Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTheir FunctionsWhere They’re ProducedReasons for FluctuationsConfirming Estrogen LevelsBalancing Estrogen LevelsBenefits and Risks of Therapy
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Their Functions
Where They’re Produced
Reasons for Fluctuations
Confirming Estrogen Levels
Balancing Estrogen Levels
Benefits and Risks of Therapy
Estrogenis a major sex hormone in people born with a female reproductive system. There are three main forms of estrogen, andestradiolis one of them. Estradiol (medically known as E2) is important for thereproductive system,bone health, and weight distribution. It’s considered to be the strongest type of estrogen in the body.This article discusses estrogen and estradiol, outlining their function and providing tips oncoping when levels fluctuate.Anna Mardo/ Getty ImagesFunction of Estradiol and EstrogenEstrogen is a sex hormone. It’s important for several bodily functions in males and females, including:Sexual development and functionMenstrual cycleBone developmentHeart healthMood managementThe human body produces three differentestrogen types, one of which is estradiol (E2).E2 is the major estrogen present in the body during a person’s reproductive years. It’s vital for many different functions, including the maturity phase of the female reproductive organs and preparing the uterine wall for a fertilized egg to implant.A small amount of estradiol is converted from another type of estrogen called estrone.What Is Estrone?Estrone is one of the three main types of estrogen. Here’s how they break down:Estrone (E1)is the main hormone present after menopause.Estradiol (E2)is the main hormone present during the reproductive years.Estriol (E3)is the main hormone present during pregnancy.Specifically, estrone is produced in the body during the reproductive years and then remains to be the only estrogen present after the point of menopause. It’s produced in the adrenal glands, body fat, and ovaries.Location of Estradiol and Estrogen ProductionTheovariesproduce estrogen and estradiol. However, estradiol is produced in varying amounts depending on where a person is in theirmenstrual cycleand reproductive timeline.Some smaller amounts of estradiol are produced in theadrenal glands, fat cells, breasts, and brain via cholesterol.In males, estradiol is minimally produced in thetesticles.Why Do Estradiol and Estrogen Levels Fluctuate?It’s normal forhormone levels—in this case, estrogen levels—to rise and fall throughout your lifetime. Normal fluctuation can happen for many reasons, from age and health to stress or diet.This can be particularly noticeable during specific points, likepubertyandmenopause. With estradiol, fluctuation occur at the following times:Levels start to increaseduring puberty.Levels rise and fallduring the menstrual cycle.Levels decline slowlyas a person ages.Levels decreasethe most during menopause (the ovaries stop actively producing estrogen).But hormone levels can also fluctuate due to a health condition, such as:DiabetesThyroid diseasePolycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)Primary ovarian insufficiencyPituitary glanddisordersGiving birth or breastfeedingHaving a lower body weightTurner syndromeChemotherapyWhat is Ethinyl Estradiol?A synthetic form of estrogen known as ethinyl estradiol is found in certain types ofbirth control, commonly in combination oral contraceptives.It can help regulate the menstrual cycle and may also help lower the risk ofovarianandendometrialcancers. Sometimes ethinyl estradiol is also used to help build bone density.Taking a Blood Test to Confirm Estrogen LevelsAblood testcan help measure the amount of estrogen in your body. It’s commonly used to test for levels of estradiol. This can help:Diagnose an estrogen-related health condition,like menstrual cycle issues orinfertilityMonitor treatmentsfor infertility,hormone therapy, and some types of cancersMonitor a pregnancyfor congenital disabilities or high-risk situationsDiagnose a medical conditionlikethyroid diseaseor diabetesNormal estradiol level results will vary based on a person’s age and health condition. This typically looks like:30 to 400 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL) for ovulating females0 to 30 pg/mL for postmenopausal females10 to 50 pg/mL for malesHow to Balance Estrogen LevelsWhile some fluctuation in estrogen levels is expected, levels that are too high or too low may need to be balanced. A healthcare provider may recommend a few ways to do this.Lifestyle changes are often suggested to help even out estrogen levels, depending on the exact cause of the imbalance. Some possibilities include:Maintaining a healthy weightReducing stressKeeping exercise to a moderate levelLimiting alcoholImplementing foods like soy that can