I have estradiol for vaginal use. can you apply that to other parts of your body and get benefits of estrogen. will that absorb and deliver estrogen through for example if i rub some into my thigh?

Don't expect much absorption from such areas. Vaginal tissue is a mucous membrane that can absorb this medication while normal skin is designed to block materials from entering the body. Such application would waste the material. TV adds that tout the "deep penetration" of pain creams are a myth. They cause a superficial sensation in the area that distracts the brain, they don't go deep.