Estradiol Hormone: All You Need to Know

Did your doctor request a test for estradiol hormone? Interested in knowing more about this hormone? We will discuss it in this article.

What is Estradiol hormone?

Estradiol, also known as oestradiol, is a type of Estrogen hormone. It is a female sex hormone primarily produced by the ovaries, adrenal gland, and placenta during pregnancy, and it is also produced in small amounts by the testes in males.

This hormone is essential for sexual and reproductive function, as well as its impact on the health of other organs and tissues in both women and men. However, it is most crucial during the reproductive years in females, as its levels decline as women age, notably during menopause and afterward.

What roles does it play in the female body?

Estradiol hormone plays several roles in the female body, including:

• Stimulating the growth of the female reproductive system

The primary function of estradiol is to stimulate the growth of female reproductive organs, including the vagina, fallopian tubes, endometrium, and cervical glands.

• Development of secondary sexual characteristics

This hormone plays a role in the changes that occur during puberty, such as natural breast growth, body shape changes, skin changes, and typical fat distribution in females.

• Stimulating ovulation and preserving eggs

Estradiol hormone maintains eggs in the ovaries and stimulates a series of events that lead to ovulation in the body, thus playing a role in the menstrual cycle. 

During the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, the follicles in the ovary secrete estradiol hormone, which stimulates a series of events leading to an increase in luteinizing hormone (LH) and ovulation. During the luteal phase, it works alongside progesterone to prepare the womb lining for egg implantation.

• Maintaining pregnancy

Estradiol levels rise during pregnancy because the placenta secretes it, and it has been shown to play a role in maintaining pregnancy.

• Other functions

In addition to the above, this hormone plays a role in the following:

1. Supporting bone growth and maintaining joint health, hence the risk of osteoporosis may increase if levels are low, which occurs in postmenopausal women.
2. Protecting nerves in the brain.
3. Improving blood flow in the coronary arteries.

What roles does it play in the male body?

This hormone also plays a significant role in the male body, as normal levels help maintain bone health, brain function, and the production of nitric oxide. It also aids in sperm maturation and maintaining healthy sexual desire.

What problems are associated with Abnormal levels?

Abnormal levels of this hormone can cause various health issues, including:

• In Women

High levels can cause:

1. Acne.
2. Constipation.
3. Loss of libido.
4. Depression.
5. Weight gain.
6. Menstrual problems.

Excessively high levels also increase the risk of uterine, breast cancer, heart diseases, and cardiovascular diseases.

Low levels can result in slowed bone growth, osteoporosis, mood swings, and delayed puberty in girls.

• In Men

High levels can lead to the development of female characteristics, loss of sexual function and muscle tone, while low levels can cause bone problems.

Estradiol Hormone Analysis

Your doctor may request an estradiol hormone analysis if they are concerned about fertility, puberty, or menopause. Here is some information about this analysis:

• How is the analysis performed?

Typically, the analysis is done by drawing a blood sample from a vein in the arm or hand.

• How are the results interpreted?

Results may vary depending on gender, age, and medical history, as well as from one laboratory to another. Here are the normal ranges:

• Women before menopause: 30 - 400 picograms/mL.
• Women after menopause: 0 - 30 picograms/mL.
• Men: 10 - 50 picograms/mL.

Low results may indicate ovarian failure, early menopause, decreased estrogen due to rapid weight loss or decreased appetite, Turner syndrome, or infertility. Elevated levels may indicate ovarian, testicular, or adrenal gland tumors, hyperthyroidism, liver damage, or gynecomastia.

You can perform Estradiol hormone analysis provided by Blazma, which does not require any prior preparations. However, it is essential to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, especially hormonal medications and contraceptives, as they may affect the results.