Estradiol dicypionate

Estradiol dicypionate (EDC), also known as estradiol cypionate, is a estrogen that is used in hormone therapy. It is a form of estradiol, the primary female sex hormone, and is used to treat a variety of conditions related to hormone imbalances or deficiencies.

Pharmacology[edit]

Estradiol dicypionate is a prodrug of estradiol, meaning it is metabolized in the body into estradiol. It is an estrogen ester, specifically the 3-cyclopentylpropanoyl ester of estradiol. As an estrogen, it has both agonist and antagonist effects on various estrogen receptors throughout the body.

Medical uses[edit]

Estradiol dicypionate is used in hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms, hypogonadism, osteoporosis, and for feminizing hormone therapy for transgender women. It is also used in veterinary medicine.

Side effects[edit]

Like all estrogens, estradiol dicypionate can have a number of side effects, including nausea, bloating, breast tenderness, and an increased risk of thrombosis and breast cancer.

History[edit]

Estradiol dicypionate was first described in the medical literature in 1952 and was introduced for medical use in the United States in 1954.