Estradiol (medication)
Estradiol is available in a variety of different formulations, including oral, intranasal, transdermal/topical, vaginal, injectable, and implantable preparations. An ester may be attached to one or both of the hydroxyl groups of estradiol to improve its oral bioavailability and/or duration of action with injection. Such modifications give rise to forms such as estradiol acetate (oral and vaginal), estradiol valerate (oral and injectable), estradiol cypionate (injectable), estradiol benzoate (injectable), estradiol undecylate (injectable), and polyestradiol phosphate (injectable; a polymerized ester of estradiol), which are all prodrugs of estradiol.
Ethinylestradiol
EE has been marketed as a standalone oral drug under the brand names "Esteed", "Estinyl", "Feminone", "Lynoral", "Menolyn", "Novestrol", "Palonyl", "Spanestrin", and "Ylestrol" among others, although most or all of these formulations are now discontinued. It is marketed under a very large number of brand names throughout the world in combination with progestins for use as an oral contraceptive. In addition, EE is marketed in the in combination with norelgestromin under the brand names "Ortho Evra" and "Xulane" as a contraceptive patch, in combination with etonogestrel under the brand name "NuvaRing" as a contraceptive vaginal ring, and in combination with norethisterone acetate under the brand name "FemHRT" in oral hormone replacement therapy for the treatment of menopausal symptoms.