Estriol vs. Estradiol: What Every Woman Needs to Know About Their Oestrogen

Estriol vs. Estradiol: What Every Woman Needs to Know About Their Estrogen

Let’s talk oestrogen. You’ve probably heard of it – the hormone that keeps your periods running smoothly, your skin glowing, and your mood (mostly) in check. But did you know there’s more than one type of oestrogen in your body?

Yep, it’s not a “one-size-fits-all” situation. Estriol and Estradiol are two major forms of oestrogen that play very different roles at different stages of your life. Understanding the difference can be a game-changer, especially when you’re navigating perimenopause, postpartum recovery, or menopause. Let’s break it down.

Estradiol: The Queen Bee of Oestrogen

Think of estradiol as your body’s main estrogen during your reproductive years (from puberty to perimenopause). It’s powerful, potent, and keeps the show running:

  • Prepares your body for pregnancy

  • Keeps your bones strong

  • Supports mood, energy, skin, and libido

  • Helps maintain vaginal health and lubrication

But here’s the kicker: estradiol levels drop sharply at menopause, leaving you with symptoms like hot flushes, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and even changes in bladder health.

Estriol: The Gentle Healer

Estriol is the softer, weaker cousin of estradiol – about 1/10th the strength, in fact. Your body makes lots of estriol during pregnancy, thanks to the placenta. After that? It’s usually in much smaller amounts.

But here’s where estriol shines:
It’s perfect for targeted therapy in the vaginal area. Products like Ovestin cream or pessaries use estriol to gently restore moisture, reduce irritation, and rebuild the vaginal lining without a big impact on the rest of your body.

That’s why estriol-based treatments are often the go-to for postmenopausal vaginal symptoms – they get the job done without significantly raising systemic hormone levels.

When Do These Oestrogens Matter Most?

Life Stage Estradiol (E2) Estriol (E3)

Puberty -Perimenopause High (main player) Low

Pregnancy Moderate High (placenta powered!)

Postpartum Drops Low

Postmenopause Very low Low (unless using vaginal cream)


The Bottom Line

If you’re struggling with whole-body symptoms like hot flushes, mood swings, or bone health concerns, systemic estradiol therapy might be on the table.

If you’re feeling the burn (literally) with vaginal dryness, itching, or discomfort, local estriol therapy like Ovestin is a safer, more targeted option that doesn’t flood your whole system with hormones.

Your body, your choice. There’s no “right” answer – just the right answer for you. At Ivoryrose, we’re all about helping you understand your options, trust your body, and feel empowered to make the choices that work best for your life, right now.

Kathryn Warr