One of the main female hormones is estradiol, the rate of which depends on the phase of the cycle. He is responsible for the menstrual function and egg development. Deviation of estradiol from the norm can be a symptom and cause serious diseases, including infertility.
It is synthesized mainly in the ovaries by mature follicles, as well as in the placenta and adrenal glands. Estradiol is a hormone of the first (follicular) phase of the cycle. This hormone affects the secretion of FSH and LH. During the first phase, its concentration constantly increases, which eventually leads to a peak in LH secretion and causes ovulation.
An estradiol test is used to monitor ovarian hyperstimulation and ovulation induction. The quality and number of maturing follicles is evaluated by increasing the rate of its secretion and concentration at the end of stimulation.
Analysis for estradiol, the norm of which changes throughout the cycle, should be given strictly on the day prescribed by the doctor. The day before, alcohol, estrogen and physical activity should be excluded. Do not smoke one hour before the test. For analysis, blood from a vein is taken strictly on an empty stomach . If the doctor has not indicated a specific time frame, then the study is carried out on the 6th day of the cycle.
The effects of estradiol in the body are:
- regulation and formation of menstrual function;
- development of the reproductive system (female);
- uterine growth during pregnancy;
- development of sexual characteristics (female);
- sexual behavior;
- provides deposition of subcutaneous adipose tissue (female type);
- contributes to the retention of water and sodium in the body;
- increases blood coagulability and lowers cholesterol concentration;
- contributes to increased irritability and nervous tension;
- has an anabolic effect;
- accelerates the maturation of the skeleton;
- enhances metabolic processes in the campfire;
- its subthreshold level leads to a peak in LH and ovulation.
For the implementation of the functions of the hormone, its ratio with testosterone is important.
Indications for analysis:
- osteoporosis;
- control of infertility treatment;
- estrogen-producing tumors;
- amenorrhea;
- cycle disturbances;
- control over induced ovulation;
- gynecomastia (men).
Estradiol norm in women (pg / ml):
- follicular phase: 58-228;
- ovulatory phase: 128-477;
- luteal phase: 78-278;
- menopause: less than 83.
In men, the hormone should be in the range of 16-72 pg / ml, and in children, its level should be less than 31 pg / ml. In some laboratories, the concentration of estradiol is measured in other units.
So, estradiol norm (pmol / l):
- males: 41-162;
- follicular phase: 69-1270;
- ovulatory phase: 132-1656;
- luteal phase: 92-862;
- menopause: less than 74.
These values can be adjusted by the laboratory and are usually indicated on the result form.
Diseases in which the amount of the hormone is increased:
- cirrhosis of the liver;
- tumors of the testicles and ovaries secreting this homon;
- ovarian cysts (endometrioid);
- follicle persistence.
It increases with certain medications.
Conditions leading to a decrease in estradiol:
- chronic prostatitis;
- threat of miscarriage of endocrine genesis;
- chronic genital inflammation;
- viril syndrome;
- insufficiency of the second phase;
- pituitary dwarfism;
- hyperprolactinemia;
- hypogonadism, testicular feminization;
- Shershevsky-Turner syndrome;
- significant weight loss;
- early pregnancy in women smokers;
- low fat and high carbohydrate diet;
- vegetarianism;
- intense workload in untrained women.
So, estradiol, the norm of which depends on the phase of the cycle, has a significant effect on the body. Its deficiency, as well as excess, can be symptoms of formidable diseases, and also lead to them, including infertility. Elevated levels of estradiol, especially with a lack of progesterone, leads to endometrial hyperplasia, which can eventually become cancer.