Estradiol: A Deep Dive into Its Story, Science, and Tomorrow

Historical Development

Estradiol didn't just show up in pharmacy cabinets overnight. Early researchers noticed its powerful role in female health back in the 1920s, but extracting it from biological materials like pig ovaries took both patience and heaps of livestock. After years of sweat and trial, scientists pinned down its chemical identity and then set off down the path of organic synthesis. Over decades, new methods cut costs, boosted output, and stripped away the animal origins. The rise of synthetic estradiol changed medicine: doctors could treat hormone deficiencies, manage menopausal symptoms, and enable birth control on a scale that would have amazed those first pioneers. Innovations didn’t happen in a vacuum, either. Women's health became a larger conversation, and estradiol rose alongside it, supported by growing data and a healthcare system hungry for safer, more reliable treatments.

Product Overview

Today, estradiol stands as a key ingredient in hormone therapies, available in tablets, patches, gels, and injections. Patients and doctors alike gravitate toward this compound because it matches the primary natural estrogen in humans. Commercial brands carry names like Estrace, Estrogel, and Climara, but behind the labels sits the same backbone molecule—17β-estradiol. Clinicians recognize it for its reliable absorption, short plasma half-life, and predictable impact on estrogen-sensitive tissue. Clinical use extends far beyond menopause; transgender women, those with certain cancers, and individuals facing hormonal imbalances all rely on its ability to regulate and restore. The path from chemistry bench to pharmacy shelf now crosses regulation, rigorous testing, and endless debates not just about formulation, but about what it means to access gender-affirming or menopausal care.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Estradiol comes as a white, odorless powder, poorly soluble in water but eager for organic solvents like ethanol, chloroform, and ether. With a molecular formula of C18H24O2 and a molecular weight near 272.38 g/mol, it sports a complex, four-ring steroid structure. Melting points typically hover between 173–179°C. This form is stable under normal storage, though exposure to light and heat slowly degrades its bioactivity. In my lab work years ago, I saw firsthand how even minor handling steps—cracking a vial, missing a cap—could tip yields by milligrams. That finicky nature drives both manufacturing protocols and how clinicians handle the compound. Chemical stability means little if daily conditions risk contamination, and those who prepare injectables or measure oral doses learn fast where mistakes trim effectiveness.

Technical Specifications & Labeling

Commercial estradiol arrives with clear labeling: dose, mode of administration, and crucial excipients. United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and European Pharmacopeia (EP) set strict guidelines for purity (not less than 98.0%), identifying tests, and limits on heavy metals and residual solvents. Labels warn of storage at 20–25°C, stress the risks of accidental exposure, and highlight critical shelf lives. Packaging for hospital products sometimes gets stricter—unit-dose vials, color coding, tamper-evident seals. Reviewing product inserts for clinical trials taught me just how much fine print supports drug safety, from off-gassing checks to child-resistant caps. Above all, the technical language never keeps the most pressing facts out of reach for patients when it comes to contraindications or adverse reactions.

Preparation Method

Modern production favors total chemical synthesis. Most commercial processes start from precursors like diosgenin extracted from plants such as yams or soy, transforming them over several steps—oxidation, reduction, methylation—to match the tight specifications estradiol demands. Process engineers fight for high purity and yield at each stage, tackling contaminants and byproducts. I remember tours of bulk API facilities: rows of reactors humming, workers in gowns monitoring pH and temperature, periodic sampling to catch trouble before it starts. Downstream processing strips away solvents and crystallizes the product, readying it for final QC. Small batch labs and compounding pharmacies may adapt or modify methods, but the fundamentals—rigor, cleanliness, precision—don’t change. The industry leans on decades of chemical ingenuity, balancing cost against regulatory scrutiny and human safety.

