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

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

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

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

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

See also

• List of estrogen esters
• List of hormonal cytostatic antineoplastic agents