Estradiol is one of the most important estrogen sex hormones in both men and women. It plays crucial roles in sexual development, reproduction, bone health, and more.
To understand estradiol, it helps to first understand estrogens in general. Estrogens are a group of hormones that serve as the primary female sex hormones. The three major naturally occurring estrogens in women are:
- Estrone
- Estradiol
- Estriol
Of these,
estradiol is the predominant and most potent one for most of a woman's reproductive years.
What Does Estradiol Do?
Estradiol has widespread effects on the female body and reproductive system, including:
- Stimulating breast growth during puberty
- Controlling the menstrual cycle
- Thickening the vaginal wall
- Facilitating pregnancy by regulating the uterine lining
Additionally, estradiol plays important roles in:
- Maintaining bone density
- Regulating cholesterol
- Influencing skin health
- Impacting cognition and mood
- And more!
It also plays important but less understood roles in men, like regulating libido, sperm production, bone health, and more.
Where Does Estradiol Come From?
In women, estradiol is mainly produced by the ovaries. It's synthesized from other sex hormones like testosterone.
Production begins during puberty, peaks during the reproductive years, then declines around menopause as the ovaries stop releasing eggs each month.
Lower levels of estradiol are also produced in fat tissues of both men and women, and can be converted from testosterone.
When Are Estradiol Levels Tested?
Doctors may test estradiol levels when evaluating:
- Puberty or menopause status
- Menstrual or fertility issues
- Bone loss risks
- Hormone therapy needs
- And more
Both low and high estradiol levels can indicate health issues.
In summary, estradiol is a vital estrogen hormone that serves many key functions related to growth, reproduction, bone health, and beyond - making it an important biomarker for health. Getting your estradiol levels tested at Balance Medical Clinic can provide insight into hormone balance and associated effects.
I tried to cover the key aspects of estradiol in this overview. Let me know if you have any other questions!