Many women do not even know what estradiol is, but this hormone is very important for women's health. Why? The fact is that estradiol is responsible for the formation of the female reproductive system precisely by female type, and, therefore, is the determining factor in female body.

Reference values ​​(estradiol norm in pg/ml)

Reference values ​​(estradiol norm in pmol/l)

Functions of estradiol

Thanks to estradiol, secondary female sexual characteristics develop. This hormone is responsible for the frequency and regularity of menstruation. Without normal level Estrodiol is impossible for the full maturation and development of the egg. Estradiol is able to regulate even some of the behavior of a woman.

Estradiol rises during the release of the egg from the follicle. Ovulation can occur only after the estradiol in the woman's blood has risen to the maximum level. Estradiol is a growth stimulator of the cells lining the uterine cavity, to which the fertilized egg is then attached.

That is why estradiol is the most important hormone for a woman that regulates the basic functions of her body. The level of estradiol throughout the cycle rises smoothly and gradually, and after ovulation, in the absence of fertilization, it decreases quite sharply. If estradiol is constantly elevated, this is not a sign of women's health. Many women will be genuinely surprised to learn that estradiol levels need to be controlled. Sometimes the imbalance of this hormone in the body is practically not felt.

Norm of estradiol

Some discomfort is typical of abnormal estradiol levels. For example, alarm signal to the fact that the level of estradiol is elevated, is the absence of menstruation or their irregularity, cycle failures. It should be noted that in general, any fluctuations in the cycle should be a good reason for any woman to visit a gynecologist. And even more so, you should not postpone visiting a specialist if your level of estradiol has never been controlled.

An increase in estradiol may be associated with some fairly serious diseases, such as ovarian tumors, various ovarian cysts, or liver disease. Sometimes estrodiol levels can rise sharply from external causes For example, if a woman long time took antibiotics or hormonal drugs.

Estradiol levels may change from taking some contraceptives containing a large number of hormones. Such backfire usually occur if a woman, before starting to take contraceptives, neglected the advice of a doctor and prescribed the drugs herself. Adult responsible people should understand that self-medication and self-prescription of hormonal drugs is not acceptable. After all, hormones must be in the body in the right amount: no more, no less. In this matter, harmony is more important than ever. Regular visits to the gynecologist, self-monitoring of hormonal status - this is the key to long-term health and avoiding serious problems.

Estradiol is the main female sex hormone of the estrogen group. It is present in both feminine and male body. The result of its influence on the body is a typical feminine figure, so it is considered feminine, although it is formed from male hormones. The FSH hormone converts male hormones into female ones.

Estradiol in women mainly formed in the ovaries. During pregnancy, it is also secreted by the placenta. The testicles, they are the testicles, produce estradiol in men. In both sexes, this hormone is produced in small amounts by the adrenal cortex.

The ovaries, under the influence of pituitary hormones, produce sex hormones:

LH, FSH → estradiol

LH → progesterone

Under the influence of pituitary hormones (LH, FSH), estradiol begins to be produced in the ovaries in the first half of the cycle. In the second half of the cycle, after ovulation, luteinizing hormone (LH) stimulates the release of progesterone.

Estradiol in women

Under the influence of this hormone in women:

• the waist becomes narrow;
• the timbre of the voice rises;
• subcutaneous fat is formed (due to the deposition of fat, the hips are rounded and the mammary glands are enlarged);
• the skin becomes thin and smooth;
• a follicle grows on the ovary;
• the inner layer of the uterus is preparing for pregnancy;
• the menstrual cycle is normalized.

Estradiol is a beauty hormone. Under its influence, the skin becomes elastic and even, female figure looks really feminine.

Estradiol in men

In men, it is also produced, but in much smaller quantities. What does estradiol do in the male body?

• Increases the deposition of calcium in bone tissues.
• Participates in the processes of sperm production.
• Increases oxygen exchange.
• Regulates the functioning of the nervous system.
• Increases blood clotting.
• Stimulates metabolism.
• Reduces the amount of "bad" cholesterol, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Estradiol: the norm in women

In the female body, estradiol constantly fluctuates: the day of the cycle has great importance for blood sampling. Since the beginning menstrual cycle the hormone begins to be produced. By the middle of the cycle, before ovulation, estradiol level rises. Ovulation occurs 24-36 hours after the concentration reaches its maximum. After the follicle bursts, estradiol also decreases (cycle day 14–15).

