Estradiol is increased or decreased. Causes

Estradiol is a biologically active substance. It belongs to steroids and circulates in the blood in combination with globulin, which is responsible for the binding of sex hormones. In women, estradiol is secreted by the ovaries and adrenal cortex, in men - by testicles. In addition, it occurs during the formation of androgens (sex hormones).

The importance of estradiol

In men, this estrogen affects the formation of ejaculate, improves oxygen metabolism and participates in the regulation of the nervous system, promotes the increase of the blood coagulation capacity, stimulates metabolism, is responsible for sexual desire.

In women, this compound affects the formation of the sexual system, the mental and physical state. Under its influence, follicles grow, the thickness of the endometrium increases . In addition, it is responsible for the formation of a female figure and a healthy appearance of the skin.

In the female body, estradiol is elevated as much as possible in the late follicular phase. After ovulation, its concentration decreases. A high level of this hormone is also observed during pregnancy. In postmenopause, his level is lowered. Estradiol in this period reaches a concentration that is normally characteristic of the male body (is 15-71 pg / ml).

It should be noted that such fluctuations in the concentration of estradiol are considered physiological, but there are a number of pathologies that are also accompanied by a change in the level of this hormone.

Estradiol is elevated: why?

The raised level of the given steroid is observed at following pathologies:

• disorders in the functioning of the thyroid gland;

• Follicle persistence;

• presence of cysts or tumors in the ovaries;

• Estradiol increased with gynecomastia;

• cirrhosis of the liver;

• endometriosis;

• obesity.

In addition, estradiol is elevated when taking certain medications (for example, anabolic steroids).

The most frequent etiological factor in the growth of the level of a given hormone in the body of a man is excess weight, a violation in the secretion of testosterone or a lack of zinc, and age-related changes.

Estradiol is lowered: aetiology

If we talk about the reasons for reducing the concentration of estradiol, we should note the following etiological factors:

• Smoking;

• physical exercise;

• disturbances in the pituitary gland;

• endocrine diseases;

• hormonal imbalance;

• vegetarianism;

• a sharp decrease in weight;

• hypogonadism;

• chemotherapy in oncopathology.

Determination of the concentration of estradiol

With hormonal imbalance , the endocrinologist generally recommends that you donate blood in order to conduct a proper laboratory analysis. Estradiol is determined under certain conditions - the analysis is done on an empty stomach. Women need to donate blood for 3-5 days of the cycle. The day before you should limit physical activity. It is also forbidden to smoke or drink alcohol.

The most frequent indications for laboratory diagnostics are irregular menstruation, infertility, uterine bleeding in women, as well as signs of feminization and hypofunction of the sexual glands in men. When a low or too high level of estradiol is confirmed, the doctor can prescribe appropriate treatment.