Estradiol is the primary female sex hormone, crucial for maintaining bone density, vascular health, skin elasticity, and cognitive function. Injectable estradiol valerate provides a bioidentical form of the hormone, bypassing first-pass liver metabolism to achieve stable, physiological levels that can counteract many aspects of female reproductive aging.
Verdict
A foundational therapy for post-menopausal healthspan, requiring careful medical supervision.
HEALTHSPAN IMPACT
Foundational
RISK LEVEL
High
EVIDENCE GRADE
A
MONTHLY COST
$20 - $100
Protocol
- Typical doses range from 2-5 mg injected every 3.5 to 7 days to maintain stable physiological levels.
- Bloodwork is essential to titrate dose to target trough levels (e.g., 100-200 pg/mL).
- Must be co-administered with progesterone to protect the endometrium in women with a uterus.
Flags
- Requires co-administration with progesterone in women with an intact uterus to prevent endometrial cancer.
- Increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), stroke, and pulmonary embolism.
- Data on breast cancer risk is complex and depends on formulation, timing, and duration of use.
- Contraindicated in individuals with a history of estrogen-sensitive cancers, VTE, or severe liver disease.
- Requires regular monitoring via blood tests and clinical evaluation by a physician.