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Actions of Estradiol |
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The Actions of EstradiolIn women, estradiol is a steroid hormone produced
primarily by the ovaries and adrenal glands. Estradiol has a direct affect on
the function of the reproductive system, the nervous system, the
cardiovascular system and the skeletal system. Blood sugar levels, skin and
other tissues and functions are also significantly influenced by estradiol. Like all steroid hormones, excessive amounts of estradiol
can contribute to a number of increased health risks. Though
proper estradiol levels are critical for the prevention of osteoporosis, the
actions of this hormone extend far beyond bone health. Therefore it is
crucial that proper levels also be maintained in all women. Following is a list of some of the actions and
functions of estradiol. More information and more references can be found in
the book Discover Your Menopause Type |
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Estradiol
& The Endometrium Excessive estradiol, or estradiol that is not
opposed by progesterone or another progestogens, can increase the risk for
developing endometrial cancer 1, 2. Estradiol
& The Vagina Estradiol deficiency can result in increased
vaginal dryness and atrophy. This can be relieved with estradiol (or other
estrogen) replacement, resulting in less vaginal pain, itching and burning as
well as less painful intercourse 3. Estradiol
& The Urinary Tract A deficiency of estradiol is associated with
increased urinary tract infections, which are diminished with estrogen
replacement 4. Estradiol deficiency may cause or contribute to
urinary incontinence, which is decreased with estrogen replacement 5, 6,
7, 8. Estradiol
& The Libido Estradiol can directly increase sexual desire,
interest and responsiveness 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. It also plays a
role in increasing vaginal lubrication and satisfaction during sex. 14 Estradiol
& Blood Sugar and Insulin Levels Estradiol improves blood sugar (blood glucose)
metabolism and decreases risk of developing hyperinsulinemia 15, 16, 17,
18. It increases the uptake of glucose by muscle cells 19, 20. Estradiol
& The Brain, Mood and Memory Estradiol can significantly improve or alleviate
depression in postmenopause women 21, 22. Estradiol is needed for
normal the function of neurotransmitters that affect mood and memory 23,
24, 25. Estradiol
& The Breasts Estradiol helps maintain the size and density of
breast tissue, though excess amounts increase risk of some forms of breast
cancer, or cause breast pain 26. Estradiol
& The Skin Estradiol has a positive effect on skin thickness,
skin collagen, water content, skin softness and blood flow to the skin 27,
28, 29. Estradiol
& The Bones and Osteoporosis Estradiol decreases the development and the
activity of bone clearing osteoclast cells 30,
31. It also increases the bone building ability of osteoblast
cells directly 32, 33, 34. Estradiol
&The Heart Estradiol lowers total cholesterol levels, and also
lowers LDL (bad cholesterol) levels 35 while increasing HDL (good
cholesterol) levels 36. Estradiol also causes a reduction in the
level of Lipoprotein (a), which results in a significantly reduced risk of
developing heart disease 37, 38. |
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References: |
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(1) - Gray LA Sr, Christopherson WM, (2) - (3) - Coope
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comparative morphometric analysis of the component
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- Bjornsdottir LT, Geirsson
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- Lovatsis D, Drutz HP.
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A, Tuveri F, Cirillo R, Setteneri AM, Melis GB, Volpe
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P, Melis GB. Effects of low doses of transdermal 17
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Russo G, Passaro M, de Seta L, de Franciscis P. Effects of hormone replacement therapy on
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S, Holmang A, Bjorntorp
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JA, Bailey CJ. Effect of ovarian hormones on glucose metabolism in mouse soleus muscle. Endocrinology 1985 Oct;117(4):1336-40 (21) - Mayeaux
EJ Jr, Johnson C. Current concepts in
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and psychological functioning in postmenopausal women. Exp Gerontol 1994 May-Aug;29(3-4):423-30 (23) – Smith RNJ, Studd JWW. Estrogens and Depression in Women. IN: Lobo
RA. Treatment of the Postmenopausal Woman, Basic and Clinical Aspects. Lippincott-Raven Publishers. 1996 (24) - Sherwin BB. Estrogen
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The effect of oestrogenic treatment on the acid mucopolysaccharide pattern in skin of mice. Acta Pharmacol Toxicol (Copenh)
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M, Moniz CJ, Studd JW,
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- Hughes DE, Dai A, Tiffee JC, Li HH, Mundy GR,
Boyce BF. Estrogen promotes apoptosis of murine osteoclasts mediated by TGF-beta. Nat Med 1996
Oct;2(10):1132-6 (32)
- Yamaguchi M, Matsui T. Zinc enhancement of 17beta-estradiol's anabolic
effect in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. Calcif Tissue Int 1997
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- Slootweg MC, Swolin D, Netelenbos JC, Isaksson OG, Ohlsson C. Estrogen enhances growth hormone receptor
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- Stepan J, Formankova J,
Masatova A, Michalsky M, Rosenova Z.
[Comparison of the effectiveness of 17-beta-estradiol and calcitonin in women with postmenopausal bone
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- Heikkinen AM, Niskanen
L, Yla-Herttuala S, Luoma
J, Tuppurainen MT, Komulainen
M, Saarikoski S. Postmenopausal hormone replacement
therapy and autoantibodies against oxidized LDL. Maturitas 1998 Jun 3;29(2):155-61 (36)
- Nasr A, Breckwoldt M.
Estrogen replacement therapy and cardiovascular protection: lipid mechanisms
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- Haines CJ, Chung TK, Masarei JR, Tomlinson B, Lau
JT. An examination of the effect of combined cyclical hormone replacement
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Investigators. Postmenopausal Estrogen/Progestin Interventions. Circulation
1998 Mar 17;97(10):979-86 |
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