Why is Estradiol Estrace prescribed?
Estradiol is a hormone, a substance produced by the body. It is needed for normal growth and development of female sex organs and for functions such as bearing children. Estradiol is used for symptoms associated with menopause: hot flashes (feelings of warmth in the face, neck, and chest), sweating, sleep disturbance, vaginal discomfort (dryness and itchiness), poor concentration, and irritability. It also is used in the treatment of breast cancer in postmenopausal women and breast and prostate cancer in men. Estradiol also is used with diet, calcium supplements, and exercise to slow the progression of osteoporosis, a disease common in women after menopause resulting in bones that break easily. Conjugated estrogens is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. How should Estradiol be used? Estradiol comes as a tablet to take by mouth, patches to apply externally to the skin, and as a cream to be inserted into the vagina. Oral Estradiol usua
