Estradiol Cream

Estradiol is a form of estrogen, a hormone. Estradiol cream is a compounded medication that a licensed provider may prescribe as part of a hormone therapy plan after reviewing your symptoms, health history, medications, and any lab work.

It is a compounded medication. It is prepared by a licensed pharmacy for an individual patient based on a prescription. It is not FDA approved, and the FDA has not evaluated it for safety, effectiveness, or quality. The strength, where and how to apply it, and how often are set by your prescriber and printed on your pharmacy label.

Estradiol replaces estrogen in the body. When applied as directed, it is absorbed through the skin or tissue where it is applied. Your provider decides whether estrogen therapy is appropriate, selects the strength and schedule, and adjusts the plan based on your symptoms and how you respond.

Treatment starts with an evaluation by a licensed provider, which may include a physical exam, lab work, and a review of your personal and family history. Your provider will explain how much to use, where to apply it, and how often. Follow-up visits are part of treatment, and your provider will usually aim to use the lowest dose that meets your needs for the shortest time that is appropriate.

If you have a uterus, your provider may talk with you about adding a progestogen to protect the lining of the uterus. Tell your provider right away about any unusual vaginal bleeding. Individual responses vary, and results are not guaranteed.

Whether estradiol is appropriate for you is a decision made by a licensed provider based on your symptoms, examination, and health history. It is not right for everyone and carries serious risks.

Tell your provider if you have or have had breast cancer or other estrogen-sensitive cancers, blood clots, stroke, heart attack, liver disease, unexplained vaginal bleeding, migraine with aura, or a family history of these conditions. Tell your provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and share every medication and supplement you take.

This page is general information and is not medical advice.

Commonly reported side effects include breast tenderness, headache, bloating, nausea, spotting or breakthrough bleeding, mood changes, and skin irritation where the cream is applied.

Serious risks include blood clots, stroke, heart attack, breast cancer, endometrial cancer, gallbladder disease, high blood pressure, and probable dementia in older women. Seek urgent care for chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, sudden weakness or numbness on one side, trouble speaking, severe headache, vision changes, or leg swelling and pain. Call your provider about unusual vaginal bleeding or a breast lump.