Estradiol (E2, in women)

Routine annual

also —

What it isEstradiol is the most potent estrogen, made primarily by growing ovarian follicles. Levels swing dramatically through the menstrual cycle and plummet at menopause.

DoesDrives endometrial growth, bone density, cardiovascular health, cognition, mood, libido, skin elasticity, and vaginal tissue health.

GoodCycle-appropriate estradiol signals normal ovarian and supports bone, brain, vascular, and reproductive health.

BadLow estradiol — premature ovarian insufficiency or postmenopause — drives hot flashes, bone loss, brain fog, mood instability, and vaginal atrophy. Persistently high estradiol can drive heavy bleeding and increase breast cancer risk.

Standard

Follicular 12–166; ovulation 86–498; luteal 43–211; postmenopause <5–54 pg/mL.

Optimal

50–150 pg/mL follicular, 150–400 pg/mL ovulation, 80–200 pg/mL luteal; 60–120 pg/mL on optimal HRT postmenopausally (narrow target)

Modifiers

Cycle phase dominates premenopausally; falls sharply with menopause; body fat contributes via aromatase.

How to optimize

Lifestyle: Resistance training, sleep, weight management, stress reduction.
Diet: Mediterranean pattern; cruciferous vegetables for healthy estrogen metabolism; flax and soy for mild phytoestrogen support.
Supplements: DIM (200mg/day), calcium-D-glucarate, magnesium glycinate, vitamin D3, omega-3 EPA+DHA.
Peptides: —
Drugs: Estradiol replacement (oral, transdermal, vaginal); raloxifene; oral contraceptives.

within Women's Hormones