Ethinylestradiol

Ethinyl estradiol (EE) ( /ˌɛθɨnɨlˌiːstrəˈdaɪ.əl/), also sometimes written as ethinylestradiol, ethynyl estradiol, or ethinyl oestradiol, is a derivative of 17β-estradiol (E2), the major endogenous estrogen in humans. EE is an orally bioactive estrogen used in many formulations of combined oral contraceptive pills. It is one of the most commonly used medications for this purpose.

The same contraindications and precautions apply for EE as with other estrogen medications.

Estinyl was a preparation of EE alone that was used for the management of menopausal symptoms and female hypogonadism.

EE is released into the environment as a xenoestrogen from the urine and feces of people who take it as a medication.