help with balancing hormone levelsMedication treatments for addressing estrogen imbalances include:Systemic estrogen therapy, in which estrogen works throughout the bloodstream via oral medication (pills), patches, or sprays.Local estrogen therapy, in whichestrogen is applied topically via a cream, vaginal ring, or tablet. This releases smaller doses of the hormone into the bloodstream.Guide to Increasing Estrogen With Fluctuating Hormone LevelsRole of Sex Hormones in MalesSex hormones are present in both males and females. Though estradiol is more pronounced in females, males also produce smaller amounts of estrogen in their testicles.This makes it key for several functions of male sexual development, including erectile function,sexual libido, and sperm production.Weighing the Benefits and Risks of Estrogen TherapyBefore starting a prescription estrogen therapy, know that some pros and cons will need to be discussed with a healthcare provider based on your personal and family medical histories.While an estrogen-only therapy can help address hormone imbalances and other symptoms, it can potentially increase the risk of endometrial cancer when used without another hormone.This type of treatment may also come with a small increased risk of stroke and blood clots fromdeep vein thrombosis (or DVT)andgallbladder disease.Systemic oral estrogen therapy may pose more risks than topical estrogen therapy (in patches, sprays, or ring form).SummaryEstradiol (known as E2) is a type of the sex hormone estrogen. Estradiol is the primary estrogen in the female body during childbearing years. While it supports the reproductive system and fertility, estradiol is also helpful in promoting bone and brain health. Estradiol levels usually fluctuate throughout a person’s lifetime, though abnormally high or low E2 levels may indicate a health condition or other issue.
Estrogenis a major sex hormone in people born with a female reproductive system. There are three main forms of estrogen, andestradiolis one of them. Estradiol (medically known as E2) is important for thereproductive system,bone health, and weight distribution. It’s considered to be the strongest type of estrogen in the body.
This article discusses estrogen and estradiol, outlining their function and providing tips oncoping when levels fluctuate.
Anna Mardo/ Getty Images
Function of Estradiol and Estrogen
Estrogen is a sex hormone. It’s important for several bodily functions in males and females, including:
The human body produces three differentestrogen types, one of which is estradiol (E2).E2 is the major estrogen present in the body during a person’s reproductive years. It’s vital for many different functions, including the maturity phase of the female reproductive organs and preparing the uterine wall for a fertilized egg to implant.
A small amount of estradiol is converted from another type of estrogen called estrone.
What Is Estrone?Estrone is one of the three main types of estrogen. Here’s how they break down:Estrone (E1)is the main hormone present after menopause.Estradiol (E2)is the main hormone present during the reproductive years.Estriol (E3)is the main hormone present during pregnancy.Specifically, estrone is produced in the body during the reproductive years and then remains to be the only estrogen present after the point of menopause. It’s produced in the adrenal glands, body fat, and ovaries.
What Is Estrone?
Estrone is one of the three main types of estrogen. Here’s how they break down:Estrone (E1)is the main hormone present after menopause.Estradiol (E2)is the main hormone present during the reproductive years.Estriol (E3)is the main hormone present during pregnancy.Specifically, estrone is produced in the body during the reproductive years and then remains to be the only estrogen present after the point of menopause. It’s produced in the adrenal glands, body fat, and ovaries.
Estrone is one of the three main types of estrogen. Here’s how they break down:
Specifically, estrone is produced in the body during the reproductive years and then remains to be the only estrogen present after the point of menopause. It’s produced in the adrenal glands, body fat, and ovaries.
Location of Estradiol and Estrogen Production
Theovariesproduce estrogen and estradiol. However, estradiol is produced in varying amounts depending on where a person is in theirmenstrual cycleand reproductive timeline.
Some smaller amounts of estradiol are produced in theadrenal glands, fat cells, breasts, and brain via cholesterol.
In males, estradiol is minimally produced in thetesticles.
Why Do Estradiol and Estrogen Levels Fluctuate?
It’s normal forhormone levels—in this case, estrogen levels—to rise and fall throughout your lifetime. Normal fluctuation can happen for many reasons, from age and health to stress or diet.
