Estradiol: the main estrogen before menopause

Estradiol (E2) is the strongest and most abundant estrogen during the reproductive years, made mainly by the ovaries. Levels rise and fall across the cycle, fluctuate widely in perimenopause, and fall after menopause. Estradiol is also the estrogen used in many FDA-approved menopause hormone therapy products.

Estradiol testing

An estradiol blood test can help evaluate ovarian function and some conditions, but in perimenopause a single result can be misleading because levels change day to day. Results are interpreted by the ordering clinician alongside your history.

Estradiol as a medicine

Estradiol is prescribed as pills, skin patches, gels, sprays, vaginal creams, tablets, inserts and rings. Systemic forms treat hot flashes; low-dose vaginal forms treat GSM. Women with a uterus who use systemic estrogen also need a progestogen to protect the uterine lining.

When to talk with a healthcare professional

• Symptoms are affecting your sleep, work, relationships or daily life.
• You want to know whether a treatment fits your personal and family health history.
• You have an estradiol result and want to know what it means for you.

How Dot can help

Dot can store your symptom history next to treatments you choose to log, so you can review how you feel over time with your clinician.

How Dot works · Kindr Care clinical care

Related topics

• Estradiol (medication)
• Estrogen
• Oral vs transdermal estrogen
• Menopausal hormone therapy
• FSH

Sources

1. MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Estrogen Levels Test.
2. MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Estrogen: Drug Information.
3. The Menopause Society. The 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society. Menopause 2022;29(7):767–794 (2022).

This page is educational and not medical advice. Dot does not diagnose or prescribe. See our editorial policy.