Estradiol (estrogen) is a female hormone used to help alleviate symptoms of menopause, including vaginal dryness, burning, and painful intercourse. Estradiol transdermal patches are FDA-approved to treat vulvar and vaginal atrophy associated with menopause. Vaginal atrophy (atrophic vaginitis) is thinning, drying and inflammation of the vaginal walls that may occur when your body has less estrogen.