Chemical Reactions & Modifications

Estradiol’s double bonds and alcohol groups make it ripe for chemical tweaking. By forming esters—like estradiol valerate or estradiol cypionate—chemists make derivatives that dissolve better in oils, stretch release time, and fit different routes of administration. Hospitals use these long-acting esters for depot injections that keep hormone levels steady for weeks. Other modifications, such as methyl substitution or ring fusion, generate related analogs like ethinylestradiol, the backbone of most birth control pills. Scientists seeking novel therapies often play with estradiol’s side chains or ring saturation, hoping to adjust receptor selectivity or tissue effects. Every small adjustment, though, draws pushback from regulators demanding exhaustive data to prove any new variant’s safety profile. The tension between innovation and caution defines pharma at this level—and has shaped estradiol’s entire modern history.

Synonyms & Product Names

Estradiol isn’t hiding behind a single name. Medical literature and commercial lingo carry a stack of aliases: 17β-estradiol, E2, oestradiol in British texts, and names like Estrace or Estrofem depending on the region. Even generic drug companies stamp their own codes and trademarks on the compound. These synonyms follow regulatory standards but still sow confusion, especially for patients traveling or switching providers. The chemistry stays the same, with national medicine lists and formularies cross-referencing compounds to prevent mix-ups. From my perspective in pharmacies, clerical errors often stem from overlapping brand and generic names, so professionals have to keep sharp eyes on documentation, particularly for drugs with narrow dosing margins like estradiol.

Safety & Operational Standards

Handling estradiol, whether synthesizing, compounding, or simply dispensing, requires strict safety controls. The compound acts as an endocrine disrupter—even tiny exposures can trigger unwanted biological effects. Staff don gloves, masks, and sometimes full PPE in raw material prep areas. Cleanrooms with controlled airflow and filtration keep batches from cross-contaminating and protect against inadvertent human exposure. For healthcare workers, guidelines spell out glove changes, spill protocols, and meticulous handwashing. Occupational safety rules come from agencies like OSHA in the US, Health Canada, and the European Medicines Agency, each demanding rigorous handling logs and incident reporting. From real-world experience, I’ve seen both under-trained and over-cautious environments, but consistent training and clear SOPs keep workplaces safe. Just as safety shapes production, it protects patients; doctors must screen for contraindications—breast cancer risk, thrombosis history, liver dysfunction—before prescribing.

Application Area

Estradiol plays a major role in clinical practice, mostly targeting women’s health but also transgender medicine and select cancer therapies. It sits at the heart of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause—quelling hot flashes, vaginal atrophy, and bone density loss. Prescribers use it in contraceptives, alone or with progestins, and as gender-affirming therapy for transgender women. Medical teams prescribe estradiol patches or gels for patients with chronic liver disease who can't process oral estrogens well. Some prostatic and breast cancer treatments feed off hormone signaling, leading physicians to cut or modulate estradiol exposure. Beyond clinical medicine, researchers use trace-labeled estradiol in receptor-binding studies, molecular imaging, and preclinical models of endocrine disease. Each setting demands different delivery systems, stability conditions, and dosing oversight.

Research & Development

The R&D world around estradiol pulses with activity. Recent years brought microneedle patches, improved bioavailability gels, and even transdermal sprays. Drug designers fight to reduce first-pass hepatic metabolism, limit dosing variability, and further lower the chances of venous thromboembolism. Researchers chase new polymorphs and delivery vehicles—from nanoparticles to dissolving oral films—that might offer steadier plasma levels or gentler side effects. Universities and start-ups launch trials to find estradiol’s role in cognitive protection, cardiovascular aging, and even rare metabolic disorders. My old academic lab ran projects exploring selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), using estradiol as a yardstick for both efficacy and safety profiles. Hard questions around long-term cancer risk, benefits versus harms, and individualized dosing still drive grants and late-night meetings.

