Oestrogen injections are a powerful and effective way of delivering estradiol into the body. Many people choose injectable oestrogen because it can produce stable, predictable levels, and because the injections are needed only weekly or bi-weekly, depending on the formulation.
Unfortunately, estradiol injections are not available in the UK.
Oestrogen Injection Comparison Table
| Name | What It Is | How Often It's Given | Onset & Release Profile | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estradiol Valerate | Estradiol with valerate ester (oil-based injection) | Weekly to every 2 weeks | Peaks and declines gradually; often smoother than cypionate in many people | Widely used; flexible dosing; often preferred for gender-affirming therapy |
| Estradiol Cypionate | Estradiol with cypionate ester (oil-based injection) | Every 1–2 weeks | Similar profile but can have slightly longer action in some patients | Less commonly available in some countries but highly effective |
How to Take Estradiol Injections
Your clinician will teach you how to inject safely. Many people self-inject at home, while others prefer a nurse to administer it.
Injection Types
Intramuscular (IM): injected into a large muscle (thigh or buttock)
Subcutaneous (SubQ): into fatty tissue (abdomen or thigh) – increasingly common and well tolerated
Injection Steps (general guidance)
Clean the area with an alcohol swab.
Draw up the prescribed amount.
Inject steadily into the chosen site.
Dispose of the needle safely using a sharps bin.
Rotate injection sites to avoid irritation.
If you haven't already had an injection training session, you can book one here.
Dosing
Typical schedules vary depending on your goals and your body’s metabolism.
Common dosing ranges:
- Estradiol valerate:
Weekly or every 2 weeks, often 3–10 mg per dose
Estradiol cypionate:
Weekly or every 2 weeks, often 2–5 mg per dose
Some people feel best on smaller, more frequent doses (e.g., weekly), which can reduce hormonal swings.
Benefits and Considerations
Pros:
Strong, consistent feminising effect
Only weekly or bi-weekly dosing
High, stable estradiol levels possible
No risk of transferring hormone to others
Good option when gels/patches don’t absorb well
Some people describe injections as giving them the most stable emotional and physical response.
Things to be careful about:
Hormone levels can peak and dip depending on interval
Injection site discomfort or irritation
Slightly higher risk of high estradiol levels if overdosed
More medical monitoring needed than with patches or gel
Side Effects
Potential effects include:
Breast tenderness
Changes in libido
Mood shifts (often around peak/trough days)
Bloating or fluid retention
Nausea or headaches
Local redness or bruising at injection site
You can read more about estradiol valerate side effects here. You can read more about estradiol cypionate side effects here.
Practical Tips
Use a fresh needle to inject (one to draw up, one to inject).
Warm the vial in your hands for 1–2 minutes to make the oil thinner and easier to inject.
After injecting, applying gentle pressure (not massage) can reduce soreness.
Keep a log of doses and how you feel to optimise your schedule.
Always keep spare needles and syringes on hand.