Estradiol - Hormone Harmony Clinic

What is estradiol?

Estradiol is the most potent and predominant form of estrogen - the primary female sex hormone - circulating in the female body. It plays a vital role in sexual and reproductive development, among other functions.

Estradiol levels fluctuate during the menstrual cycle. They rise during the follicular phase to promote ovulation, peak just before ovulation, and decline during the luteal phase. Low levels can lead to issues like infertility while high levels are associated with health risks.

Key Functions

• Sexual development & reproduction: Estradiol regulates puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and egg/follicle maturation. It stimulates the thickening of vaginal walls, growth of breast tissue, and maintaining bone mineral density.
• Cardiovascular health: Estradiol has anti-inflammatory effects and helps dilate blood vessels when balanced with progesterone. It also regulates cholesterol levels when in balance.
• Mood, memory & cognition: Estradiol modulates neurotransmitters like serotonin and acetylcholine which influence mood, learning, memory and more. It declines with perimenopause and menopause, contributing to issues like brain fog.
• Metabolic processes: Estradiol aids glucose metabolism, fluid balance, electrolyte levels, body weight regulation and more. Declining levels with menopause increase central fat accumulation & metabolic issues.

Causes of Imbalance

• Menopause & perimenopause
• Hormonal birth control methods
• Pregnancy & postpartum
• Medical conditions like PCOS
• Obesity
• Significant weight changes
• Stress
• Pituitary gland disorders

I hope this gives you a good overview of the vital hormone estradiol! Let me know if you have any other questions.