Estradiol (E2)

The purpose of an estradiol test is to measure the estradiol hormone’s level in the bloodstream. Also known as E2, this hormone plays a vital role in sexual development. In sexually mature women, this hormone is chiefly produced by the ovaries. The placenta, adrenal glands and testes also produce smaller amounts of estradiol. Some quantities of estradiol also get produced in body tissues like the brain, skin and liver. The role of estradiol in the body is multifold. In addition to facilitating healthy breast development, it also distributes body fat evenly and helps with the growth of the fallopian tubes and vagina. When it comes to the female body, having normal estrogen levels is vital for healthy reproductive health. Having this hormone in excess or limited quantity can lead to severe issues like weak bones, depression and urinary tract infections. The male body also produces minimal estradiol. It is chiefly produced in the testes and helps prevent the sperm from dying too early. A man can take the estradiol test to diagnose enlarged male breasts to check if puberty is delayed or to find if high estrogen levels are due to low testosterone levels. An estradiol test can be prescribed by doctors if they want to discover if an individual’s sex characters are developing in a healthy manner. Some symptoms that can lead to a prescription by a doctor include issues with menstrual cycles, infertility and vaginal bleeding after menopause. Compared to their global counterparts, Indian women reach menopause earlier. While the average age of reaching menopause worldwide is 51-52, most Indian women reach menopause by 46-47. That is why they are at a higher risk of midlife diseases and problems. High estradiol can occur in postmenopausal women often. So, it becomes more vital for these women to take an estradiol test often while keeping their doctor in the loop. It can be a great preventive measure and can allow an individual to diagnose severe issues early on.