---
title: "What is the difference between estradiol and estrogen"
description: "Learn the difference between estradiol and estrogen, plus how estradiol helps treat menopause symptoms and vaginal or urinary dryness."
url: "https://www.myalloy.com/knowledge-base/what-is-the-difference-between-estradiol-and-estrogen"
---

# What is the difference between estradiol and estrogen

> Learn the difference between estradiol and estrogen, plus how estradiol helps treat menopause symptoms and vaginal or urinary dryness.

## What is the difference between estradiol and estrogen?

Estrogen is the general name for a group of hormones. Estradiol is one specific type of estrogen, and it’s the body’s primary, most potent estrogen during the reproductive years. The body also makes other estrogens, including estriol and estrone.

So the simplest way to think about it is this: estrogen is the category, estradiol is one member of that category.

Here at Alloy, estradiol is the form we use in several menopause treatments because it can help replace the estrogen that drops in perimenopause and menopause. For whole-body symptoms, there’s the [Estradiol Pill](https://www.myalloy.com/solutions/estradiol-pill). For local vaginal and urinary symptoms, there’s [Estradiol Vaginal Cream](https://www.myalloy.com/solutions/estradiol-vaginal-cream).


**Estradiol Pill**

Best for those who want effective, multi symptom relief

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If you want a deeper plain-English breakdown of the different estrogen types, this article is helpful: [Everything You Need to Know About Estriol Cream](https://www.myalloy.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-estriol-cream).

[Find Your Plan](https://secure.myalloy.com/experience)

---

This answer was created using the following resources:

- [Estradiol Pill](https://www.myalloy.com/solutions/estradiol-pill)
- [Evamist® Estradiol Spray](https://www.myalloy.com/solutions/evamist)
- [Estradiol Gel](https://www.myalloy.com/solutions/divigel-estradiol-gel)
- [M4 Face Cream Rx](https://www.myalloy.com/solutions/m4)
- [M4 Face Serum Rx](https://www.myalloy.com/solutions/m4-estriol-peptide-face-serum)
- [M4 Eye Cream Rx](https://www.myalloy.com/solutions/m4-estriol-peptide-eye-serum)
- [M4® Body Treatment Rx](https://www.myalloy.com/solutions/m4-body-treatment-rx)
- [Estradiol, Estrone, and Estriol Explained](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HapQOqNaj7A)
- [Dr. Ellen Gendler on the Role of Estrogen in Skincare | Dr. Ellen Gendler & Dr. Corinne Menn - Estradiol vs. Estriol](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtTfgMJbQVU)
- [Topical Estrogen's Role in Healthy, Radiant Skin | Dr. Ellen Gendler & Dr. Corinne Menn - Estradiol vs. Estriol](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOzPrwnwsFA)
- [Debunking Myths About Topical Estrogen | Dr. Ellen Gendler & Dr. Corinne Menn - Estradiol vs. Estriol](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPxBSmOkxNI)
- [The Truth About Estrogen: A Masterclass on Hormones and Health | Dr. Amy Killen - Estrone vs. Estradiol](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FOAmIdh3Zg)
- [Grown Woman Talk | Dr. Sharon Malone & Cait Kiernan - Estrogen vs. Estriol Explained](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_OyLAZeWR4)
- [What is estrogen's role in health?](https://www.myalloy.com/blog/what-is-estriol-and-what-is-estrogens-role-in-skin-health)
- [Estradiol Vaginal Cream: Get It Here - $39.99](https://www.myalloy.com/blog/menopause-treatment-vaginal-estrogen-cream)
- [Estriol Cream During Perimenopause & Menopause | Get Relief $39.99](https://www.myalloy.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-estriol-cream)
- [Estradiol Cream or Patches? Find the Best Option for You](https://www.myalloy.com/blog/estradiol-cream-vs-estradiol-patches-whats-the-difference-and-which-should)
- [Oral vs. Transdermal Estrogen: Which HRT Form Is Right for You?](https://www.myalloy.com/blog/oral-vs-transdermal-estrogen)
- [Oral Estradiol Pills for Menopause: Uses, Safety & Dosages](https://www.myalloy.com/blog/estradiol-pill-dosage-for-menopause)
- [Estradiol Spray (Evamist) for Menopause: A Patch Alternative](https://www.myalloy.com/blog/a-guide-to-estradiol-spray)
- [Estradiol Gel for Menopause: Benefits, Dosing & Application](https://www.myalloy.com/blog/estradiol-gel-for-menopause-application-guide)
- [Does Topical Estriol Work for Crepey Skin During Menopause?](https://www.myalloy.com/blog/how-alloy-m4-products-with-estriol-help-with-crepey-skin)

---

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