What Is Estradiol?

• Estradiol is a hormone that is produced by both men and women in the human body. Although it was originally misconceived to be only present in the female body, it is still known commonly as the "female" sex hormone. Estradiol is a type of estrogen that is present in the female ovaries as well as the male testes. In both sexes, estradiol is produced in small amounts in the arterial walls as well as in the brain. When a woman is ovulating or pregnant, the levels of estradiol will go up and down in accordance with what is happening in the body. Many fertility problems arise because of high or low estradiol levels in the uterus. If you are having trouble conceiving, see your doctor and ask about getting your estradiol levels checked.
  
  

High Estradiol Levels

• Estradiol levels can be checked with a blood test. If women are undergoing fertility treatments, estradiol is usually periodically checked. If you are concerned about your estradiol levels, however, you can request the doctor gives you the test even if you are not undergoing fertility treatment. High estradiol levels usually mean there is a problem with the ovarian area. If your test shows that you have high estradiol levels, you may have trouble conceiving a child, problems with ovulation and a low success rate with fertility drugs. It is very important for a doctor to know if you have naturally high estradiol levels if you are using fertility drugs to become pregnant. High estradiol levels can also be a sign of menopause.
  
  

Warnings About High Estradiol Levels

• High estradiol levels put women at risk for endometrial cancer. Additionally, high estradiol levels put both men and women at risk for stroke and breast cancer. If you are experiencing numbness on one side of your body, notice swelling or hotness in one or both breasts, or feel severe cramping on one or both sides of your lower stomach, see your doctor as soon as possible and see if he or she will test your estradiol levels. If you know you have high levels of estradiol, discuss the use of aromatase inhibitors with your doctor. Aromatase inhibitors are used to block estradiol production and may be helpful in treatment of breast cancer or endometrial cancer due to high estradiol levels.