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Estradiol is a sex hormone that is found in both women and men. It plays a very important role in the human body. It is responsible for both the physical health of women as well as their well-being and libido. Therefore, it is also a valuable indicator in the diagnosis of many serious diseases of the female genital organs. For men, elevated levels can lead to gynecomastia.
Estradiol is the primary steroid hormone. It is mainly a female hormone, but can also be found in small amounts in men. When do we test estradiol levels? How to interpret estradiol results? What does low and high levels of this hormone indicate?
Estradiol – what is it?
Estradiol is a sex hormone. It is the most important estrogen produced by the human body. First of all, it is produced by the ovaries, but the testes also produce it in small amounts. This hormone is responsible for the development of the female reproductive organs. It also has a positive effect on the psyche, emotions and libido.
Its level in women of reproductive age depends on the phase of the menstrual cycle. Its highest concentration occurs on days 12-14 of the cycle, i.e. in the perovulatory period. Therefore, testing for estradiol levels is a way to find out if a woman is ovulating. Estradiol level decreases in menopausal women. Synthetic estradiol is used in hormone replacement therapy. Lowered estradiol levels we can also observe women with damaged ovaries.
Do tests to check your estradiol levels. At Medonet Market you can buy the package Women’s hormone management – blood test or Women’s health check – diagnostic blood tests. Thanks to them, you will learn about your health and the general condition of the body.
Check it out: Hormones under control, i.e. the hormonal profile for women
Estradiol – functions
Estradiol plays an important role in the human body. In a woman’s body, its most important function is to control the proper development of the genitals and their structure. In addition, estradiol is responsible for the proper structure of the labia majora and minor. It is worth remembering that this is what a high level of estradiol is responsible for brown discoloration on the surface of the labia.
The appropriate level of estradiol ensures the maturation of vaginal epithelial cells and stimulates cell development. It is responsible for the growth of the uterine mucosa and its contractility, as well as the maturation of the ovarian follicles.
Estradiol also affects the temperature and the hardening process of the epiphyses of long bones. It is also important for the libido, psyche and emotions of women.
The norms of estradiol depend on age, the phase of the menstrual cycle, health and possible diseases. In women, the highest concentration is achieved around the 12-14th day of the cycle, i.e. during ovulation. Therefore, determining its level helps couples trying to conceive.
also Synthetic estradiol can be used during the menopause as a hormone replacement therapy for womenas estradiol levels begin to decline gradually during this time. Another situation where the use of synthetic estradiol is recommended is, for example, damage to the ovary as a result of cancer.
Estradiol is also produced in the male body, but in much smaller amounts. However, his role is as important as that of women. Estradiol in the body of a man corresponds to, inter alia, for sperm motility, and therefore also for male fertility.
By taking care of the proper level of estradiol, it is much easier to avoid osteoporosis and reduce the risk of heart and circulatory system diseases. Estradiol also helps to control the effects of andropause. In the case of estradiol deficiency in women, a lower voice tone can be noticed, which may be an indication for diagnostic tests.
Check it out: FSH test in the diagnosis of female infertility – preparation for the test and interpretation of the result
Estradiol – indications for examination
The level of estradiol depends on many factors. Its concentration is highly influenced by lifestyle and diet. That is why these two factors are so important for human fertility. Today, it is believed that infertility is a civilization disease.
An indication to test the level of estradiol are:
- swelling;
- nausea;
- vomiting;
- weight gain for no apparent reason;
- water retention in the body;
- malaise and mood changes;
- migraines;
- the onset of osteoporosis;
- dry skin;
- amenorrhea in young girls,
- amenorrhea in women who have been regularly menstruating so far,
- irregular menstruation
- tumors that produce estrogens,
- gynecomastia in men.
By monitoring the level of estradiol, it is also possible to detect ovulation in women planning in vitro or after hormonal stimulation. Control of estradiol concentration it is also necessary in women taking hormone replacement therapy.
The attending physician decides whether to test the level of sex hormones. Therefore, it is very important to go to a specialist as soon as you notice the first symptoms. He will refer the patient to an examination. On their basis, he will determine any disturbances in the level of hormones.
Check it out: Gynecomastia, i.e. a man with breasts
Estradiol – the course of the study
There is no need to prepare yourself to test the level of estradiol. Women should only remember to perform the test on day 2-3 of the cycle. The range of standards by which the level of estradiol is determined is determined by each laboratory. Estradiol levels are tested in a blood sample drawn from a vein in the upper limb with a disposable needle.
Estradiol – contraindications to the study
There are no contraindications for testing the level of estradiol. The test is safe, and possible complications are only related to drawing blood from a vein.
Estradiol-normal
Estradiol levels should be tested on an empty stomach. The test is performed by taking a venous blood sample. The norm depends on what stage of the woman’s ovulatory cycle is and whether she is taking hormones.
Let’s remember that normy estradiolu may vary depending on the laboratory, but the indicative standards are:
- the norm of estradiol in the follicular phase: 84-970 pg/mL (0,3-3,5 nmol/L)
- the norm of estradiol during ovulation: 13-330 pg/mL (0,48-1,17 nmol/L)
- the norm of estradiol in the luteal phase: 73-200 pg/mL (0,26-0,73 nmol/L)
- the norm of estradiol in menopause: 11,2-42 pg/mL (0,04-0,15 nmol/L)
- the norm of estradiol in men: 11,2-50,4 pg/ml (0,04-0,18 nmol/l).
Estradiol – interpretation of results
Estradiol levels can be an indicator of serious illness. High estradiol levels may indicate liver disease, cancer of the ovaries, adrenal glands and testes. It also occurs in some people with hypothyroidism.
Elevated estradiol it is natural during pregnancy. In men, high estradiol indicates gynecomastia.
Low estradiol he always shows up with Turner’s syndrome. It is also associated with hypogonadism, hypopituitarism and polycystic ovary syndrome. In young women low levels of estradiol indicates a metabolic disease. It also appears in the event of eating disorders (e.g. anorexia) or after heavy physical exertion.