This can be particularly noticeable during specific points, likepubertyandmenopause. With estradiol, fluctuation occur at the following times:
But hormone levels can also fluctuate due to a health condition, such as:
What is Ethinyl Estradiol?A synthetic form of estrogen known as ethinyl estradiol is found in certain types ofbirth control, commonly in combination oral contraceptives.It can help regulate the menstrual cycle and may also help lower the risk ofovarianandendometrialcancers. Sometimes ethinyl estradiol is also used to help build bone density.
What is Ethinyl Estradiol?
A synthetic form of estrogen known as ethinyl estradiol is found in certain types ofbirth control, commonly in combination oral contraceptives.It can help regulate the menstrual cycle and may also help lower the risk ofovarianandendometrialcancers. Sometimes ethinyl estradiol is also used to help build bone density.
Taking a Blood Test to Confirm Estrogen Levels
Ablood testcan help measure the amount of estrogen in your body. It’s commonly used to test for levels of estradiol. This can help:
Normal estradiol level results will vary based on a person’s age and health condition. This typically looks like:
How to Balance Estrogen Levels
While some fluctuation in estrogen levels is expected, levels that are too high or too low may need to be balanced. A healthcare provider may recommend a few ways to do this.
Lifestyle changes are often suggested to help even out estrogen levels, depending on the exact cause of the imbalance. Some possibilities include:
Medication treatments for addressing estrogen imbalances include:
Guide to Increasing Estrogen With Fluctuating Hormone Levels
Role of Sex Hormones in MalesSex hormones are present in both males and females. Though estradiol is more pronounced in females, males also produce smaller amounts of estrogen in their testicles.This makes it key for several functions of male sexual development, including erectile function,sexual libido, and sperm production.
Role of Sex Hormones in Males
Sex hormones are present in both males and females. Though estradiol is more pronounced in females, males also produce smaller amounts of estrogen in their testicles.This makes it key for several functions of male sexual development, including erectile function,sexual libido, and sperm production.
Weighing the Benefits and Risks of Estrogen Therapy
Before starting a prescription estrogen therapy, know that some pros and cons will need to be discussed with a healthcare provider based on your personal and family medical histories.
While an estrogen-only therapy can help address hormone imbalances and other symptoms, it can potentially increase the risk of endometrial cancer when used without another hormone.This type of treatment may also come with a small increased risk of stroke and blood clots fromdeep vein thrombosis (or DVT)andgallbladder disease.
Systemic oral estrogen therapy may pose more risks than topical estrogen therapy (in patches, sprays, or ring form).
Summary
Estradiol (known as E2) is a type of the sex hormone estrogen. Estradiol is the primary estrogen in the female body during childbearing years. While it supports the reproductive system and fertility, estradiol is also helpful in promoting bone and brain health. Estradiol levels usually fluctuate throughout a person’s lifetime, though abnormally high or low E2 levels may indicate a health condition or other issue.
15 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.Estrogen dominance.MedlinePlus.Estrogen.MedlinePlus.Estrogen levels test.Hormone Health Network.Estradiol.Cui J, Shen Y, Li R.Estrogen synthesis and signaling pathways during aging: from periphery to brain.Trends Mol Med. 2013 Mar;19(3):197-209. doi:10.1016/j.molmed.2012.12.007Saldanha CJ, Remage-Healey L, Schlinger BA.Synaptocrine signaling: steroid synthesis and action at the synapse.Endocr Rev. 2011 Aug;32(4):532-49. doi:10.1210/er.2011-0004MedlinePlus.Aging changes in hormone production.Piedmont.What causes hormonal imbalances?.Brynhildsen J.Combined hormonal contraceptives: prescribing patterns, compliance, and benefits versus risks.Ther Adv Drug Saf. 2014;5(5):201-13. doi:10.1177/2042098614548857Stewart M, Black K.Choosing a combined oral contraceptive pill.Aust Prescr. 2015;38(1):6-11. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2015.002Saran S, Gupta BS, Philip R, et al.Effect of hypothyroidism on female reproductive hormones.Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2016;20(1):108-113. doi:10.4103/2230-8210.172245University of North Carolina Health.Estrogen, serum (estradiol).Endocrine Society.Reproductive hormones.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Experiencing vaginal dryness? Here’s what you need to know.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Hormone therapy for menopause.
