Estradiol

Overview

Estradiol is the major (most biologically potent) Estrogen produced and secreted by the Graafian Follicle of the female Ovaries (and produced in smaller quantities in males) - note that Estradiol is not one single compound - there are two forms of Estradiol (of which Estradiol 17-Beta is the most biologically potent).

Biological Function and Health Benefits of Estradiol

Ears/Hearing

 Low endogenous Estradiol levels may contribute to Hearing Loss - Age-Related in elderly women.  

Excretory System

 Estradiol stimulates the growth of Cells of the Urethra.

Metabolism

 Cells in the Liver contain Receptors for Estradiol.

Nervous System

  Estradiol (especially natural Estradiol used in post-menopausal Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT)) may help to prevent Alzheimer''s Disease in women via several mechanisms (both the Estradiol 17-alpha and Estradiol 17-beta forms of Estradiol may be protective):  ^[1]

 Estradiol may increase the sensitivity of Neurons to the effects of Nerve Growth Factor(NGF).  ^[2]

 Estradiol may inhibit the ability of Amyloid-Beta Protein to destroy Neurons.  ^[3]

 Estradiol may help to maintain normal Brain function and may help to prevent Alzheimer''s Disease in men (the main way that male Testosterone helps to maintain Brain function in men is through its conversion by Aromatase enzyme to Estradiol) - men have a higher concentration of Estradiol Receptors in their Brain than the concentration of Testosterone Receptors:

 Male Alzheimer''s Disease patients have significantly lower levels of Estradiol than healthy control subjects.

 Optimal Estradiol levels may help to prevent Anxiety.  ^[4]

 Estradiol may stimulate the growth of Axons in several regions of the Brain including:  ^[5]

 Amygdala  ^[6]

 Cerebral Cortex

 Hippocampus

 Hypothalamus

 Estradiol may improve some aspects of Learning.  ^[7]

 Estradiol may improve some aspects of Memory.  ^[8]

 The Pituitary Gland gland contains Receptors for Estradiol.

 Estradiol may alleviate Schizophrenia.  ^[9]

Sexual System 

  Estradiol is commonly prescribed as part of Hormone Replacement Therapy for Menopause - Female.

 Estradiol may increase (female) Sexual Desire (by stimulating the endogenous production of Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS) which catalyzes the production of Nitric Oxide (NO)).  

  Estradiol stimulates the growth of Cells of the Uterus.

  Estradiol stimulates the growth of Cells of the Cancer - Vagina.

  (Atrophic) Vaginitis may occur as a result of insufficient endogenous production of Estradiol, especially in postmenopausal women - exogenous Estradiol (25 mcg per day administered locally to the Vagina via pessaries) alleviates Atrophic Vaginitis where the cause is insufficient endogenous production of Estradiol.  

Skin/Hair

 The Estradiol Cypionate form of Estradiol (applied topically to the Scalp) is speculated to retard further Hair Loss in persons afflicted with Male Pattern Baldness:  

  Caution:  this treatment can lead to Scalp fragility and tenderness.

 Estradiol (specifically topically applied 0.01% Estradiol) may retard and reverse some aspects of the Aging Process in the Skin:  ^[10]

 Topical Estradiol may improve the elasticity and firmness of the Skin.

 Topical Estradiol may increase the moisture content of the Skin (thereby alleviating Dry Skin).  

 Estradiol (cream applied topically) may increase the thickness of the Epidermis.  ^[11]

 Topical Estradiol may decrease Wrinkles (as measured scientifically by the depth of Wrinkles using Skin profilometry) by between 61% and 100%.  ^[12]

 Topical Estradiol may decrease the size of Pores - Enlarged (as measured scientifically Skin profilometry) by between 61% and 100%.  

 Topical Estradiol may increase the quantity of Type III Collagen in the Skin and increase the quantity of Collagen Fibers in the Skin.

 Estradiol (cream applied topically) may increase Skin thickness in persons with Skin - Thin.  ^[13]

Estradiol may Enhance the Function of these Substances

Enzymes

  Estradiol may increase Choline Acetylase levels in some regions of the Brain.  ^[14]

 Estradiol may increase the body''s production of Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS).  ^[15]

Growth Factors

 Estradiol may facilitate the production of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF).  ^[16]

 Estradiol may facilitate the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF).  

Nitrogen Compounds 

 Estradiol may increase the body''s production of Nitric Oxide (by increasing the body''s production of Nitric Oxide Synthase enzyme).  ^[17]

Proteins

 Estradiol may help to preserve optimal Synaptophysin levels in the Presynaptic Membrane of Neurons.  ^[18]

Estradiol may Inhibit these Toxic Substances