What are normal oestradiol levels?

Oestradiol is a hormone that plays an important role in many bodily processes.

It is one of the primary hormones responsible for regulating reproductive and sexual health, but it also helps maintain bone density, regulate cholesterol levels, and support other metabolic functions.

Understanding what normal oestradiol levels are can help you identify potential health issues and make informed decisions about your care.

What Is Oestradiol?

Oestradiol, or estradiol, is a hormone that is produced primarily in the ovaries. It is also produced in smaller amounts by the adrenal glands and the follicle-stimulating hormone FSH.

It's mainly produced in the ovaries of women and the testes of men, but it can also be made in small amounts by other parts of the body, like fat cells, muscles, and skin.

In women, oestradiol helps to control ovulation and prepares the uterus for pregnancy. For men, it helps to maintain libido, sperm production, and muscle mass.

Oestradiol levels gradually rise over the course of a woman’s menstrual cycle leading up to ovulation.

If a doctor wants to measure oestradiol levels, they usually order a blood test where a needle is used to draw blood samples from the patient.

The hormonal panel may also include luteinizing hormone from the pituitary gland, as well as other hormones. This test is also done with a blood sample.

Normal oestradiol levels can vary, but if an individual has low oestrogen levels it can cause numerous menopausal symptoms.

Hormone therapy or hormone replacement therapy may be necessary for individuals whose oestrogen levels are below average to increase their health and quality of life.

Normal Oestradiol Levels

The normal range for oestradiol varies depending on age and gender. Generally speaking, a healthy adult female should have between 15-350 pg/mL (picograms per millilitre), while a healthy adult male should have between 10-50 pg/mL.

However, these ranges may vary slightly based on age or certain medical conditions. For example, pregnant women typically have higher oestradiol levels than non-pregnant women due to increased levels of progesterone being produced during pregnancy.

If your oestradiol level falls outside of this range, it could indicate an underlying health problem such as ovarian or testicular cancer or an endocrine disorder like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

It's important to talk to your doctor if you think your oestradiol levels may be abnormally high or low so they can determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment options.

What Causes Abnormal Levels of Oestradiol in Women?

When oestradiol levels are out of balance, it can lead to a variety of physical and psychological symptoms. Let's take a look at possible causes for abnormal levels of oestradiol in women.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is characterized by an imbalance in hormones, including oestradiol, which can cause irregular or absent periods, acne, excess hair growth, and weight gain.

Obesity

Obese women are more likely to have higher than normal levels of oestradiol due to increased fat cells that produce additional amounts of the hormone.

Endometriosis

This condition occurs when endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus instead of inside it as it should during menstruation; this too can result in abnormal oestrogen levels due to the extra tissue that is producing it.

Certain Medications

Some medications used to treat other conditions, such as epilepsy or cancer, can interfere with normal hormone production and lead to abnormal levels of oestradiol.

Age-Related Decline

As women age, their production of certain hormones naturally declines; this includes oestrogens like oestradiol which can lead to menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and more if its levels become too low or too high for an extended period of time.

Symptoms of Abnormal Oestradiol Levels & How To Treat Them

It helps control the menstrual cycle and can affect fertility levels. Unfortunately, when oestradiol levels become too high or too low, it can lead to various unwanted symptoms.

Hot flashes

Hot flashes are one of the most common symptoms associated with abnormal oestradiol levels. They are characterized by sudden feelings of warmth that can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes.

Fortunately, there are a number of treatments available for hot flashes, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT), lifestyle changes (such as avoiding triggers like caffeine and spicy foods), and medications such as antidepressants or SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors).

Irregular periods

A decrease in oestradiol levels can also cause irregular periods or amenorrhea (the absence of menstrual periods).

Treatment options include oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and lifestyle modifications such as reducing stress and exercising regularly.

Low libido

Low libido is another symptom associated with abnormal oestradiol levels.

Treatment options include HRT, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) if the patient has low testosterone levels, medications such as sildenafil citrate (Viagra), lifestyle modifications such as reducing stress and increasing exercise, and counselling or psychotherapy if underlying psychological issues are contributing to the problem.

Weight gain

Weight gain is another symptom associated with low oestradiol levels due to its effects on metabolism and fat distribution in the body.

Treatment may involve dietary modifications such as eating more fibre-rich foods and reducing sugar intake; regular exercise; prescription weight loss medications; supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids; or even bariatric surgery for more severe cases of obesity.

Depression

Depression can be caused by both high and low oestradiol levels due to its effects on mood regulation hormones in the brain known as neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.

Treatment for depression may involve antidepressant medications, psychotherapy, light therapy, lifestyle modifications like regular exercise, yoga, meditation, social activities/support groups, omega-3 fatty acid supplements, or even vitamin B12 injections if necessary.

Bottomline

In summary, understanding what are normal oestradiol levels can help you identify potential health issues before they become serious problems.

If you think your own levels may be out of range or if you're concerned about any other symptoms you may be experiencing, don't hesitate to speak with your doctor for further advice on how best to proceed with treatment or testing.

With their help and expertise, you can get back on track to good health quickly and easily!

Read more related content at Welzo. 

Learn more about blood testing, or, read articles on how to test if a woman is infertile and why am I ovulating but not having periods?