. Estradiol (E2) hormone is the primary estrogen form in women. It is produced primarily in the ovary (follicle, corpus luteum), but small quantities are also formed in the testes and in the adrenal cortex. During pregnancy, E2 is mainly formed in the placenta.
. It is commonly used to evaluate ovarian health, diagnose menstrual disorders like PCOS or early menopause, and monitor hormone replacement therapy (HRT), particularly during menopause.
. E2 levels are also important in fertility assessments, as they help determine ovulatory function and ovarian reserve. Further clinical indications are the monitoring of fertility therapy and determining the time of ovulation within the framework of in vitro fertilization (IVF).
. In pregnancy, E2 levels are monitored to detect potential complications like ectopic pregnancy or fetal growth issues.
. Additionally, E2 testing is useful in monitoring estrogen-producing tumors.
. In men, E2 is important for maintaining bone density, sperm count, and regulating libido, and its levels are assessed in cases of gynecomastia or testicular disorders.