Toxicity Research

Estradiol doesn’t get a free pass just because it’s “natural.” Exposure at high concentrations or over long periods links strongly to endometrial hyperplasia, breast cancer, and thromboembolic events. Large epidemiological studies pick apart HRT risks, finding that age, dose, delivery method, and combined use with progestins all shape safety. Lab assays gauge genotoxicity, cytotoxicity, and reproductive impacts—especially since environmental estrogens leach into water and food chains. Toxicologists watch for estrogenic effects in wildlife, flagging how hormone residues disrupt fish populations and may cycle back to humans. Clinics monitor for side effects—nausea, edema, headache—but the real scrutiny falls on blood clots, cardiovascular incidents, and malignancy risk. Thoughtful prescribing still offers big benefits for some, but the onus sits on doctors to track, mitigate, and explain these dangers clearly.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, estradiol’s story isn’t slowing down. Biotechnology aims for “bio-identical” production in yeast or algae to slash environmental burdens and manufacturing costs. Personalized medicine trends point toward tailored hormone profiles, dosing schedules, and even local, tissue-selective estrogen delivery. Digital health tools link patients and providers, flagging side effects before escalation and easing access for remote or underserved populations. Regulators push for greener chemical syntheses, less waste, and lower risk to both handlers and the public. Technological breakthroughs could shrink pill burden, improve compliance, or reveal estradiol’s untapped role in men’s or children’s health. In the meantime, careful stewardship—from research, production, prescription, and monitoring—remains the anchor, protecting both individual health and public trust in this storied compound.



What is Estradiol used for?

Understanding Estradiol’s Purpose

Estradiol has a reputation for being a women’s medication, but the truth stretches across a wide spectrum of health issues. Most people hear about it in the context of menopause, since many women start asking their doctors about hot flashes and night sweats as they age. Estradiol tackles these symptoms by replacing the hormone the body stops making. I’ve seen friends struggle with unbearable heat at night, waking up several times, drenched and exhausted. They tried natural remedies first—soy, yoga, endless supplements—but nothing worked like a prescription for estradiol. Within a week, sleep returned, and moods stabilized.

Beyond its use in menopause, estradiol fills an essential need for women who have had their ovaries removed due to cancer, endometriosis, or other health problems. Suddenly losing natural estrogen is like flipping a switch, with bone density dropping, skin aging faster, and the heart working harder. The risk of osteoporosis rises quickly after menopause or ovary removal, so the replacement through estradiol becomes more than comfort—it’s protection for bones and the heart. A large Nurses’ Health Study tracked thousands of women and found that hormone therapy cut the chance of hip fractures nearly in half among users compared to non-users.

Estradiol’s Role in Transgender Care

Another critical aspect of estradiol comes up in transgender healthcare. For transgender women, estradiol provides the hormone their bodies need to develop feminine traits. This process runs deeper than changing physical appearance; it shapes well-being, mental health, and even safety. Without enough estradiol, the process of transition can be incomplete, causing distress. According to the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey, transgender women using hormone therapy reported far lower levels of depression compared to those unable to access care.

Estradiol Isn’t Without Risks

Taking estradiol isn’t a casual step. Patients sit with doctors, talking over risks like blood clots, strokes, or cancers. My grandmother’s physician insisted on monitoring her closely, warning that a history of breast cancer or clotting disorders created extra danger. With regular bloodwork and open lines of communication, they adjusted her dose until she reached the right balance. For smokers, risk multiplies, especially in women over 35. Keeping an eye on blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as lifestyle changes, often stays part of the plan.

Some women find patches or topical gels work better than pills because they avoid some side effects linked to the digestive system. Transgender women might use injections or patches as well, adjusting with their doctors to avoid sharp swings in hormone levels. The option to personalize treatment isn’t just a technical detail—it keeps people safe and helps them stick with therapy.

Better Access, Better Outcomes

Access to accurate information and quality medical care stands at the core of estradiol’s effective use. For years, inaccurate scare stories or sensational media coverage have pushed some people away from safe hormone options. In my experience, those who form a steady partnership with a knowledgeable provider experience longer-lasting benefits and avoid many of the pitfalls. Health insurers should cover estradiol for all approved uses, including transgender health needs. Medical schools and continuing education also need strong guidance on hormone therapy, teaching future doctors how it works, what to watch for, and how to help patients make informed choices. This hormone remains a key player in women’s health and gender-affirming care, as long as accurate science and hands-on support remain priorities.

What are the side effects of Estradiol?

Why Should We Care About Estradiol Side Effects?

