Estriol: The Gentle Estrogen You Shouldn’t Ignore
When most people think “estrogen,” they imagine one hormone running the show. But the truth is, estrogen has three sisters, each with her own role. Estradiol is the powerhouse, Estrone is the middle sister, and then there’s Estriol: the gentle one we rarely talk about. And yet, this quiet estrogen can have a profound impact on how we feel, how we age, and how we move through menopause and beyond.
Why Estriol Matters to Me
I’ve learned over the years that wellness isn’t just about workouts, clean food, or even sleep. Hormones are the hidden drivers; shaping our mood, energy, skin, bones, and confidence. Estriol doesn’t get the headlines, but I think of it as a quiet protector. It may not be as strong as estradiol, but sometimes “gentle” is exactly what a woman’s body needs, especially when it comes to longevity and quality of life.
The Upside of Estriol
Protects without pushing. Estriol binds softly to receptors, giving benefits without overstimulating sensitive tissues.
Supports intimacy + confidence. Vaginal dryness, irritation, and recurrent UTIs aren’t just “symptoms.” They affect how we show up in our relationships and in our bodies. Estriol helps restore ease.
Bones + skin love it. Even in its lighter form, estriol supports bone density and skin elasticity. Think fewer fractures and a healthier glow.
Potentially safer profile. Some studies suggest estriol may not carry the same cancer risks as stronger estrogens.
The Challenges
Not a cure-all. If you’re dealing with severe hot flashes or big mood swings, estriol alone probably isn’t enough.
Short life in the body. It metabolizes quickly, which makes dosing important.
Access is limited. Estriol isn’t FDA-approved in the U.S. for HRT, so availability and research here are still behind.
Why Testing Matters
Here’s what I believe: you can’t optimize what you don’t measure. Testing estriol levels isn’t about chasing numbers, it’s about understanding your personal hormone landscape. That awareness helps you:
See the full picture of your estrogen balance.
Personalize your hormone therapy.
Catch imbalances before they derail your health.
I’d rather be proactive, instead of chasing symptoms when they’re already affecting my life.
The Takeaway
While estriol may be the “quiet” estrogen, quiet doesn’t mean unimportant. For many of us, it can be the difference between just getting by and actually thriving. This is why I encourage women in my circle to get curious about their hormone health. We track our steps, our protein, our sleep, but our hormones deserve that same attention. Because real vitality comes from alignment. And sometimes, alignment starts with paying attention to the gentle things we tend to overlook.
To your vitality,
Lizanne