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Active pharmaceutical ingredient

Estriol

Estriol is a naturally occurring estrogen and one of the three main estrogens produced by the human body, primarily during pregnancy.

Compounded to order
Prescription required
Warwick, Rhode Island

About this ingredient

Estriol is a naturally occurring estrogen and one of the three primary estrogens produced by the human body, alongside estradiol and estrone. It is primarily synthesized in the placenta during pregnancy and is considered the weakest of the estrogens, with a unique profile that makes it particularly suitable for certain therapeutic applications.

In compounded formulations, estriol is often utilized for its beneficial effects in managing menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness, due to its ability to bind to estrogen receptors with a lower risk of stimulating breast and endometrial tissues. This makes it a preferred choice for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in women seeking relief from menopausal discomforts while minimizing potential side effects associated with stronger estrogens.

Estriol's role in skincare formulations is also noteworthy, as it can improve skin elasticity and hydration, making it a valuable component in anti-aging treatments. Its mild estrogenic activity helps in maintaining skin health without the heightened risks associated with more potent estrogens.

For prescribers, understanding the pharmacokinetics of estriol is crucial, as it is rapidly metabolized and excreted, necessitating specific dosing regimens to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes. Its safety profile, combined with its efficacy in targeted applications, underscores its importance in personalized medicine, particularly in the context of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.

Available formulations

Compounded formulations containing this ingredient

Each of these is compounded to order at our Warwick, Rhode Island pharmacy and requires a prescription.

Compounding formulary

Formulas we compound with this ingredient

A sample of preparations from our formulary. Strengths and dose forms are customised to the prescription.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

What is vaginal estriol used for?

Providers may use low-dose vaginal estriol as part of care for the genitourinary syndrome of menopause, vaginal dryness, irritation, and discomfort with intercourse, when they determine it is appropriate. A valid prescription is required.

Is vaginal estriol the same as taking estrogen for my whole body?

No. Low-dose vaginal estriol acts mainly on the local tissue and is absorbed into the rest of the body only in small amounts. Major societies distinguish low-dose vaginal estrogen from systemic estrogen therapy, and in 2025 the FDA removed the boxed warning from low-dose vaginal estrogen. Your provider decides what is right for you.

How much does compounded vaginal estriol cost?

Compounded vaginal estriol starts at $70 for 20 g, and the price varies with the form, strength, and size. Compounded preparations are cash-priced and are generally eligible for HSA and FSA cards. Where an FDA-approved vaginal estrogen product fits your prescriber's order, that is what we dispense, and it may be covered by your insurance. Call us at 401-284-4505 with the preparation and quantity your prescriber ordered and we will quote it before we make it.

Is estriol the same as estradiol?

No. They are two different estrogens the body makes. Estradiol (E2) is the most potent and is the main estrogen before menopause; estriol (E3) is the weakest of the three natural estrogens. That difference in potency is usually why a prescriber picks one over the other for local vaginal use. They are not interchangeable, and estradiol has FDA-approved low-dose vaginal products while estriol does not — estriol is available only as a compounded preparation. Which one suits you is your prescriber's decision.

Is estriol FDA-approved?

No. There is no FDA-approved estriol product in the United States, which is why vaginal estriol is available only through a compounding pharmacy and only against a valid prescription. Compounded preparations are not reviewed by the FDA for safety or effectiveness. FDA-approved low-dose vaginal estrogen products do exist using estradiol, and where one of those fits your prescriber's order, that is what a pharmacy dispenses.

Related

Related active ingredients

Other salt forms of this molecule, and ingredients commonly compounded alongside it.

Important information

This page describes an active pharmaceutical ingredient, not a finished drug product. Bayview Pharmacy compounds preparations containing it only on a prescriber's order for an individual patient.

Compounded preparations are not FDA-approved, and the FDA has not evaluated them for safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing quality. Nothing on this page is a claim that any preparation is effective for any condition.

A valid prescription is required. Availability depends on Bayview's licensure in your state. This page is general information, not medical advice — discuss your situation with a licensed healthcare provider.

Talk to a compounding pharmacist

Our pharmacists work with prescribers to build preparations around a patient's dose, form and tolerances. Ask us what is possible with this ingredient.