High estradiol after ovulation may mean that a woman is pregnant.

Low estradiol in the second half of the cycle indicates that conception has not occurred.

If the body produces enough estradiol, the norm in women is:

• follicular phase - 57–227 pg / ml;
• preovulatory phase - 127-476 pg / ml;
• luteinizing phase - 77–227 pg / ml.

Over the years, the amount of estrogen in the body of women decreases. During menopause, the norm fluctuates at the level of 19.7–82 pg / ml.

Estradiol during pregnancy: the norm

During pregnancy, there is an increase in the level of the hormone: the closer the birth, the higher its concentration. On the eve of childbirth, the concentration is highest. 4-5 days after birth, the level of estradiol decreases.

During pregnancy, the rate of hormones fluctuates depending on the period. They prepare the uterus for gestation.

If your readings do not agree with the values ​​in the table, consult your doctor. Normal values ​​for you may differ from the above. Therefore, the interpretation of the analysis must be carried out individually.

Estradiol: the norm in men

In the body of a man, the level of estradiol in the blood should be 15-71 pg / ml. But in some laboratories, acceptable values ​​\u200b\u200bmay differ and be in the range of 11.6–41.2 pg / ml. The analysis must be deciphered by a doctor.

Low estradiol

In both men and women, estradiol can be lowered for the following reasons:

• smoking;
• vegetarianism;
• diet low in fat and high in carbohydrates;
• sudden weight loss;
• elevated prolactin levels;
• malfunctions of the pituitary gland;
• inflammation of the genital organs;
• endocrine disorders;
• taking medicines not prescribed by a doctor (including oral contraceptives);
• violations in the production of sex hormones.

Low estradiol in women

Due to the low level of the hormone in women, there may be:

• absence of menstruation for more than six months;
• reduction in the size of the breast and uterus;
• dry skin;
• problems with conception.

In women, estradiol may be lowered early in pregnancy. A reduced level of the hormone in Russian women is less common than an increased one.

Low estradiol in men

On the reduced amount hormones in men indicate:

• osteoporosis;
• cardiovascular diseases;
• increased excitability;
• problems with conception.

The cause of low levels of this hormone in men may be chronic prostatitis.

High estradiol in women

With an increased level of the hormone in women, the following symptoms may be observed:

• overweight;
• acne;
• cold feet and hands;
• fast fatiguability;
• irregular monthly cycle;
• hair loss;
• swelling;
• indigestion;
• soreness of the chest;
• increased irritability;
• insomnia;
• convulsions.

If you donated blood for analysis, while estradiol is elevated, the doctor can identify diseases associated with:

• elevated hormone levels thyroid gland;
• the development of endometriosis on the ovary;
• tumors of the ovaries;
• cirrhosis of the liver;
• the presence of a follicle that did not burst during the period of ovulation.

In addition to the above, increased estradiol may be due to certain medications.

High estradiol in men

If a man has elevated levels of this hormone, the following changes may occur:

• puffiness appears due to water retention in the body;
• muscles are not pumped up;
• a female figure is formed - fat is deposited on the hips, abdomen, buttocks and chest;
• decreased sex drive;
• mammary glands become painful;
• the amount of hair on the face and chest is reduced.

Causes advanced level estrogen in men

• cirrhosis of the liver;
• testicular tumor;
• taking certain medications;
• obesity.

When is an estradiol test taken?

It is necessary to prepare the body before taking the test: estradiol can be lowered due to smoking, alcohol or large physical activity. Therefore, two days before the analysis, try not to engage in heavy physical labor, do not drink alcohol, do not have sex and do not smoke. In addition, blood must be taken on an empty stomach. To find out the level of the hormone in the body, they take blood from a vein. The analysis is taken on the 3-5th day of the cycle, if necessary, repeated on the 20-21st day.

Estradiol in the composition of drugs

Most of the combined oral contraceptives are based on the "beauty hormone". In no case should you "prescribe yourself" hormonal contraception. Self-medication with “female hormone” can cause unpleasant consequences:

• headache;
• dizziness;
• sudden mood swings;
• disorders in the liver;
• the appearance of stones in the gallbladder;
• overweight;
• vaginal bleeding.

