Quick version
Estradiol, an important form of estrogen, affects everything from the menstrual cycle and fertility to bone strength and cardiovascular health. During childhood, levels are low but increase sharply during puberty and then remain high and cyclical during the childbearing years. During menopause, estradiol levels gradually decrease and this can lead to a number of different and troublesome symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep problems and dry mucous membranes in the lower abdomen. After menopause, levels stabilize at a low level, which can increase the risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases.
Hormonal imbalances can also occur during the reproductive age, for example in PCOS, endometriosis or thyroid disorders, and can affect everything from mood to fertility.
Would you like to get a more detailed picture of how estradiol changes throughout life? Read the full article and take a look at the chart that clearly shows the variation in estradiol levels from childhood to old age.
Estradiol – from childhood to menopause
Childhood and puberty (0–13 years)
During childhood, estradiol levels are very low. During puberty, usually around the age of 10–13, there is a sharp increase in estradiol, which initiates the menstrual cycle and leads to physical changes such as breast development and growth of the uterus.
Reproductive age (13–48 years)
During the childbearing years, estradiol levels fluctuate in a cyclical rhythm, with peaks during ovulation. Estradiol regulates the cycle and affects both skin elasticity and bone density. In addition, high and stable levels of estradiol also contribute to protection against cardiovascular diseases.
Sometimes hormonal imbalances can occurGenerally, estradiol levels are stable during the fertile period, but despite this, hormonal imbalances can occur. Underlying causes can include conditions such as PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), endometriosis, thyroid disorders and stress-related changes, which can affect estradiol levels and lead to irregular menstruation, mood swings, fatigue and fertility problems. Other factors that can also cause hormonal imbalances and affect the body's natural estrogen levels are birth control pills and other hormonal contraceptives.
Perimenopause and menopause (ages 48–54)
During this age, estradiol levels begin to drop, leading to irregular periods and symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and mood swings. When menstruation stops completely – which usually happens around age 51 – estradiol levels drop drastically, which can lead to dry vaginal mucosa and an increased risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.
Postmenopause (ages 54 and up)
After menopause, estradiol levels stabilize at a low level. This can cause new problems for many women who may experience an increased susceptibility to urinary tract infections, dry mucous membranes and reduced sex drive due to hormonal changes. At the same time, lifestyle factors and any hormonal treatments can affect symptoms.
This is how you can gain insight into your estradiol levels
If you suspect that your symptoms are linked to changes in estradiol levels, it may be a good idea to have a blood test that can provide a clearer picture of your hormonal status. Hormonal imbalances can affect how you feel, even during the fertile period. By analyzing your hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, which together can create a better understanding of what is happening in your body, you can also take any measures to feel better.
Testmottagningen.se offers hormone analyses for women of all ages. Do you want to know more about your hormonal health? Read more about our different hormone packages, book a test and get a personal analysis of your values.
