Estradiol is a sex hormone. Its German name is estradiol and it is one of the most important, natural estrogens along with estrone and estriol. Its chemical molecular formula is C18H24O2.
What is estradiol?
The hormone is used as a hormone replacement in women. This applies to those women who complain of discomfort due to a lack of estrogens (female sex hormones). This may be the case in women going through menopause. In some cases, these complaints persist after menopause. Younger women may also be affected if, for example, their ovaries have been removed. In addition to its function in the sexual sphere, it also has an effect on human bones. Chemical names of the hormone are 17β-estradiol and 1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17β-diol. Its derivative ethinylestradiol is one of the components used in birth control pills.
Function, effects, and roles
In the body, estradiol performs several tasks. For example, estrogens are responsible for the growth of the female reproductive organs. This applies to the secondary sex organs as well as the fallopian tubes, uterus, ovaries and vagina. In addition, they have an influence on the uterus within menstruation, as they stimulate the endometrium to grow. They stimulate blood flow and show influence on the epithelium of the vagina. In addition, the hormone has an influence on bone density and, depending on the concentration, can promote tumors. Thus, the risk of breast or ovarian cancer increases with the concentration of estradiol in the body. An elevated level in men can lead to feminization and enlargement of the prostate. When used as a supplement, estradiol serves to compensate for estrogen deficiency and relieve menopausal symptoms. These include hot flashes, depressive moods, itching and inflammation. An increased risk of bone fractures is also possible. The preparations can be used to treat vaginal inflammation and to combat discomfort from a dry vagina. Skin disorders can also be treated with estradiol. Estrogens are one of the reasons for prescribing birth control pills for women with skin problems. They can also relieve discomfort during sexual intercourse and be used to treat itching in the vaginal and anal areas. In addition, it is also used to curb the regression of sexual organs. In addition to the possible applications in the area of the sexual organs, skin or bones, the hormone is also used in the treatment of open legs. Drugs containing estradiol include Estrifam, Merimono and Gynokadin. In the body, estradiol stimulates the production of certain proteins that function only to a limited extent due to deficiencies of estrogen. This sometimes includes the inhibition of sebum production or the formation of vaginal fluid.
Formation, occurrence, properties, and optimal levels
The body’s estradiol is produced in the ovaries. In smaller quantities, the male testes and adrenal cortices also produce the hormone. Testosterone can also be converted to estradiol in fat cells. The corresponding hormone level of a menopausal woman is comparable to that of a man. Therefore, additional treatment with estradiol can be given to combat any symptoms that arise. During menstruation, the concentration of estradiol is around 50 pg/ml. During follicle formation, it rises briefly to 200 pg/ml, but drops again at ovulation. If there is no pregnancy, the estradiol level settles back to normal as soon as the period is over. During pregnancy, estrogen hormone levels rise sharply and can increase up to a hundredfold by the time the baby is born.
Diseases and disorders
Estradiol should not be used if there is hypersensitivity to the active ingredient. The same applies to growths of the endometrium, unexplained bleeding, or breast or cervical cancer. In addition, preparations containing estradiol should not be taken if vein or artery blockages are present or have been present in the past or present, or if the patient suffers from diseases with accelerated blood clotting. Treatment with the corresponding preparations should be carried out under reservation and supervision if high blood pressure, migraine, liver diseases or autoimmune diseases are present.After weighing any risks, caution should also be exercised in cases of epilepsy, asthma, gallstones, diabetes and otosclerosis (disease of the inner ear bones). Children or pregnant women should not be treated with estradiol-containing preparations. Apart from this, estradiol can lead to undesirable side effects. The most common of these include feelings of tightness in the breasts, unwanted growth of the sexual organs, and an increase in sex drive. Inflammation of the vagina can also occur, as can weight changes, mood swings and digestive problems. In general, discomfort in the area of digestion is possible. These include bloating, abdominal pain and diarrhea. In addition, estradiol can affect the psyche. Depressive moods, nervousness and drowsiness may occur. External use of the hormone may cause hair loss, breast pain, spotting and joint pain. Preparations containing estradiol should be discontinued if there is a sharp increase in blood pressure and if liver function deteriorates. This also applies to jaundice or the onset of migraine-like headaches. Immediate discontinuation is required in case of pregnancy. A thorough examination by a gynecologist is required before starting therapy. If there is an increased risk of breast cancer, regular check-ups should be performed. The same applies if there is an increased tendency to thrombosis. In some cases, it must be weighed up whether the use of estradiol is advisable. If bleeding occurs during treatment, it must be carefully clarified. Every six months, a gynecologist should review the necessity of the treatment. In principle, allergic reactions can always occur with medications. If there are any concerns, a physician should be consulted.
