estradiol

noun

es·​tra·​di·​ol ˌe-strə-ˈdī-ˌȯl  -ˌōl 

: a natural estrogenic hormone that is a phenolic alcohol C₁₈H₂₄O₂ secreted chiefly by the ovaries, that is the most potent of the naturally occurring estrogens, and that is administered in its natural or semisynthetic esterified form especially to treat menopausal symptoms

Examples of estradiol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Although vaginal estradiol later became available over the counter—making ongoing use harder to document—the researchers were still able to track long-term cancer outcomes through Finland’s national cancer registry, which records all cancer diagnoses. —Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 15 Dec. 2025

The reality is that men and women both have estradiol and testosterone. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 23 Oct. 2025

Testosterone and estradiol are dosed to meet physiologic targets rather than cosmetic goals. —Jason Phillips, USA Today, 23 Aug. 2025

With less estradiol and protective hormones, the bad cholesterol, known as LDL, is increased and the good cholesterol, HDL, decreases. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary estra- (from estrane parent compound of estradiol, from New Latin estrus + English -ane) + di- + -ol entry 1

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing estradiol

• ethinyl estradiol

Rhymes for estradiol

• oestradiol
• interradial
• radial

Medical Definition

estradiol

noun

es·​tra·​di·​ol ˌes-trə-ˈdī-ˌȯl  -ˌōl 

variants or chiefly British oestradiol

ˌē-strə-ˈdī-ˌȯl  ē-ˈstrad-ē-ˌȯl 

-ˌōl

: a natural estrogenic hormone that is a phenolic alcohol C₁₈H₂₄O₂ secreted chiefly by the ovaries, is the most potent of the naturally occurring estrogens, and is administered in its natural or semisynthetic esterified form especially to treat menopausal symptoms

called also dihydrotheelin

see estrace, estraderm, estring