Estradiol is a biologically active substance. It belongs to steroids and circulates in the blood in combination with globulin, which is responsible for the binding of sex hormones. In women, estradiol is secreted by the ovaries and adrenal cortex, in men by the testes. In addition, it occurs during the formation of androgens (sex hormones).
The value of estradiol
In men, this estrogen affects the formation of ejaculate, improves oxygen metabolism and is involved in the regulation of the nervous system, helps increase blood coagulation, stimulates metabolism, and is responsible for sex drive.
In women, this compound affects the formation of the reproductive system, mental and physical condition. Under its influence, follicles grow, the
thickness of the endometrium increases
. In addition, it is responsible for the formation of a female figure and healthy looking skin.
In the female body, estradiol is maximally increased in the late follicular phase. After ovulation, its concentration decreases. A high level of this hormone is also observed during pregnancy. In postmenopausal women, its level is reduced. Estradiol in this period reaches a concentration that is normally characteristic of the male body (15-71 pg / ml).
It is worth noting that such fluctuations in the concentration of estradiol are considered physiological, but there are a number of pathologies that are also accompanied by a change in the level of this hormone.
Estradiol elevated: why?
An increased level of this steroid is observed with the following pathologies:
• disorders in the functioning of the thyroid gland;
• persistence of the follicle;
• the presence of cysts or tumors in the ovaries;
• estradiol is increased with gynecomastia;
• cirrhosis of the liver;
• endometriosis;
• obesity.
In addition, estradiol is elevated with certain medications (such as anabolic steroids).
The most common etiological factor for increasing the level of this hormone in a man’s body is overweight, impaired testosterone secretion or zinc deficiency, as well as age-related changes.
Estradiol is lowered: etiology
If we talk about the causes of a decrease in estradiol concentration, then the following etiological factors should be noted:
• smoking;
• physical exercise;
• disturbances in the pituitary gland;
• endocrine diseases;
• hormonal imbalance;
• vegetarianism;
• sharp weight loss;
• hypogonadism;
• chemotherapy for oncopathologies.
Estradiol concentration determination
With hormonal imbalance , the endocrinologist, as a rule, recommends donating blood in order to conduct an appropriate laboratory analysis. Estradiol is determined under certain conditions - the analysis is done on an empty stomach. Women need to donate blood for 3-5 days of the cycle. The day before should limit physical activity. It is also forbidden to smoke or drink alcohol.
The most common indications for laboratory diagnosis are irregular menstruation, infertility, uterine bleeding in women, as well as signs of feminization and hypofunction of the gonads in men. When a low or too high estradiol level is confirmed, the doctor may prescribe appropriate treatment.