Estradiol
Estradiol is the body's principal natural estrogen, given as a medicine to replace what the ovaries stop producing. It acts on estrogen receptors in tissue throughout the body, restoring signalling that has fallen away. It is used for menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats and vaginal dryness.
Estrogen therapy raises the risk of venous blood clots, and that risk is the main reason it is a prescription decision rather than a personal one. Whether the treatment is working is judged by how symptoms respond rather than by blood estradiol levels, while ALT and triglycerides are followed because estrogen passes through the liver and can shift both. Breast screening should continue on the normal schedule throughout treatment, not be relaxed because symptoms have settled.
Pain or swelling in one leg, sudden shortness of breath or chest pain, and any new breast lump, skin change or unexpected vaginal bleeding are reasons to see a doctor without delay.
Reference information, not medical advice. Discuss any change with your doctor.