Estradiol is a hormone that is used in the treatment of:

• insufficient development of the genital organs;
• absence of menstruation for more than 6 months;
• osteoporosis;
• increased sweating (due to hormonal disruptions).

Treatment hormonal drugs the doctor should prescribe only after the tests. In case of liver diseases, during pregnancy and lactation, such drugs are not prescribed.

The rate of estradiol in women depends on many factors and changes during the day, menstrual cycle and age. For men, only daily fluctuations of the hormone are characteristic.

Estradiol is a female sex hormone of a steroid nature, the most powerful of natural estrogens, which is responsible for the formation of the female reproductive system. In addition to estradiol, the family of estrogenic hormones includes estrone (folliculin) and estriol, which are formed from estradiol in metabolic processes. However, it is estradiol that is characterized by maximum physiological activity, affecting the organs and tissues of the female body related to the reproductive sphere: the vulva, vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, mammary glands.

For men, only daily fluctuations of the hormone are characteristic, in women, its content in the blood changes not only during the day, but also throughout the menstrual cycle.

Functions and synthesis

Functions of estradiol in the female body:

• stimulates the growth of genital tissues;
• forms a number of female secondary sexual characteristics;
• regulates menstrual function;
• forms subcutaneous fatty tissue, distributing it according to the female type;
• regulates pregnancy and lactation;
• determines the psychophysiological characteristics of female sexual behavior.

The hormone also activates bone growth, oxygen metabolism processes in tissues, affects cholesterol levels, and causes fluid and sodium retention in the body.

In women, the hormone is mainly produced in the ovaries, in the membrane of the maturing follicle. A small amount of the hormone is also synthesized in the adrenal cortex and in the cells of adipose tissue. Cholesterol is the precursor of estradiol, and testosterone and androstenedione are intermediates in biosynthesis. Under the action of the aromatase enzyme, testosterone is partially converted to estradiol. The ratio of estradiol to testosterone is essential for the manifestation of its effects, in addition, this ratio regulates the hormonal synthesis by the principle of feedback. active substances pituitary.

Control and activation of the synthesis of estradiol is carried out by tropic hormones (luteinizing and follicle-stimulating) and prolactin, and during pregnancy - chorionic gonadotropin. Estradiol circulates in systemic circulation with globulin that binds sex hormones, it enters all organs and tissues, and is metabolized by the liver.

A hormone deficiency in the body of a pregnant woman can cause a delay in the development of the fetus, cause a miscarriage, and cause weakness in labor.

Norm

Indicators of the norm of estradiol depend on many factors, the concentration of total estradiol in the blood is constantly fluctuating. Daily fluctuations in the concentration of the hormone in the blood are associated with the rhythm of its secretion. Tropic hormones that regulate hormone synthesis carry out their regulatory functions at certain times of the day. Maximum amount hormone in the blood is observed from 15 to 18 hours.

For men, only daily fluctuations of the hormone are characteristic, in women, its content in the blood changes not only during the day, but also throughout the menstrual cycle. The level of estradiol in the blood of women in the early phase of follicle maturation is minimal, by the middle of the cycle it becomes three times higher and reaches its maximum value on the ninth day after the onset of ovulation. If conception did not occur, from the tenth day after ovulation, the concentration of the hormone begins to decrease and reaches the smallest values towards the end of the cycle. During the cycle, the ovaries produce about 10 mg of estrogens. If conception has occurred, the concentration of the hormone continues to rise.

Before puberty, the norm of estradiol in boys and girls is at the same level. In girls, the level of the hormone begins to increase in puberty, gradually reaching the indicators of sexually mature women, it is from this moment that menstruation begins.

During puberty, the hormone ensures the growth of the size of the uterus, vagina, external genitalia. During this period, the development of female physiological characteristics: formation of the breast, adipose tissue and branching of the ducts for milk, expansion of the pelvic girdle, deposition of subcutaneous fat according to the female type (in the thighs, buttocks, chest), cell enlargement ciliated epithelium and increase their activity in the fallopian tubes.

The ratio of estradiol to testosterone is essential for the manifestation of its effects, in addition, this ratio regulates the synthesis of hormonally active substances of the pituitary gland according to the feedback principle.

The norm of the hormone in women depends not only on the phase of the menstrual cycle, but also on age.

