People's Pharmacy

Estrace

Generic Name:estradiol

Revised:4/1/2000

Table of Contents

Overview

Estrogen-like drugs are being used ever more widely to treat a number of conditions associated with menopause and later life in women.

In addition to menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes or vaginal dryness, Estrace may also be prescribed to prevent osteoporosis and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Estrogen can also be helpful in various conditions where a woman does not produce enough natural estrogen.

Certain cancers in men and women may benefit from estrogen therapy.

Estradiol is also the active ingredient in Climara, Estraderm, and Vivelle skin patches, which are prescribed primarily to menopausal women.

Estrace vaginal cream is used primarily to counteract vaginal symptoms following menopause; estradiol is absorbed from the vagina into the bloodstream.