From the FDA Drug Label
Estrone The form of estrogen which is over the counter in America is Estrone 1.
From the Research
In the United States, the only form of estrogen available over the counter is phytoestrogens, which are plant-derived compounds with weak estrogenic effects found in supplements like soy isoflavones, black cohosh, and red clover. These are not actual hormonal estrogens but rather plant compounds that can bind to estrogen receptors with much lower potency than human estrogens. All true hormonal estrogen products (such as estradiol, conjugated estrogens, estrone, or estriol) require a prescription in the United States, regardless of whether they're delivered as pills, patches, creams, rings, or injections. This prescription requirement exists because estrogen therapy carries significant risks including blood clots, stroke, and certain cancers, and proper medical supervision is necessary to determine appropriate dosing and monitor for side effects, as noted in studies discussing the safety and efficacy of menopausal hormone therapy 2. If you're experiencing symptoms that you believe might benefit from estrogen therapy, consulting with a healthcare provider is essential to discuss whether prescription estrogen might be appropriate for your specific situation. Key points to consider include:
- The risks associated with estrogen therapy, such as those highlighted by the Women's Health Initiative 2
- The importance of proper medical supervision for estrogen therapy
- The availability of FDA-approved transdermal estradiol products as a preferred formulation for menopausal hormone therapy, which are only available by prescription 2.