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Actions of Estradiol |
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The Actions of
Estradiol |
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In 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. |
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Blood sugar levels, skin and other
tissues and functions are also significantly influenced by estradiol. |
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Like all steroid hormones, excessive
amounts of estradiol can contribute to a number of increased health risks. |
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Though proper estradiol levels are critical for the
prevention of osteoporosis, the actions of |
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Therefore
it is crucial that proper levels also be maintained in all women. |
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Following
is a list of some of the actions and functions of estradiol. More information
and more references can be found in the book What's Your Menopause
Type? |
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Estradiol
& The Endometrium |
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Excessive
estradiol, or estradiol that is not opposed by progesterone or another progestogen,
can increase the risk for developing endometrial cancer 1, 2. |
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Estradiol
& The Vagina |
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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. |
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Estradiol
& The Urinary Tract |
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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. |
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Estradiol
& The Libido |
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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 |
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Estradiol
& Blood Sugar and Insulin Levels |
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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. |
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Estradiol
& The Brain, Mood and Memory |
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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. |
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Estradiol
& The Breasts |
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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. |
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Estradiol
& The Skin |
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Estradiol has a positive
effect on skin thickness, skin collagen, water content, skin softness and
blood flow to the skin 27, 28, 29. |
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Estradiol
& The Bones and Osteoporosis |
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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. |
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Estradiol
&The Heart |
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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 result sin a significantly
reduced risk of developing heart disease 37, 38. |
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- Bjornsdottir LT, Geirsson RT, Jonsson PV. Urinary incontinence and urinary
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- Lovatsis D, Drutz HP. The role of estrogen in female urinary incontinence
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MP, Cardozo LD, Studd JWW. Collagen; The Significance in Skin, Bone and
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N, Zarcone R, Mollo A, Russo G, Passaro M, de Seta L, de Franciscis P.
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YourMenopauseType.com,
Inc. |
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