Estradiol plays a core role in managing hormone therapy for many people. It helps shape gender-affirming care, supports those navigating menopause, and addresses other hormone-related issues. Doctors trust it, pharmacists stock it, and patients look for hope in each prescription. I’ve spoken to people whose daily routines revolve around this pill or patch, and they’ll tell you: the results are real, but the side effects are just as real.

Common Physical Changes and Challenges

Taking estradiol often leads to sensitive breast tissue and noticeable tenderness. That’s a sign the body’s reacting, but not always in a way that feels comfortable. Bloating, occasional headaches, and changes in weight aren’t rare complaints—real people get frustrated, and clothing size sometimes becomes a guessing game. High blood pressure can sneak up on people, especially after a few years on estradiol. It’s not just about numbers on a chart; heart health connects to everything from daily energy to future risks.

Emotional Ripple Effects

Some folks feel more balanced or even joyful once therapy starts, but mood swings can swing hard, too. I’ve heard plenty of stories where emotions rush in like a wave, sometimes for no clear reason. Increased anxiety, sometimes bouts of depression. This isn’t just about “feeling blue,” it can tilt relationships and work life, pushing people to search for help. Research out of the Mayo Clinic links mood changes to hormone fluctuations during estradiol therapy, especially for those sensitive to shifts in serotonin levels.

Serious Risks That Deserve Attention

Blood clots count among the most serious risks. Folks who smoke, and people with a clotting disorder, hear about this one a lot from their doctors. The risk grows with age, too. Strokes and heart attacks—those are the words that get everyone’s attention, because nobody expects a simple pill to change things so quickly. History and family health play into this risk, which means open conversations matter before starting or continuing treatment.

Changes to liver function sometimes turn up in lab work, and doctors know to monitor this. Occasionally, vision changes pop up; someone notices their eyesight shifting, and a quick trip to the optometrist turns into a broader health investigation. There have been occasional links to gallbladder issues as well, including gallstones, which can be a painful surprise months or years into treatment. These aren’t the most common problems, but they show why it pays to check in with healthcare teams.

Solutions and Best Practices

People worried about side effects shouldn’t just tough it out and suffer in silence. Open communication with doctors gives the best shot at finding a dose or method—pill, patch, or gel—that fits one’s life and health history. Regular blood tests and blood pressure checks catch trouble early, often before symptoms get out of hand. I’ve seen care teams encourage diet and exercise changes to head off weight gain and cholesterol bumps. Avoiding smoking and heavy alcohol use goes a long way to cut serious risks.

Education builds confidence, not fear. Community support groups, transparent clinics, and honest discussion offer reassurance and advice you’d never find in a drug insert. Estradiol brings real benefits, but nobody should have to compromise on well-being along the way.

How should I take Estradiol?

The Basics

Estradiol plays a key role in many lives. Whether someone is navigating hormone replacement therapy for menopause, managing symptoms of low estrogen, or transitioning as part of gender-affirming care, estradiol brings change you can feel and measure. Pills, patches, gels, and injections are the main ways doctors prescribe estradiol. There's real variety, each route offering a mix of benefits and drawbacks.

Methods That Go Beyond a Prescription Pad

A lot of people expect a doctor to just hand out a pill, but how you get estradiol into your system shapes how your body responds. Tablets are simple to use and often cost less, especially if insurance is tight. These go through your stomach and liver, which can change how much actually gets into your system. Transdermal patches or gels bypass that first-pass processing. They tend to keep hormone levels steadier, and some studies show less effect on things like clotting risk and cholesterol. Injections work fast and deliver full sized doses. Some people swear by them for steady moods or energy, others find the ups and downs between shots tough to handle.

There’s No Substitute for Good Medical Guidance

Choosing how to take estradiol isn’t just about what’s stocked at your pharmacy. Some people come in with blood clot risks, liver conditions, or migraines. I’ve seen how these details shape the safest route forward. A doctor should dig deep into family history and weigh current medications like blood thinners. With hormone care, one size never fits all.

