Learn about the side effects of estradiol, from common to rare, for consumers and healthcare professionals. Estradiol (E2), also called oestrogen, oestradiol, is an estrogen steroid hormone and the major female sex hormone. It is involved in the regulation of female reproductive cycles such as estrous and menstrual cycles. Estradiol is a form of estrogen, a female sex hormone that regulates many processes in the body. It is available as an oral tablet, a topical gel or patch, vaginal cream, or as an injection. Estradiol vaginal gel, insert, and ring are used to treat changes in and around the vagina (eg, vaginal dryness, itching, and burning) caused by low estrogen levels or menopause. Estradiol (E2) is the most potent and clinically measured form of estrogen. It is produced primarily in the ovaries in women, in small amounts by the testes in men, and in fat tissue in both sexes. Estradiol is an estrogen hormone. The hormone from the patch, gel, and spray is absorbed through your skin into your body. This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription. Find patient medical information for Estradiol (Delestrogen, Depo-Estradiol, Estrace) on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings, and user ratings Estradiol is the most potent of the three estrogens, playing key roles in bone health, mood, and reproduction in both women and men. ESTRADIOL (es tra DYE ole) reduces the number and severity of hot flashes due to menopause. It may also help relieve the symptoms of menopause, such as vaginal irritation, dryness, or pain during sex. Estradiol is used in menopausal hormone therapy to prevent and treat moderate to severe menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness and atrophy, and osteoporosis (bone loss). [11].