The norm of estradiol in women by age:

• the norm of estradiol in girls infancy(up to 60 days)– 5–50 pg/ml;
• the norm of estradiol in girls under 10 years old– up to 15 pg/ml;
• the norm of estradiol in adolescent girls– 25–30 pg/ml.

The norm of the hormone depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle in adult women:

• early follicular phase– 20–150 pg/ml;
• late follicular phase– 40–350 pg/ml;
• middle of the menstrual cycle (peak)–150–750 pg/ml;
• luteal phase– 30–450 pg/ml.

With the onset of menopause, the rate of estradiol gradually decreases and reaches the same values ​​as in men. The norm of the hormone in postmenopausal women is up to 20 pg / ml.

Norm during pregnancy

During pregnancy, estradiol is produced by the placenta. It activates the metabolism in all tissues of the body, increases blood circulation in the uterus, providing the needs of the fetus for nutrients and oxygen, increases the growth and stretching of uterine tissues according to the needs of the fetus, is responsible for the state of the placenta, improves redox processes in the muscular layer of the uterus, preparing its neuromuscular apparatus for active contractile activity, increases blood clotting, retains sodium and water. Under the action of the hormone, the uterus becomes receptive to the action of progesterone. The concentration of the hormone reaches its maximum value a few days before childbirth. A few weeks after the birth of the child, the indicators return to normal.

A blood sample for analysis of the hormone content is taken from a vein on an empty stomach, in the morning. A few days before the analysis, it is necessary to exclude physical activity, drinking alcohol, smoking.

Table of normal indicators of estradiol during pregnancy by week:

Hormone deficiency in the body of a pregnant woman can cause a delay in fetal development, cause miscarriage, cause weakness in labor.

High and low hormone levels in women

An increase in the concentration of estradiol in the blood may indicate the following disorders.

Is estradiol. Thanks to him, the fair sex manages to maintain youth, visual attractiveness and reproductive function. The level of estradiol in the female body largely depends on the phase of the menstrual cycle.

In contact with

Functions in the body

What is it - estradiol, for which it is responsible in women. It belongs to the female sex hormones - estrogen. It is produced in small amounts in the testicles of men, but its functions in the male body have not yet been elucidated.

The hormone affects the physiological state of a woman, makes it possible to give birth to a healthy baby.

If the hormone level deviates from the norm, the state of the female body can change for the worse. To diagnose the clinical picture, a blood test is required.

Quite often, to normalize the condition, it is necessary to correct using medicines.

The level of estradiol in a woman's body is regulated by the ovaries. They have the ability to produce it from testosterone.

The pituitary gland is also actively working on the creation of the hormone. The norms of estradiol should be observed in the follicular phase, because the component is necessary for the maturation of the egg. Thanks to estrogens, a dominant cell can develop. The maximum amount of the hormone is observed in when the follicle is released from the outer dense shell.

After the formation of an egg, in its place in the ovary, a corpus luteum which is used to make progesterone. The hormone is responsible for fertilization and creating optimal conditions for this process. As a result, the level of estradiol drops sharply. If the fertilized egg does not attach to the wall of the uterus, then the endometrium will be rejected, and the loop will start over.

The hormone estradiol is responsible for the following processes:

• participates in the formation of all parts reproductive system and affects certain phases of the menstrual cycle;
• is responsible for the creation, under its influence, alveoli begin to form;
• takes part in the assimilation of individual nutritional components, affects the female psyche;
• during the period of maximum probability of conception, the fair sex noticeably increases sexual desire;
• affects the process of blood coagulation;
• responsible for youth and beauty;
• necessary for physical endurance and stability of the nervous system;
• makes it possible to get pregnant.

Normal

The hormone tends to change its level, what is its norm in women. If a woman is in reproductive age, then hormone analyzes should be in a certain range. External and internal factors can change the amount. Age plays an important role. The index increases sharply at .

It is measured in pg/ml and has certain deviations in normal volume:

In reproductive age, the level of estradiol on the days of the cycle can change as follows:

• estradiol in the follicular phase should be in the range from 57 to 227.
• at the onset of ovulation - from 127 to 466.
• in the luteal period - from 77 to 227.