Daily Habits Make a Difference

Estradiol doesn’t work in a vacuum. I know some folks who miss a few tablets here and there—life gets busy, routines break down—but patterns like this slow or mess up progress. Patches need a clean, dry spot and a little planning. Gels mean waiting for skin to dry. Each method asks for a bit of discipline. Consistency wins out over big swings, especially if your goal is stable mood or smoother skin changes.

Safety Checks Aren’t Optional

Regular check-ins with a trusted provider help catch side effects or unwanted shifts early. Estradiol interacts with other meds, can affect blood pressure, and sometimes tweaks blood sugar or liver markers. Blood tests don’t just measure hormone levels; they track your body’s bigger reaction.

Community Knowledge Shapes Good Habits

In real life, tips from those who’ve used estradiol sometimes fill the gaps left by doctors or the usual package insert. Simple advice—like setting reminders on your phone for your dose or rotating patch locations—comes from people living this day to day. Personal stories highlight how slow changes can be, or how skin reacts differently to various patch brands. There’s real wisdom in lending an ear to peer support, especially for those starting out.

Science Isn’t Static

Research into estradiol here keeps evolving. For years, all the focus was on menopausal symptoms, but more recently clinics tune in to quality of life for trans women and non-binary people. Medical guidelines reflect this change, often calling for lower doses, tailored treatment, and regular checkups. Talking with your doctor keeps you close to the latest recommendations.

What Can Help?

Think about talking goals over with your provider. Blood tests, lifestyle, age, and risk factors build a roadmap. Setting reminders and pairing doses with meals or morning routines keeps things on track. Watching for unexpected changes—swelling, mood swings, headaches—and reporting them early helps prevent bigger problems down the road. Most importantly, don’t hesitate to ask questions or push for care that actually supports your needs.

Can Estradiol be used for hormone replacement therapy?

Understanding the Basics

People want answers about estradiol for hormone replacement therapy because the hormone carries a big responsibility in many bodies. Estradiol, a form of estrogen, plays an essential role in transgender care, menopause treatment, and certain medical problems where hormone levels need a boost. Questions come up in doctor’s offices and online support groups. Some feel lost in the tide of information, not sure who to trust or what approach actually helps.

Real Life Experience with Estradiol

My aunt struggled with menopause symptoms, and when she brought her problems to her doctor, the talk quickly turned to estradiol. Hot flashes, sleep loss, night sweats—she faced all of them. Her doctor explained how hormone therapy could lift her quality of life. There’s a lot at stake for people like her. The right dose smooths out the rough edges of transition or aging, but the wrong plan can bring side effects or long-term health risk.

Transgender women look at estradiol as a gateway to feeling better in their own skin. Some fight insurance hurdles, others end up stuck with old patches or low-dose pills that don’t make enough difference. Community stories paint estradiol as a lifeline. Research backs up what people live every day. Trusted centers—like the Endocrine Society—support estradiol as one of the safest and most effective forms of hormone therapy.

The Facts Behind Estradiol Therapy

Oral, patch, and injectable estradiol options pop up in pharmacies. Doctors track with blood tests because too little won’t solve symptoms and too much can strain the body. Studies show that the patch brings a lower risk of blood clots than the pill, especially as people age or if they face higher vascular risk. A 2023 survey published in JAMA showed most users reported better mood, boosted sleep, and improvements in sexual well-being.

No solution runs risk-free, and estradiol is no different. Blood clot risk, some link to certain cancers, and impacts on liver health make it necessary to check in with a specialist who listens and monitors closely. Those risks can run higher for smokers or people with a family history of blood clots. People can’t just pick up estradiol from the pharmacy shelf and hope for the best.

The Role of Quality Information and Trust

False information about estradiol makes the rounds on social media and unsecure sites. Some platforms push “bioidentical” formulations with wild claims. Patients benefit most when doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and specialists team up. Good care grows from open talk, careful screening, and evidence—not hype or one-size-fits-all opinion.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration keeps a close eye on hormone therapies, pulling any batch that falls out of line with safety guidelines. Pharmacies that sell quality-controlled, prescription-grade estradiol play a crucial role. Anyone starting hormone therapy should stick with licensed professionals and established prescriptions, never ordering from risky websites or using someone else’s medication.

