Women's Health

Estradiol

Bioidentical estrogen support for perimenopause and menopause, individualized to your labs and symptoms.

Prescription onlyProvider supervisedCare team managed

Begin Your Journey See How It Works

Form Transdermal patch, gel, or cream; oral options where appropriate

Dosing Lowest effective dose, adjusted by your provider

Onset Hot flashes and sleep often improve within 2 to 4 weeks

Monitoring Symptom review and labs at 6 to 8 weeks, then every 6 months

Overview

What Estradiol is

Estradiol is the primary form of estrogen your body made before menopause. Bioidentical estradiol has the same molecular structure. Replacing it can ease hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disruption, vaginal dryness, and mood changes that come with falling levels. If you have a uterus, it is paired with progesterone to protect the uterine lining. Your provider chooses the form and dose based on your symptoms, labs, and health history.

Who it may be appropriate for

Women in perimenopause or menopause with symptoms affecting daily life
Women within roughly 10 years of menopause onset or under 60, where benefits are generally most favorable
Women who want ongoing monitoring rather than a one-time prescription

Who it is not for

Women with a history of breast cancer, estrogen-sensitive cancer, blood clots, stroke, or heart attack
Women with unexplained vaginal bleeding or active liver disease
Women who are pregnant or may be pregnant

What to expect

Your protocol, over time

1

Weeks 1 to 4

Hot flashes and night sweats usually begin to ease. Some breast tenderness or spotting can occur early.
2

Weeks 6 to 8

First follow-up. Your provider adjusts the dose based on symptoms and labs.
3

Ongoing

Reviews every 6 months. Your care team coordinates screening reminders and any changes.

Monitoring

What your care team watches

Every protocol is built on labs and reviewed by a licensed provider. Your care team tracks these markers and flags anything that needs attention before you have to ask.

Estradiol FSH Thyroid panel Lipid panel Comprehensive metabolic panel Up-to-date mammogram and cervical screening

Important safety information

Read this before you begin

Estrogen carries boxed warnings for endometrial cancer when used without progesterone in women with a uterus, and for cardiovascular events, stroke, blood clots, and breast cancer with long-term combined use.
Transdermal forms are generally associated with lower clotting risk than oral forms. Your provider will discuss which is right for you.
Report any unexplained vaginal bleeding, breast lumps, leg swelling, chest pain, sudden headache, or vision changes immediately.
Common side effects include breast tenderness, bloating, nausea, headache, and spotting, especially early on.
Use the lowest dose that manages symptoms for the shortest time consistent with your goals, reviewed regularly with your provider.

This is not a complete list of side effects, warnings, or interactions. Your provider will review your full history before prescribing and will provide complete medication information with your prescription. If you experience a medical emergency, call 911.

Questions

Frequently asked

Is bioidentical safer than other hormone therapy?

Bioidentical estradiol has the same structure as your own estrogen, but it carries the same class warnings as other estrogen therapy. The form and dose matter more than the label.

Do I need progesterone too?

If you have a uterus, yes. Estrogen alone can thicken the uterine lining. Progesterone protects it.

How long can I stay on it?

That is an individual decision reviewed with your provider at least yearly, weighing symptoms, age, and health history.

Membership provides access to Fortem's clinical care platform and provider network. All medical decisions are made by licensed providers. Fortem Health does not practice medicine. Results vary by individual. This platform is not a substitute for emergency medical care. Medication availability depends on state licensing and clinical appropriateness.