Low estradiol in women often negatively affects appearance. This increases the risk of developing serious pathologists Therefore, it is important to recognize the disease in time and direct all efforts to eliminate it.

What threatens the lack of a hormone

Estradiol is essential for the regulation of the menstrual cycle. Without it, not only the appearance worsens, but it is also impossible to conceive a child. At the same time, a woman may feel constant fatigue. The doctor will need to establish the causes of this negative process.

These include:

• predisposition to a disease that is inherited;
• the woman lost a lot of weight;
• the body is regularly subjected to excessive mental or physical stress;
• production of excessive amounts of prolactin;
• disturbances in the work of the brain, namely the pituitary gland against the background of an infectious lesion;
• the ovaries were exhausted too early: in this case, the patient is diagnosed with an early onset of menopause, it will be possible to have children only with IVF;
• taking medications that are designed to suppress ovulation.

Important! The level of production of estradiol in the body falls with regular smoking and drinking alcohol.

Toxins render negative impact not only for the brain, but also for work endocrine system. If the body was determined an insufficient amount estradiol, it is recommended to include in the diet certain products nutrition. positive impact grains and legumes work on the ovaries. There should be enough vitamins C, E and B in food. With their help, it will be possible to improve the functioning of the organs of the reproductive system.

The indicator is above the norm

If estradiol is elevated in pregnant women, then clinical picture considered quite normal.

Otherwise, excessive dryness of the skin and hair loss are observed. She may also suffer from obesity and occasional bleeding.

Other symptoms include pain in the mammary glands and excessive irritability.

The fair sex will not be able to get pregnant. Data available negative manifestations you should consult a doctor. He ordered a blood test, which will allow him to make a diagnosis.

Elevated estradiol in the body leads to disturbances in the functioning of the liver and thyroid gland. If a woman eats improperly, then the situation will further worsen due to.

Often enough clinical manifestations occur while taking certain medications.

If estradiol is elevated, then it rises risk of developing tumors and cysts in the ovaries.

The substance is formed from male hormones, so their excessive amount can lead to these diseases. In this case, excessive covering of the body with hair or baldness of the head can be observed. The situation is aggravated by total absence monthly. In this case, infertility further develops.

To adjust the level of the hormone, you should find the cause of the negative state. Most often prescribed hormone therapy. If necessary, it will also be necessary to remove the tumor in the ovarian region.

Diagnostics

A deviation from the norm is a violation of the menstrual cycle, which leads to infertility.

For a teenager, imbalance is dangerous due to improper puberty. IN late age this can lead to early menopause.

The doctor prescribes blood sampling during the period 2nd to 4th day of cycle. It is important to pass the analysis in the morning. However, you can't eat anything. Also, a woman should refuse to take medications with hormones.

They can negatively affect the amount of estrogen in the body. Also, before taking the test, you should not smoke or drink alcohol.

Otherwise, the study will be considered non-informative. To prescribe the correct course of treatment, you will need to adhere to these requirements.

Useful video: the effect of estradiol on a woman, blood norms

Estradiol (E2) refers to female hormones- estrogen. He plays important role in the implementation of the reproductive function, affects the work of many organs and affects the metabolism.

Determining the concentration of estradiol is used to assess the state of the reproductive system. When interpreting the results of the study, it must be taken into account that the level of the hormone depends on the day of the menstrual cycle and the age of the woman.

Characteristics of the hormone

Estradiol is the most active estrogen. It is formed from male hormone testosterone under the influence of the aromatase enzyme. The source for its production, as for all other steroid compounds, is cholesterol. Estradiolproduced in the gonads and on the periphery. In the female body, its synthesis is carried out in the following organs and tissues:

• ovarian granulosa cells;
• adrenal cortex;
• adipose tissue.

The newly formed estrogen is secreted into the blood, where it binds to transport proteins or circulates in a free, biologically active state. Its metabolism is carried out in the liver. The hormone is excreted in the urine in the form of estriol, a substance that does not have significant physiological effects.

The regulation of estrogen production is carried out by the higher levels of the reproductive system:

• the cerebral cortex - with the help of neurotransmitters;
• hypothalamus - through the production of gonadotropin-releasing factor, which stimulates the production of tropic hormones;
• pituitary - with the participation of gonadotropins - follicle-stimulating (FSH) and luteinizing (LH) hormones, which enhance the synthesis of estradiol and prolactin.

