Oestradiol is a female steroid hormone that is produced in the ovaries of women and in the testes of men however in a much lesser extent. It is responsible for the female reproductive system as well as the growth of breast tissue and bone thickness. Oestradiol levels lower with age, culminating in the menopause when the ovaries stop producing eggs.
Raised oestadiolin women can cause acne, constipation loss of sex drive and depression it can also increase the risk of uterine and breast cancer.
Oestradiol can also be raised in men due to excess fat or in relation to testosterone levels which have declined with age. Raised oestadiol in men can cause the growth of breast tissue aswell as the loss of libido and infertility.
Lower levels of oestradiol in women can least to osteoporosis, problems with the menstrual cycle and fertility as well as fatigue and depression.