Estadiol is a female sex hormone predominantly made of estrogen. It is primarily a growth hormone supporting the reproductive structures of the cervical glands, the endometrium, the fallopian tubes, and the lining of the vagina. The hormone is also imperative to maintain eggs in the ovaries (oocytes) and triggers the process of ovulation. Working in conjunction with progesterone, Estradiol also prepares the womb lining for implantation.

How Estradiol Works

It has a dominant role to play during the reproductive period (the onset of puberty through menopause) of a woman’s life, which include everything from fertility to sexual functions, as well as the on other organs, like the bones. Much of it is produced by the gransulosa cells in the ovaries through the aromatization of androstenedione, which is produced by the follicular cells. This is then converted into estrone, which is converted to estradiol by the enzyme 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. The hormone is even found in trace amounts in the male testes.

How Estradiol is Used

Estradiol are hormones used by doctors as a replacement for women who are no longer producing proper amount, either because of menopause and other conditions in which estrogen levels are low.

It is used many different medications and for many different disorders, including: hormonal contraception in which ethinyl estradiol is a major component; hormone replacement therapy, used in the beginning of menopause, after oophorectomy, or in the treatment of infertility where there is a need to develop sperm-friendly cervical mucus or an appropriate uterine lining (often prescribed in combination with clomifene); it may also be used to prevent osteoporosis (bone loss) and many other uses.

There are a number of ways to address issues of hypoestrogenism, either through oral, topical, transdermal, injectable, and vaginal preparations. The estradiol molecule may also be linked to an alkyl group at C17, which give rise oral and vaginal applications (estradiol acetate) and injectable means (estradiol cypionate). Oral forms of estradiol are not all absorbed, and must first pass through the liver where they can be metabolized, followed by unwanted side effects. Therefore, alternative types of administration, such as transdermal and transvaginal routes, bypass the liver before these side effects can develop.

There are many adverse effects, which may occur as a result of use of estradiol and have been associated with estrogen and/or progestin therapy. Some include: dysmenorrhea, changes in vaginal bleeding, increase in size of uterine leiomyomata, changes in cervical secretion and cervical ectropion, ovarian cancer, vaginitis including vaginal candidiasis, endometrial hyperplasia, endometrial cancer, and breast cancer.

References

What is Estradiol? (2000-2014). Retrieved from www.news-medical.net: http://www.news-medical.net/health/Estradiol-What-is-Estradiol.aspx

(2014, August 11). Retrieved from www.wikipedia.com: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estradiol

(2014, July 22). Retrieved from www.drugs.com: http://www.drugs.com/estradiol.html