Estradiol is an important hormone in both males and females. It is one of the main estrogen sex hormones produced in the body and plays critical roles in sexual and reproductive development.
What is Estradiol?
- Estradiol is a steroid hormone and the strongest of the three major estrogens produced in the body
- It is produced primarily by the ovaries in females, while smaller amounts are also produced by the adrenal glands and testes in males
- Estradiol helps regulate many reproductive processes in females, including:
- Development of female secondary sex characteristics during puberty (breast development, widening of hips, etc.)
- Regulation of the menstrual cycle
- Thickening of the endometrium (uterine lining) during the menstrual cycle
- Maintaining pregnancy
- In males, estradiol is important for sperm maturation and overall reproductive health
Estradiol Levels and Testing
Getting your
estradiol levels tested can provide important information about your overall health and hormone function.
- Estradiol levels fluctuate during the menstrual cycle - they are lowest during the early follicular phase and peak just before ovulation
- Abnormal estradiol levels may indicate issues with fertility, menopause transition, or conditions like PCOS
- Estradiol testing is often done along with tests for other related hormones like FSH, LH, progesterone, testosterone, etc.
- The experts at HormoneHealth Clinic can help you understand your estradiol lab results and what they mean for your health
Estradiol Imbalances and Treatment
Imbalances in estradiol levels can lead to various symptoms and health conditions:
- Low estradiol can cause issues like infertility, irregular periods, vaginal dryness, and more
- High estradiol may result in symptoms like breast tenderness, mood changes, headaches, and irregular bleeding
- Hormone therapy using bioidentical estradiol is often used to relieve menopause symptoms
- Estradiol creams, pills, patches, inserts, and injections may be prescribed to balance levels
The physicians at HormoneHealth Clinic specialize in treating hormone imbalances with
bioidentical hormone replacement therapy tailored to your unique needs. We use cutting-edge testing and precision dosing methods to restore optimal estradiol levels.