Estradiol in Women: How Important is it?

Estradiol is the most potent form of circulating estrogen, and it plays a role in both women's and men's health. It influences sexual function and 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. Insufficiency of estradiol can negatively affect each of these systems and functions.

Low levels in women are associated with menopause and hot flashes, aromatase inhibitor therapy, failing pregnancy, Turner syndrome, decreased pituitary function, and anorexia nervosa. Elevated estradiol is associated with pregnancy, ovulation induction, breast cancer after menopause, estrogen-secreting tumors, adrenal tumors, thyroid hormone excess, cirrhosis, and necrosis of the liver.

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