Estradiol, the most potent estrogen in the human body, has a role to play in men's and women's health. Although it is often thought of as an exclusively female hormone, minimum levels must be maintained in men as well.
Estradiol influences sexual function as well as the health and function of the cardiovascular, nervous, and skeletal systems. Target tissues for estradiol include the brain, blood vessels, bone, muscle, adipose tissue, GI tract, liver, kidney, lung, pancreas, and skin.
Systemically, estradiol affects glucose metabolism, adiposity, coagulation, vasomotor symptoms, the HPA axis, growth hormone metabolism, mood, and libido.
Low levels in men are associated with type 2 diabetes, visceral adiposity, insulin resistance, decreased libido, and aging. Elevated levels can be associated with testicular tumors, sexual dysfunction, gynecomastia, and hypogonadism. Levels will be monitored and addressed in testicular and prostate cancer.
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