Oestradiol (E2)

Oestradiol (E2)

Oestradiol (E2) is one of three hormones in the oestrogen group. E2 is considered a female hormone, but small amounts are also present in men, which is why oestradiol concentrations differ between women and men. It regulates sex drive and the development of female sexual characteristics. Oestradiol is a key steroid hormone involved in reproduction. Together with other oestrogens, it is responsible for the development of the reproductive organs and secondary sexual characteristics. It affects the smooth muscles of the uterus and fallopian tubes. It helps control the menstrual cycle and is essential for embryo implantation and maintaining pregnancy. Beyond reproductive processes, oestradiol regulates body temperature, and its action on the nervous system helps increase libido. E2 increases protein production in the liver and accelerates the ossification of the growth plates in long bones. Oestradiol also affects the circulatory system: it improves blood supply to the heart muscle and lowers blood pressure. Its effects on the excretory system lead to the retention of water and mineral salts in the body. It improves skin firmness and reduces sebum production. Oestradiol regulates lipid and calcium metabolism and affects proteins that bind thyroid and adrenal hormones (SHBG, TBG, corticosteroid-binding protein). Liver and kidney failure affect oestradiol concentrations.

Oestradiol is a steroid hormone produced in women mainly in the ovaries, with small amounts produced in the corpus luteum and adrenal glands; during pregnancy, it is produced exclusively in the placenta. In men, the testes and adrenal cortex are responsible for producing oestradiol. Its activity is regulated by the pituitary gland.
Oestradiol concentrations in women depend on the phase of the menstrual cycle and show characteristic changes, so levels are measured on specific days of the cycle, and results are compared with the ranges for each stage of the cycle. The result report is issued in Polish.

Follicular phase (approximately 9 days from the end of menstrual bleeding) – 84 – 970 pg/ml (0.3 – 3.5 nmol/l)

Ovulatory peak (between days 12 and 16, counting from the start of menstruation) 13 – 330 pg/ml (0.48 – 1.17 nmol/l)

Luteal phase (approximately 14 days — ends with menstrual bleeding) 73 – 200 pg/ml (0.26 – 0.73 nmol/l)

Menopause 11.2 – 42 pg/ml (0.04 – 0.15 nmol/l)

A few days (approximately 2 days) before ovulation, oestradiol levels are measured to assess how the follicles are maturing. A level above 200 pg/ml indicates a mature ovarian follicle. Testing 6 – 8 days after ovulation allows the function of the corpus luteum to be assessed. Such close monitoring of ovulation, carried out alongside ultrasound scans, is most commonly used when ovulation is medically induced as a method of treating infertility.

In men, the reference range for this hormone is 11.2 – 50.4 pg/ml (0.04 – 0.18 nmol/l)

Raised oestradiol levels occur during pregnancy and also when:

• oestrogens are used, for example as oral contraceptives;
• oestrogen-secreting tumours develop;
• tumours of the ovaries, testes or adrenal glands are present;
• liver disease, such as cirrhosis, is also present;
• precocious puberty occurs in girls;
• hyperthyroidism has been diagnosed;
• gynaecomastia is present in men.

Low oestradiol levels may indicate:

-Turner syndrome,

-hypogonadism (underactive gonads),

-polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS),

-hypopituitarism,

-levels may also fall as a result of an eating disorder (e.g. anorexia) or very strenuous physical exercise.

* If your results fall outside the reference range, we recommend consulting a doctor.

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