Estradiol (aka 17 beta-estradiol) is the major female sex hormone, produced primarily in the ovary. Estradiol is an estrogen steroid hormone. Breasts, and adrenal glands also make estradiol. During pregnancy, the placenta also makes estradiol. The amount of estradiol produced depends on the phase of the menstrual cycle.
Estradiol helps to control the way fat is distributed in the body. It’s also essential for bone and joint health in females. Men also produce estradiol, but only very small amounts.
Shortly before ovulation, estradiol levels surge and then fall immediately after ovulation. They then rise again and remain elevated until 2-3 days before menstruation.
- If pregnancy occurs, the estradiol levels remain elevated.
- If pregnancy does not occur, then estradiol levels fall, which, in combination with falling progesterone levels, provoke a menstrual flow.
Normal Values:
| Men | 13-42 pg/ml | 48-154 pmol/L |
| Women (Proliferative Phase) |
60-250 pg/ml | 220-918 pmol/L |
| Women (Luteal Phase) |
75-450 pg/ml | 275-1650pmol/L |
| Women (Menopausal) |
<10 pg/ml | <40 pmol/L |
| Women (Menopausal on estrogen replacement) |
50-100 pg/ml | 184-367 pmol/L |
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