reduce vaginal symptoms of menopause (such as vaginal dryness/burning/itching). These symptoms are caused by the body making less estrogen. When treating only vaginal symptoms of menopause, products applied directly inside the vagina (such as this medication) should be used first. Estrogens that are taken by mouth, absorbed through the skin, or injected may have greater risks of side effects due to more estrogen being absorbed.

• Brand Name(s):Estrogel, Evamist
• Generic Name: Estradiol
• Drug Class: Estrogen Derivatives

This medication is a female hormone. It is used by women to help reduce symptoms of menopause (such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness). These symptoms are caused by the body making less estrogen. If you are using this medication to treat symptoms only in and around the vagina, products applied directly inside the vagina should be considered before medications that are taken by mouth, absorbed through the skin, or injected.
Certain estrogen products may also be used by women after menopause to prevent bone loss (osteoporosis). However, there are other medications (such as raloxifene, bisphosphonates including alendronate) that are also effective in preventing bone loss and may be safer. These medications should be considered for use before estrogen treatment.
Certain estrogen products may also be used by men and women to treat cancers (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 (for example, due to hypogonadism, primary ovarian failure).

How to use Estradiol

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor. You may take it with food or right after a meal to prevent stomach upset.
If you are taking the extended-release tablets, do not crush, chew, or dissolve them. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split extended-release tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day as directed. Follow your dosing schedule carefully. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often or for a longer time than directed.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Applies to the following strengths: valerate 40 mg/mL; valerate 10 mg/mL; valerate 20 mg/mL; cypionate 5 mg/mL; 0.05 mg/24 hr; 0.1 mg/24 hr; 0.025 mg/24 hours twice weekly; 0.05 mg/24 hours twice weekly; 0.075 mg/24 hours twice weekly; 0.1 mg/24 hours twice weekly; 0.52 mg/0.87 g (0.06%); 0.75 mg/1.25 g (0.06%); 0.025 mg/24 hours weekly; 0.0375 mg/24 hours twice weekly; 0.5 mg; 1 mg; 2 mg; 0.25 mg/0.25 g (0.1%); 0.5 mg/0.5 g (0.1%); 1 mg/1 g (0.1%); 0.05 mg/24 hours weekly; 0.075 mg/24 hours weekly; 0.1 mg/24 hours weekly; 0.0375 mg/24 hours weekly; 0.06 mg/24 hours weekly; 1.5 mg; acetate 0.45 mg; acetate 0.9 mg; acetate 1.8 mg; 1.53 mg/spray; benzoate; valerate; 14 mcg/24 hours weekly; hemihydrate; 0.75 mg/0.75 g (0.1%); 1.25 mg/1.25 g (0.1%)