Estradiol is an important female sex hormone produced mainly by the ovaries. It plays critical roles in sexual and reproductive development, including the development of the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics.
What is Estradiol?
Estradiol is an estrogen, meaning it belongs to the group of female sex hormones that promote the development of female sex characteristics. Specifically, estradiol is an estradiol steroid hormone and the strongest of the three major naturally occurring estrogens in women.
The main functions of estradiol include:
- Breast development at puberty and maintenance of breast tissue
- Regulation of the menstrual cycle
- Maintaining the health of tissues in the vagina and uterus
- Contributing to bone health
Where Does Estradiol Come From?
In women who are still having menstrual periods, most estradiol is produced by the
ovaries. Smaller amounts are also produced by other tissues like fat cells.
During the
menstrual cycle, estradiol levels vary depending on what phase the cycle is in:
- In the follicular phase, estradiol levels start low then ramp up - triggering ovulation
- Right before ovulation, estradiol peaks
- After ovulation in the luteal phase, estradiol levels decrease
These controlled fluctuations in estradiol levels drive the progression of the menstrual cycle and prepare the body in case of pregnancy.
Estradiol Imbalances and Health
Since estradiol plays so many important roles, imbalances in its levels can cause issues:
- High estradiol levels have been linked to an increased risk of breast and uterine cancers if not balanced by progesterone
- Low estradiol levels can lead to issues like infertility, osteoporosis, and menopause symptoms
If you suspect you may have imbalanced estradiol levels, the hormone doctors at
Hormone Harmony Clinic can run blood tests and help diagnose the issue. We offer customized
bioidentical hormone therapy programs to help restore optimal estradiol and hormone levels tailored to your unique needs. Contact us today to learn more!
I hope this brief overview gives you a good understanding of what the important hormone estradiol is and what it does! Let me know if you have any other questions.