Hormones play a crucial role in regulating numerous bodily functions, and estriol is one of the most important yet often overlooked forms of estrogen. Unlike its stronger counterparts, estrone (E1) and estradiol (E2), estriol (E3) is a gentler estrogen that provides significant benefits for hormonal balance, skin health, vaginal health, and overall well-being.
In this article, we’ll explore what estriol does in the body, how it compares to other estrogens, and why it is commonly used in hormone therapy and skincare.
What Is Estriol?
Estriol (E3) is one of the three main types of estrogen produced by the body. It is considered a weaker estrogen because it has a milder effect compared to estradiol (E2), the most potent form. However, estriol plays a vital role in maintaining health, particularly in women during pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause.
Key Characteristics of Estriol:
- Produced in significant amounts during pregnancy
- Supports vaginal, skin, and urinary health
- Less potent than estradiol but still essential for hormonal balance
What Does Estriol Do to Your Body?
1. Supports Vaginal & Urinary Health
One of estriol’s primary benefits is promoting vaginal tissue health and hydration. As women age, declining estrogen levels can lead to vaginal dryness, thinning tissues, and discomfort. Estriol can help:
- Improve vaginal elasticity and lubrication
- Reduce vaginal dryness and irritation
- Support urinary tract health and bladder control
Because of these benefits, estriol is often used in bioidentical hormone therapy (BHT) to alleviate menopausal symptoms related to vaginal health.
2. Enhances Skin Hydration & Elasticity
Estriol is known for its anti-aging properties, particularly in supporting skin hydration, elasticity, and collagen production. Women experiencing hormonal aging often notice:
- Drier skin
- Loss of firmness
- Increased fine lines and wrinkles
Since estriol has a gentler effect on the body, it is often included in topical skincare formulations and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) for restoring skin moisture and resilience.
3. Helps Balance Hormones During Menopause
During perimenopause and menopause, estrogen levels drop, leading to hot flashes, mood swings, brain fog, and fatigue. Unlike stronger estrogens that may come with risks of overstimulation, estriol provides a milder estrogenic effect, helping to:
- Support mood stability and mental clarity
- Reduce hot flashes and night sweats
- Maintain bone health and joint comfort
Since estriol has a lower potency, it is often preferred over stronger estrogens in hormone therapy to support natural hormonal balance with fewer side effects.
4. A Key Estrogen in Pregnancy
Estriol levels increase significantly during pregnancy, as it plays a role in:
- Supporting fetal development
- Maintaining placental function
- Preparing the body for labor and delivery
Doctors often measure estriol levels in pregnant women to assess fetal health and placental function, especially in high-risk pregnancies.
Estriol vs. Estradiol: What’s the Difference?
Many people wonder how estriol (E3) compares to estradiol (E2), the most dominant form of estrogen. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Estriol is often preferred in bioidentical hormone therapy (BHT) for menopausal support due to its gentle yet effective benefits.
How to Use Estriol for Hormonal Support
Estriol is available in several forms, including:
- Topical creams – Applied to the skin for hydration and hormone balance
- Vaginal creams – Used for vaginal dryness and urinary support
- Oral supplements – Sometimes included in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT)
For those looking to support hormonal balance naturally, products like
Bezwecken PhytoB-L 4X contain bioidentical estriol combined with natural progesterone to promote overall hormonal well-being.
Final Thoughts: The Role of Estriol in the Body
Estriol may be a gentler form of estrogen, but it plays an essential role in vaginal health, skin hydration, menopause support, and pregnancy. Unlike stronger estrogens, estriol offers hormone-balancing benefits with fewer risks, making it a great option for women looking for a natural approach to hormonal support.
If you're considering bioidentical hormone support, check out
Bezwecken PhytoB-L 4X to experience the benefits of estriol for yourself.