Estriol (E3)
BackWhat is Estriol (E3)?
Estriol (E3) is a naturally occurring estrogen hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy. It is one of the three main estrogens present in the human body, along with estradiol and estrone.
What is Estriol (E3) used for?
Estriol (E3) is sometimes used to treat symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. It is also used to treat certain urinary and genital problems in women and to prevent osteoporosis. In some cases, Estriol (E3) has also been used to treat prostate cancer in men.
How is Estriol (E3) administered?
Estriol (E3) is available in several forms, including oral tablets, creams, and suppositories. The specific form and dosage will depend on the condition being treated and the individual patient.
What are the potential side effects of Estriol (E3)?
Common side effects of Estriol (E3) include nausea, vomiting, bloating, breast tenderness, and headache. More serious side effects, such as blood clots, heart attack, and stroke, are rare but possible.
Is Estriol (E3) safe to use during pregnancy?
Estriol (E3) is considered safe to use during pregnancy, as it is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the placenta. However, it should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Can Estriol (E3) be used to treat menopause in all women?
No, Estriol (E3) may not be suitable for all women experiencing menopause. It may not be effective for all individuals and certain health conditions may contraindicate its use. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any treatment for menopause.
Is Estriol (E3) the same as other forms of estrogen?
No, Estriol (E3) is one of three main estrogens present in the human body and has a unique chemical structure and set of properties. It may have different effects compared to other forms of estrogen, such as estradiol or estrone.
Can Estriol (E3) be used to treat other conditions besides menopause?
Estriol (E3) has been used to treat a variety of conditions in addition to menopause, including urinary and genital problems in women and prostate cancer in men. However, its effectiveness and safety for these uses have not been fully established and more research is needed.
American Academy of Family Physicians. (2019). Menopause. Retrieved from https://www.aafp.org/health/diseases-and-conditions/menopause.html
Mayo Clinic. (2021). Estriol. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/estriol-oral-route/description/drg-20069470
National Institute on Aging. (2021). Menopause and Perimenopause. Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/menopause-and-perimenopause
National Library of Medicine. (2021). Estriol. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29054367