What is oestradiol used for?

Oestradiol is a form of oestrogen. Depending on the purpose, it may be taken as part of hormone replacement therapy for symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats, or used locally in the vagina for dryness, irritation, and discomfort linked with low oestrogen.

The route matters. Tablets, patches, gels, sprays, and vaginal preparations deliver the medicine differently. If you have a womb, your clinician may prescribe another hormone alongside systemic oestradiol to protect the womb lining. The choice depends on your symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals.

Use the prescribed amount and application method, and keep follow-up appointments so symptoms and side effects can be reviewed. Tell your clinician about unexplained vaginal bleeding, previous blood clots, liver disease, breast or womb conditions, migraines, and medicines you take before starting treatment.

Do not change from a vaginal product to a systemic product without advice. Report new breast changes, troublesome bleeding, or symptoms that do not improve; another formulation or a different approach may be more suitable.

Seek urgent care for sudden chest pain, breathlessness, coughing blood, one-sided leg swelling or pain, sudden weakness, or difficulty speaking. Contact your clinician promptly for unexpected vaginal bleeding, a severe headache unlike your usual pattern, yellowing of the skin, or a new breast lump.

Which form of oestradiol fits my symptoms and health history? If I have a womb, do I need additional hormone protection, and how should unexpected bleeding be assessed?