The organs that control the work of the ovaries respond to changes in the concentration of estrogen in the blood - with its increase, the secretion of stimulating substances decreases, and with a decrease, it increases. This mechanism is called negative feedback. There are also positive interactions between structures. An increase in the synthesis of estradiol in the preovulatory follicle leads to a sharp release of LH and FSH and the onset of ovulation.

The role of estrogen in the body

The biological role of the hormone is to regulate the functioning of the reproductive system. He is responsible for the formation of a normal menstrual cycle, the ability to conceive and bear a fetus. In addition to affecting reproductive function, estrogen has effects on other target organs and tissues: nervous system, heart, blood vessels, skin, sebaceous glands, hair follicles, muscles, bones, colon, urinary system.

Target Organs for Estrogens

To realize the biological effect, estradiol forms a complex with specific receptors located in the cell nucleus or on its membrane. In the first case, the genomic action of the steroid is carried out, associated with a change in the synthesis of protein molecules, and in the second, a rapid response develops, which is often opposite to the nuclear one.

The main effects of the hormone in the body:

During pregnancy, estradiol promotes the growth of the uterus, improves blood supply to organs and tissues. The hormone also takes part in the preparation of the mammary glands for the release of milk.

Blood test for estradiol

A blood test for hormone levels is a method laboratory diagnostics gynecological pathology. The level of estradiol is assessed in the followingcases:

• in violation of the menstrual cycle;
• in the absence or cessation of menstruation;
• with anovulation;
• when it is impossible to conceive a child;
• with the development of dyscirculatory uterine bleeding.

A blood test is taken on an empty stomach on the 3rd, 4th or 5th day of the menstrual cycle. If necessary, the doctor prescribes another time for the examination. Before the procedure, it is necessary to follow the generally accepted rules of preparation, which include not eating for 8-14 hours, the absence of heavy physical exertion, and maintaining emotional peace. After consultation with the attending physician, they are temporarily canceled medical preparations, which can distort the results of laboratory testing. Do not smoke or drink alcohol before the procedure.

Indirectly, the amount of estradiol can be judged by the thickness of the endometrium on the 12–14th day of the cycle (calculated by ultrasound) and the nature of the cervical mucus during examination. Valuable status information hormonal background gives carrying out pharmacological tests with the use of tableted gestagens.

Laboratory norms

The concentration of the hormone depends on the age of the woman, her physiological state, days of the menstrual cycle. Activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovaries system occurs during sexual development. With regular menstruation, an increase in the level of estradiol is observed in the follicular phase. The indicator reaches its maximum value shortly before ovulation, and then the estrogen content in the blood decreases sharply. After the break dominant follicle a tendency to increase the amount of the hormone is again recorded, especially towards the middle of the luteal phase.

The level of estradiol in different phases menstrual cycle

On the early dates pregnancy, the content of the substance in the blood increases. The high level of the indicator persists throughout the entire period of bearing a child and returns to its previous value a few weeks after childbirth. In menopause, estrogen synthesis gradually decreases, and testosterone in adipose tissue becomes the main source of its production.

The table shows the norms of estradiol in women by age and days of the menstrual cycle:

After receiving the form with the result, you must familiarize yourself with the norms indicated in it. When conducting research in different laboratories, they may differ. The analysis is interpreted by a doctor who, in addition to the E2 level, takes into account other indicators that characterize women's health.

Causes of changes in estradiol levels

A change in the concentration of the hormone is observed when the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and ovaries are affected. Its deviation from normal values can occur with diseases of the endocrine system, obesity, liver disease.

Low estrogen levels are recorded in the following conditions:

• Organic or functional hyperprolactinemia.
• Malformations (dysgenesis) of the ovaries.
• Resistant ovary syndrome.
• Depleted ovary syndrome.
• Postpartum hypopituitarism.
• Syndrome of the "empty" Turkish saddle.
• Starvation, sudden weight loss.
• Stress.
• Kallman syndrome.

Interpretation of the results of a comprehensive laboratory examination:

The high concentration of the hormone in non-pregnant women associated with its excessive secretion by hormonally active tumors:

• functional ovarian cysts;
• granulosa cell formations of the gonads;
• teratomas and teratocarcinomas;
• pituitary adenomas.