Better Solutions for Patients

Insurance hurdles, high cost, and a shortage of hormone-literate providers create pain points across the country. Advocacy efforts target policy change to help more people get quality care. Grassroots groups teach people how to ask their doctors the right questions, and larger health systems have begun training staff to work respectfully with both transgender and menopausal patients.

Access to trustworthy, evidence-based information can change lives. People sorting out which path works for them often need more honest talk and fewer barriers between them and help.

Are there any risks or warnings associated with Estradiol?

Digging Into Why Estradiol Matters

Estradiol often gets handed out for hormone therapy, especially to women dealing with menopause symptoms, but doctors also prescribe it for other reasons. Folks notice big changes, from hot flashes easing up to skin looking better. As familiar as this medicine is in women’s health, it sometimes gets taken for granted. I remember how a friend’s mom started on estradiol, and the family celebrated watching her mood stabilize. Still, after some weeks, she faced side effects nobody warned about. That’s an issue across clinics—patients deserve to know the full picture.

Common Side Effects: Not Always Harmless

Some side effects happen more than others. Most people have heard of bloating or breast tenderness. For a lot of folks, those effects fade. Nausea isn’t rare either, and a mild headache can come with each dose. None of these scare most patients away. What’s tougher to swallow is that side effects don’t always stop there—sometimes, bigger trouble brews beneath the surface.

Bigger Health Concerns Tied To Estradiol

Blood clots are at the top of the list. Strong research, especially from JAMA and the FDA, points to a jump in clot risk, especially for smokers or those with heart trouble. Strokes and heart attacks appear in the warning sheet, and patients with a past clot risk do better asking their provider about safer options. Doctors have seen other warnings pop up too—breast or endometrial cancer rates climb with long-term use, especially if progestin isn’t paired with estradiol in women who still have their uterus.

These aren’t just hypotheticals. A 2019 review in The Lancet showed hormone therapy bumps up breast cancer risk, and those numbers lingered years after stopping. No wonder guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists stress regular cancer screenings for anyone on estrogen treatment.

Risks Don’t Stop With Cancer and Clots

Liver issues sometimes sneak up. Some folks get itchy skin or jaundice—classic liver warning signs. Eyes and blood pressure need regular checks too, especially since upcoming visits can catch vision changes or high pressure early. It isn’t rare to see sugar levels creep up, pushing some people closer to diabetes—a hidden price for hormone stability.

Paying Attention and Taking Action

Doctors want to help, but patients need full, honest conversations. If estradiol could mix badly with old medical problems, it’s on every provider to run a risk check—not just for the paperwork, but for real lives at stake. Regular blood work, mammograms, and keeping blood pressure under control aren’t extra steps; they’re basic self-respect. If anyone sees new symptoms—leg swelling, chest pain, unusual bleeding—getting to a clinic quickly always trumps hoping things get better.

These days, options spread way beyond old-school hormone pills. Patches and gels might lower certain risks. Non-hormonal fixes like lifestyle changes, CBT, or alternative medications (like SSRIs for hot flashes) can make sense for some folks too.

Turning Warnings Into Better Choices

Estradiol’s story comes with big benefits, but nobody benefits from keeping quiet about risks. Transparency—backed by science and clear communication—sets people up to make choices that fit their bodies and their values. My friend’s family realized knowledge was their real shield, not just the prescription bottle. Every patient deserves that same respect: not just a pill, but a plan.

