Generic Estrace is used for treating conditions due to menopause (eg, hot flashes; vaginal itching, burning, or dryness), treating vulval or vaginal atrophy, and preventing osteoporosis (brittle bones). It is also used for estrogen replacement therapy after failure of the ovaries and to relieve the symptoms of breast cancer.

Estradiol vaginal cream placed directly into the vagina are used for "local" treatment of vaginal menopause symptoms (such as dryness, burning, and irritation). This type of vaginal estradiol has "systemic" effects, meaning that it can affect parts of the body other than where the medicine is directly applied.