Oestrogen is used as a type of hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
The type of oestrogen most commonly used in HRT is known as estradiol.
It's used to treat symptoms of the menopause. It also helps prevent weakening bones (osteoporosis) which is common after the menopause.
Menopause is when your periods stop due to lower hormone levels. It usually affects women between the ages of 45 and 55, but it can happen earlier. It affects anyone who has periods.
The fall in the amount of oestrogen your body produces can cause symptoms such as:
- hot flushes
- low mood
- vaginal dryness or irritation
Taking oestrogen as a form of HRT restores your levels of oestrogen and helps to relieve these symptoms.
Types of oestrogen
Oestrogen is only available on prescription. It comes as tablets that you swallow and patches, gels or sprays that you put on your skin.
Brand names include:
- Fematab and Estrofem tablets
- Evorel and Estradot patches
- Divigel gel and Lenzetto spray
Another type, called conjugated oestrogen (brand name Premarin), is used less often.
There are other HRT medicines that also contain oestrogen.
These include:
- vaginal oestrogen - for vaginal dryness and irritation
- sequential combined HRT (oestrogen and progestogen) - for menopause symptoms if you're still having periods
- continuous combined HRT (oestrogen and progestogen) - for after your periods have stopped
HRT can take up to 3 months to work fully to improve your symptoms.