Estradiol is the most active form of Estrogen in the body, primarily produced by the ovaries. This hormone is 80 times more potent than Estriol which many commonly use in cream form. Estriol is not safer than any other estrogen, and its principle action is in the vaginal wall. Estriol is a worthless metabolite of Estradiol and is the form which is excreted from the body in the urine in highest quantities.
Estradiol acts as an anti-oxidant and has cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and musculoskeletal protective effects. Bio-identical estradiol improves quality of life, it improves moods, vaginal and urethral tissue strength and elasticity reducing stress incontinence and urinary tract infections, improves bone mineral density, reduces hot flashes and vaginal dryness, improves cholesterol levels, and does not increase the risk of breast cancer. If you had a breast cancer that was estrogen sensitive (fewer than 15% of all breast cancers), it could make it worse but it does not cause breast cancer.
Estradiol acts as an anti-oxidant and has cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and musculoskeletal protective effects. Bio-identical estradiol improves quality of life, it improves moods, vaginal and urethral tissue strength and elasticity reducing stress incontinence and urinary tract infections, improves bone mineral density, reduces hot flashes and vaginal dryness, improves cholesterol levels, and does not increase the risk of breast cancer. If you had a breast cancer that was estrogen sensitive (fewer than 15% of all breast cancers), it could make it worse but it does not cause breast cancer.
Oral 17-beta estradiol can increase SHBG (a binding protein in the blood stream) which reduces acne and hirsuitism, and has been shown in some studies to increase longevity but it also increases Matrix metalloproteinase which can increase blood vessel plaque release if started > several years after menopause.
Transdermal Estradiol (pellet, patch, or cream) reduces triglyceride levels and reduces blood vessel inflammation and is not associated with a release of Matrix metalloproteinase but does not then increase SHBG.
There is a 34% reduction in coronary artery events in those who began bio-identical 17-Beta Estradiol therapy between the ages of 50-59.
The greatest health risks come in women who go into menopause and are not on any bio-identical hormone replacement as they become highly symptomatic, and there body goes through accelerated aging due to the loss of these vital hormones. Quality of life is significantly reduced, risk of fractures and coronary events go up, loss of youthful skin, increase in vaginal and urinary symptoms, loss of strength and energy, etc. Bio-identical hormone pellets can last in women from 4-8 months after insertion.