Estradiol
Estradiol (E2) is the main estrogen hormone, involved in the menstrual cycle, bones and many other tissues.
Estradiol (E2) is the main form of estrogen. In women it is made mostly in the ovaries and steers the menstrual cycle; in men it is made in smaller amounts, largely from testosterone. It also plays a part in bones, skin, the brain and the blood vessels. Retesting shows how it changes over time.
In women, estradiol varies a lot across the menstrual cycle and falls through the transition into menopause, so the timing of the sample matters. Hormonal contraception and other hormone medicines, body fat, very hard training, low energy intake and alcohol also affect the level.
Foods that help
Flaxseed, soy, chickpeas and sesame seeds, healthy fats from avocado, nuts and olive oil, and enough energy overall.
Foods to limit
Alcohol, and a lot of ultra-processed food and sugar.
Track it through the year
One value is a snapshot. Following it up shows whether what you changed is working.
Related markers
Educational information only — not a diagnosis. Every result is checked against safe limits, and anything critical is escalated for follow-up.
See all 84 markers →