Estradiol is one of the female sex hormones called estrogens and is produced mainly in the ovaries. In addition to regulating the female reproductive system, estradiol also plays a role in bone health, skin condition and other biological processes. In men, it is also produced, at lower levels, by the testes and adrenal glands.
What Should Estradiol Be?
Estradiol levels can vary depending on a person's age, gender, menstrual cycle and general health. Therefore, determining a "normal" range for estradiol levels is difficult and can vary between laboratories and the units of measurement used. However, there are generally accepted reference ranges.
It should be noted that estradiol levels vary in different phases of the menstrual cycle. General reference ranges are given below:
- Follicular Phase (beginning of the menstrual cycle): 30-400 pg/mL
- During Ovulation 60-600 pg/mL
- Luteal Phase (end of the menstrual cycle): 20-300 pg/mL
- These values may vary between laboratories and the measurement units used. Also, estradiol levels are usually lower after menopause.
It is important to consult a health professional to assess and interpret estradiol levels. Factors such as hormonal irregularities, pregnancy status or another health problem can cause changes in estradiol levels. Therefore, an assessment by a healthcare professional is important in accordance with your specific situation.
How Does Estradiol E2 Value Change with Age?
Estradiol (E2) values can vary with age and usually follow a certain pattern with age. However, factors such as genetic differences between individuals, lifestyle factors and health status can influence changes in these values. An overview is given below:
Childhood and Adolescence: During childhood, estradiol levels are usually low. During puberty, especially when the menstrual cycle begins, estradiol levels begin to increase.
Reproductive Age: From young adulthood until menopause, estradiol levels are usually high in women. During the menstrual cycle, estradiol levels change; they are high during the follicular phase, peak during ovulation and fall during the luteal phase.
Post Menopause: After menopause, estrogen levels usually fall in women. After menopause, the female body produces less estrogen and estradiol levels usually decrease markedly during this period.
Men: In men, estradiol levels are usually low, but may increase with age. Especially during the aging process, estradiol levels may increase as testosterone converts to estrogen.
Estradiol values may vary between laboratories and the units of measurement used. Therefore, it is important to consider the reference range of the laboratory used to evaluate a specific test result. It is also advisable to talk to a health professional if you are concerned about hormonal changes or symptoms.
What are the Causes of High or Low Estradiol?
Estradiol levels being high or low can vary depending on a number of factors. These changes can be based on a variety of reasons that often affect hormone production, ranging from reproductive system health to lifestyle factors. Here are common causes of high and low estradiol levels:
High Estradiol Levels:
- Pregnancy: During pregnancy, estradiol levels can rise because it is produced by the placenta and plays an important role in the gestation process.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a condition that prevents the development of follicles in the ovaries, and estradiol levels may increase in this condition.
- Ovarian Cysts: Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form in the ovaries and can raise estradiol levels.
- Hormonal Therapy: Hormonal therapies, especially estrogen-containing drugs, can increase estradiol levels.
- Obesity: Obesity can lead to high estradiol levels because body fat tissue increases estrogen production.
Low Estradiol Levels:
- Menopause: After menopause, estradiol levels often fall due to hormonal changes in women.
- Excessive Exercise: Excessive exercise can affect hormonal balance and cause low estradiol levels.
- Poor Diet: Poor diet, especially low fat intake, can affect hormonal production, resulting in low estradiol levels.
- Anorexia or Heavy Dieting: Anorexia nervosa or heavy dieting can lead to hormonal imbalance by reducing body fat.
- Ovarian Insufficiency: Ovarian failure can lead to low estradiol levels due to low estrogen production by the ovaries.
In both cases, changes in estradiol levels usually require evaluation by a healthcare professional. This is because hormonal balance is regulated in a complex way, depending on a number of factors.
What are the Symptoms of High Estradiol?
High estradiol levels can cause irregularities in the menstrual cycle or excessive bleeding. Other symptoms of high estradiol are as follows;
Increased Breast Sensitivity and Size: Breast tissue may become sensitive and enlarged due to the effect of estrogen.
Water Retention and Bloating: High estrogen levels can lead to water retention in the body, which is often associated with a feeling of bloating.
Headaches or Migraines: High estradiol levels can trigger headaches or migraine attacks.
Mood Changes: High estrogen can cause mood changes, such as emotional fluctuations, tension or irritability.
Skin Problems: Acne, oily skin or other changes in the skin can be associated with high estradiol levels.
Immune System Weakness: High estrogen levels can affect the normal functioning of the immune system and reduce resistance to infections.
Other Hormonal Imbalances: High estradiol can affect the balance of other hormones, especially causing a decrease in progesterone levels, leading to hormonal imbalance.
These symptoms may reflect conditions that can be generally associated with high estradiol levels, but each case is different. If you are concerned about high estradiol levels or if symptoms persist, it is important to talk to a health professional. A specialist can help to assess hormonal balance and determine appropriate treatment.
What are the Symptoms of Low Estradiol?
Low estradiol levels can signal hormonal imbalance and cause various symptoms. However, the symptoms may vary from person to person as each individual's body structure is different. Potential symptoms that may be associated with low estradiol levels may include
Menstrual Irregularities: Low estradiol can cause irregularities in the menstrual cycle or mild or extremely low bleeding.
Decreased Sexual Desire: Low estrogen levels can reduce sexual desire and lead to sexual health problems such as vaginal dryness.
Vaginal Dryness: Low estradiol levels can cause dryness and irritation of vaginal tissues.
Fatigue and Loss of Energy: Hormonal imbalances can lead to decreased energy levels and general fatigue.
Hot Flushes: Low estrogen levels after menopause can trigger hot flashes.
Bone Loss: Low estradiol levels can reduce bone density and increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Sleep Problems: Hormonal imbalances, especially estrogen deficiency, can affect sleep quality.
Depression and Emotional Changes: Low estradiol levels can cause depression, anxiety or emotional fluctuations.
Headaches: Headaches and migraine attacks can be associated with low estradiol levels.
If you are concerned about low estradiol levels or if symptoms persist, it is important to talk to a health professional. A specialist can help to assess hormonal balance and determine appropriate treatment.
What are Estrogen Rich Foods?
Estrogen is a hormone that plays an important role in women, especially in reproductive health, bone health and other biological processes. Nutrition can affect estrogen levels in the body. Here are foods rich in estrogen:
Onions and Garlic: Onions and garlic contain flavonoids that can increase estrogen levels.
Dried Fruits: Dried fruits, especially raisins and dates, may contain plant components that contain estrogen.
Soy and Soy Products: Soy contains phytoestrogens, which are plant estrogens. Soy products such as tofu, soybeans, soy milk may contain estrogen-like components.
Legumes: Legumes such as chickpeas, lentils and beans contain phytoestrogens.
Asparagus: Asparagus is a vegetable that naturally contains estrogen.
Apples and Apple Juice: Apples and apple juice may contain estrogen-like components.
Nuts and Seeds: Flaxseeds, sesame seeds and sunflower seeds in particular can be rich in phytoestrogens.
Pumpkin and Pumpkin Seeds: Pumpkin and pumpkin seeds may be among the foods that contain estrogen.
Olives and Olive Oil: Olives and olive oil may contain estrogen-like components.
Red Berries: Red berries such as strawberries, raspberries and blueberries contain flavonoids that may contain estrogen.
Since the estrogen content of foods is generally low, they should not be used directly as estrogen supplements. However, a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle can support hormonal health. If you have dietary concerns or a special condition, it is best to talk to a health professional.