Estradiol
Names
Preferred IUPAC name estra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3,17β-diol
Other names E2
17β-Estradiol
β-Estradiol
Oestradiol
Estrace
Estraderm
Pronunciation /ɛs.trəˈdaɪ.ə.l/
Preferred IUPAC name (ESTRADIOL-17β) string
Other names 17β-estradiol
E2
oestradiol
Pronunciation /ɛsˈtrædi.ɒl/
Identifiers
CAS Number 50-28-2
Beilstein Reference 25307
ChEBI CHEBI:16469
ChEMBL CHEMBL1296
ChemSpider 6820
DrugBank DB00783
ECHA InfoCard 05bfa5b058e5-3a9e-46fd-be05-9fcefc535b1f
EC Number 200-023-8
Gmelin Reference 2989
KEGG C00474
MeSH D004967
PubChem CID 5757
RTECS number KW3895000
UNII R9340W6HES
UN number UN2811
CAS Number 50-28-2
Beilstein Reference 1462
ChEBI CHEBI:16469
ChEMBL CHEMBL1296
ChemSpider 6823
DrugBank DB00783
ECHA InfoCard 05d87099-e54c-4a6e-b7fa-5d2e0d8c9b27
EC Number 3.1.1.62
Gmelin Reference 13609
KEGG C00474
MeSH D004967
PubChem CID 5757
RTECS number KW3895000
UNII GGO4Y809LO
UN number UN2811
CompTox Dashboard (EPA) DTXSID7020182
Properties
Chemical formula C18H24O2
Molar mass 272.38 g/mol
Appearance White or almost white crystalline powder
Odor Odorless
Density 1.17 g/cm³
Solubility in water Slightly soluble in water
log P 3.94
Vapor pressure 6.6 x 10^-10 mmHg
Acidity (pKa) 10.3
Basicity (pKb) 14.44
Magnetic susceptibility (χ) -90.0e-6 cm³/mol
Refractive index (nD) 1.582
Viscosity 2.1 cP
Dipole moment 2.48 D
Chemical formula C18H24O2
Molar mass 272.38 g/mol
Appearance White or almost white crystalline powder
Odor Odorless
Density 1.17 g/cm3
Solubility in water Insoluble
log P 3.94
Vapor pressure 8.10E-09 mmHg
Acidity (pKa) 10.4
Basicity (pKb) –5.46
Magnetic susceptibility (χ) -93.0e-6 cm³/mol
Refractive index (nD) 1.594
Dipole moment 2.20 D
Thermochemistry
Std molar entropy (S⦵298) 383.59 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹
Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) -487.7 kJ/mol
Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) -34910 kJ/mol
Std molar entropy (S⦵298) 523.3 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹
Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) -489.5 kJ/mol
Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) -34739 kJ/mol
Pharmacology
ATC code G03CA03
ATC code G03CA03
Hazards
Main hazards May cause cancer; causes skin and eye irritation; may cause reproductive and developmental toxicity; harmful if swallowed or absorbed through skin.
GHS labelling GHS02, GHS07, GHS08
Pictograms 🌡️💊♀️
Hazard statements H360
Precautionary statements P201, P202, P280, P308+P313, P405, P501
NFPA 704 (fire diamond) 2-1-0
Flash point 143°C
Autoignition temperature 410 °C
Lethal dose or concentration LD50 (rat, oral): 480 mg/kg
LD50 (median dose) LD50 (median dose): 4,800 mg/kg (oral, rat)
NIOSH Not established
PEL (Permissible) 5 mg/m³
REL (Recommended) 1-2 mg/tab
IDLH (Immediate danger) IDLH: Not listed
Main hazards Main hazards: Harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. May cause cancer. May impair fertility. May cause harm to the unborn child.
GHS labelling GHS07, GHS08
Pictograms Estrogen only
Signal word Danger
Hazard statements H315, H319, H361fd
Precautionary statements P202, P210, P280, P308+P313, P405, P501
NFPA 704 (fire diamond) Health: 2, Flammability: 1, Instability: 0, Special: -
Flash point 110°C
Autoignition temperature 410°C
Lethal dose or concentration LD50 (rat, oral): 480 mg/kg
LD50 (median dose) 48000 µg/kg
NIOSH N2017
PEL (Permissible) PEL: 0.1 mg/m³
REL (Recommended) 0.001 mg
IDLH (Immediate danger) No IDLH established
Related compounds
Related compounds Estrone
Estriol
Ethinylestradiol
Estradiol valerate
Estradiol cypionate
Related compounds Estrone
Estriol
Ethinylestradiol
Mestranol
Diethylstilbestrol