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Estradiol (S -E2) is the most important female sex hormone

Estradiol is the most important sex hormone in women, regulating fertility and the menstrual cycle.

Estradiol

Estradiol is the most important estrogen, or female hormone.
Estradiol is present in both men’s and women’s bodies.
Estradiol affects weight management, mood, and the experience of stress.
Estradiol levels can be increased naturally and through medical means.

Table of contents

What is estradiol?

Estradiol is the most important estrogen, which is a female sex hormone. Estrogens are responsible for the development of feminine body features, reproductive ability, and the menstrual cycle. Estrogen is a general term for a group of female hormones. In addition to estradiol (E2), estrogens include estrone (E1) and estriol (E3).

Estradiol is formed from the male sex hormone testosterone. Estrogens are also present in men’s bodies, but much less than in women. Similarly, women’s bodies have less testosterone than men.

Estradiol is the most important estrogen. It is important for both men’s and women’s sexual health and reproductive ability. It supports normal brain function and mood, thyroid function, as well as bone and skin health.

Estradiol in women

In women, estradiol concentration is often examined in relation to menopause and the mood swings associated with it. Menopause often begins after the age of 45, but estradiol levels can be low in younger women as well.

In younger women, low estradiol can disrupt the normal menstrual cycle and cause low mood.

Estradiol initiates puberty in females and causes feminine body shapes, such as breast growth and widening of the hips. It initiates sexual maturity, meaning the first menstruation usually occurs between the ages of 10 and 17, regulates the menstrual cycle, and enables pregnancy in women of childbearing age.

The body has the most estradiol during the ovulation phase of the menstrual cycle. At this time, the increasing amount of estradiol affects the luteinizing hormone (LH), allowing the egg to be released.

A normal amount of estradiol in the blood facilitates becoming pregnant, but a high amount can make it difficult. Some contraceptives are based on increasing the amount of estradiol and progesterone.

Thanks to estradiol, women are less likely to become bald compared to men, as the hormone affects hair growth and thickness.

The hormone can also be used during menopause to improve skin condition.

Estradiol in men

Men also need some estradiol to be able to reproduce, achieve an erection, form sperm, and maintain sexual desire.

However, too much estradiol can cause decreased desire in men and possibly breast growth. Therefore, the concentrations of estradiol and the male sex hormone testosterone should be balanced.

Estradiol measurement S -E2

The amount of estradiol can be measured with a blood test, identified by the name S -E2. You can order an estradiol measurement from Puhti’s online store. Estradiol testing involves a significant risk of misinterpretation without proper timing or during the use of hormonal preparations (e.g., hormonal contraception or hormone therapy during menopause). You can order the test through Puhti without a doctor’s referral, but discuss the necessity of the test and the correct timing of the sample with your treating physician.

Through Puhti, you can get all tests without a doctor’s referral. Quickly and easily. Sampling at over 75 locations in 50 different towns across Finland. Clear result report.

After the test, you can separately order a doctor’s remote consultation directly from Puhti’s result report if you want to discuss your health.

Estradiol reference values S -E2

Estradiol reference values for women and men of different ages and women in different phases of the menstrual cycle.

Women	nmol/l	Men	nmol/l
Follicular phase	0,07 – 0,53	≥ 14 v	< 0,15
Ovulation	0,23 – 1,31
Luteal phase	0,20 – 0,79
Menopause	<0,12

Low estradiol

As a woman ages, estradiol concentration decreases. Estradiol positively affects brain function, stamina, and mood. Low estradiol makes a woman more susceptible to stress and mood swings.

Low estradiol can damage memory functions and brain nerve cells and increase the experience of stress. Estrogen therapy during menopause helps with all these ailments.

High estradiol

Very high estrogen concentration can sometimes affect genes that cause the formation of, for example, breast or uterine cancer.

In men, too high estradiol can increase the risk of prostate cancer and change the body in a more feminine direction.

Estradiol’s impact on cardiovascular health

Estradiol also affects cardiovascular health. It helps maintain the elasticity of blood vessels and reduces cholesterol accumulation in arteries, which can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

After menopause, as estrogen decreases, its known positive effects, such as improved blood fat levels, artery dilation, and reduced inflammation of blood vessel walls, diminish. Hormone replacement therapy can, however, improve the preservation of these benefits.

Estradiol’s impact on bone health

Estradiol also positively affects bone health. Estrogen therapy given during menopause can effectively prevent bone loss, or osteoporosis.

Estradiol S -E2

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Estradiol is the most important estrogen, or female sex hormone. Its levels affect mood, sexuality, and reproductive ability.

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