15 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.Estrogen dominance.MedlinePlus.Estrogen.MedlinePlus.Estrogen levels test.Hormone Health Network.Estradiol.Cui J, Shen Y, Li R.Estrogen synthesis and signaling pathways during aging: from periphery to brain.Trends Mol Med. 2013 Mar;19(3):197-209. doi:10.1016/j.molmed.2012.12.007Saldanha CJ, Remage-Healey L, Schlinger BA.Synaptocrine signaling: steroid synthesis and action at the synapse.Endocr Rev. 2011 Aug;32(4):532-49. doi:10.1210/er.2011-0004MedlinePlus.Aging changes in hormone production.Piedmont.What causes hormonal imbalances?.Brynhildsen J.Combined hormonal contraceptives: prescribing patterns, compliance, and benefits versus risks.Ther Adv Drug Saf. 2014;5(5):201-13. doi:10.1177/2042098614548857Stewart M, Black K.Choosing a combined oral contraceptive pill.Aust Prescr. 2015;38(1):6-11. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2015.002Saran S, Gupta BS, Philip R, et al.Effect of hypothyroidism on female reproductive hormones.Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2016;20(1):108-113. doi:10.4103/2230-8210.172245University of North Carolina Health.Estrogen, serum (estradiol).Endocrine Society.Reproductive hormones.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Experiencing vaginal dryness? Here’s what you need to know.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Hormone therapy for menopause.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.Estrogen dominance.MedlinePlus.Estrogen.MedlinePlus.Estrogen levels test.Hormone Health Network.Estradiol.Cui J, Shen Y, Li R.Estrogen synthesis and signaling pathways during aging: from periphery to brain.Trends Mol Med. 2013 Mar;19(3):197-209. doi:10.1016/j.molmed.2012.12.007Saldanha CJ, Remage-Healey L, Schlinger BA.Synaptocrine signaling: steroid synthesis and action at the synapse.Endocr Rev. 2011 Aug;32(4):532-49. doi:10.1210/er.2011-0004MedlinePlus.Aging changes in hormone production.Piedmont.What causes hormonal imbalances?.Brynhildsen J.Combined hormonal contraceptives: prescribing patterns, compliance, and benefits versus risks.Ther Adv Drug Saf. 2014;5(5):201-13. doi:10.1177/2042098614548857Stewart M, Black K.Choosing a combined oral contraceptive pill.Aust Prescr. 2015;38(1):6-11. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2015.002Saran S, Gupta BS, Philip R, et al.Effect of hypothyroidism on female reproductive hormones.Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2016;20(1):108-113. doi:10.4103/2230-8210.172245University of North Carolina Health.Estrogen, serum (estradiol).Endocrine Society.Reproductive hormones.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Experiencing vaginal dryness? Here’s what you need to know.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Hormone therapy for menopause.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.Estrogen dominance.
MedlinePlus.Estrogen.
MedlinePlus.Estrogen levels test.
Hormone Health Network.Estradiol.
Cui J, Shen Y, Li R.Estrogen synthesis and signaling pathways during aging: from periphery to brain.Trends Mol Med. 2013 Mar;19(3):197-209. doi:10.1016/j.molmed.2012.12.007
Saldanha CJ, Remage-Healey L, Schlinger BA.Synaptocrine signaling: steroid synthesis and action at the synapse.Endocr Rev. 2011 Aug;32(4):532-49. doi:10.1210/er.2011-0004
MedlinePlus.Aging changes in hormone production.
Piedmont.What causes hormonal imbalances?.
Brynhildsen J.Combined hormonal contraceptives: prescribing patterns, compliance, and benefits versus risks.Ther Adv Drug Saf. 2014;5(5):201-13. doi:10.1177/2042098614548857
Stewart M, Black K.Choosing a combined oral contraceptive pill.Aust Prescr. 2015;38(1):6-11. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2015.002
Saran S, Gupta BS, Philip R, et al.Effect of hypothyroidism on female reproductive hormones.Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2016;20(1):108-113. doi:10.4103/2230-8210.172245
University of North Carolina Health.Estrogen, serum (estradiol).
Endocrine Society.Reproductive hormones.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Experiencing vaginal dryness? Here’s what you need to know.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Hormone therapy for menopause.
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