The female hormone
Estradiol is a sex hormone found in both male and female makeup and is responsible for major representation of estrogen in human beings. This hormone has serious implications on both sexual development and reproductive capabilities in women. It is sometime referred to as the female hormone but as mentioned above is actually present in men as well.
The steroid sometimes known as oestradial is produced by the glands in the ovaries called the granulose cells. Testosterone hormones are converted by aromatization into estradiol. It is known to drive secondary sex characteristics in women as an estrogen during sexual development originally being initiated during the period of puberty. The female shape gains its figure from the hormone in that it's responsible for shaping bones, joints, fat placements, and breast development. It also acts as a growth hormone for the tissues of female reproductive organs including the cervical glands and vaginal walls. In the female reproductive system estradiol is produced during the menstrual cycle and crucial to several phases of pregnancy.
Estradiol cream as a hormone therapy
Used in several hormone replacement therapies it is entered into the body either through topical application, oral ingestion, or through injections. Its synthetic form ethinylestradiol is commonly used as a major ingredient in hormonal contraceptive therapies. It does have a major impact on mood and reproductive ability so it is often prescribed to women who suffer post menopausal drops in estrogen as an HRT in combination with prgestrin. It is also found in the following medications:
- Estrace and Estrace Vaginal Cream (estradiol cream)
- Alora
- Climara
- Vivelle and Vivelle-Dot
- Activella
- Estring
- Menostar
- Estraderm
Effects on female libido
Depending on a woman's condition estradiol cream may have negative or positive impact on the female libido and there have been reports linking it to both cause and potentially treat female sexual dysfunction or FSD. While it is not FDA approved as a therapy in treatment of FSD or HSDD sometimes doctors or sexual health therapist will prescribe it as an option for women who suffer from serious hormonal imbalances which have been linked in lower sex drive, desire, and arousal. We cannot recommend this solution for boosting libido as it can have serious side effects so if you have been researching or investigating the use you would be best to consult with your doctor or gynecologist.
Side effects and alternatives
Known and reported side effects have included: tenderness of the breast, cholestasis, migraine headaches, uterine bleeding, and nausea so there are impacts you will need to be aware of before taking such a medication. As for alternatives there are many. In terms of increasing female libido we tend see recommendations of natural supplements available without prescription and have extensively reviewed most major offerings in the market today. Please feel free to read through our review sections and check out the other related topics on the site.