Estradiol - Harmony Hormone Care

What is estradiol?

Estradiol is the most potent and predominant form of estrogen circulating in the female body. Estrogen refers to a group of hormones that play an essential role in the growth and development of female sex characteristics.

Estradiol has several important functions:

• It is critical for the development of the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics during puberty. This includes breast development, distribution of body fat, and maturation of the uterus, vagina, and ovaries.
• It regulates the menstrual cycle, controlling the growth and shedding of the endometrium (uterine lining) each month.
• It maintains bone density and cardiovascular health in women. After menopause, declining estradiol levels contribute to risks of osteoporosis and heart disease.
• It influences ovulation, pregnancy, and lactation. Estradiol levels fluctuate through the menstrual cycle. A spike triggers ovulation, and high levels support the endometrium during pregnancy and stimulate milk production during breastfeeding.

Estradiol is produced naturally by the ovaries and adrenal glands. It can also be administered as a medication, such as in birth control pills, menopausal hormone therapy, fertility treatments, and transgender hormone therapy.

If you are struggling with menopausal symptoms, infertility, or transgender care, the compassionate providers at Harmony Hormone Care can help. Our board-certified physicians specialize in precision hormone optimization to improve wellbeing. With convenient virtual visits, we offer cutting-edge testing and personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. Contact us today to take control of your hormonal health.

Now to dive deeper into some key details about estradiol:

What are normal estradiol levels?

• In reproductive-age women, normal estradiol levels fluctuate during the menstrual cycle:
  • Follicular phase: ~30-100 pg/mL
  • Ovulation peak: ~200-400 pg/mL
  • Luteal phase: ~30-150 pg/mL
• Postmenopausal women: <30 pg/mL

How is estradiol produced and regulated?

Estradiol production is stimulated by hormones from the brain's pituitary gland, especially follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). This prompts the ovaries to synthesize and release estradiol.

Estradiol then circulates in the bloodstream and provides negative feedback to the pituitary, regulating its own production in a cycle across the menstrual cycle.

I hope this overview has helped explain what estradiol is and its essential actions in the female body! Let me know if you have any other questions. And don't forget, the exceptional physicians at Harmony Hormone Care can help optimize your hormone levels to improve wellness and quality of life.