Saliva Hormone Test for Estradiol
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Relieves menopausal symptoms
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Protects against osteoporosis, heart disease,
Alzheimer’s disease, colon cancer, incontinence and tooth loss
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Enhances mental acuity and memory
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Increases serotonin and endorphin levels
Estradiol is
the most potent estrogen of a group of endogenous estrogen steroids which
includes estrone and estriol.
In women estradiol is responsible for growth
of the breast and reproductive epithelia, maturation of long bones and
development of the secondary sexual characteristics. Estradiol is produced
mainly by the ovaries with secondary production by the adrenal glands and
conversion of steroid precursors into estrogens in fat tissue.
During the
early part of the menstrual cycle, estradiol levels remain nearly constant.
This is followed by a rapid increase reaching a peak the day before or the
day of the Leutinizing Hormone (LH) surge (ovulation). It is generally
believed that the rise in estradiol is the factor which triggers LH release.
Following ovulation there is a drop in estradiol followed by a second rise
which corresponds with the formation of the corpus luteum.
At menopause,
estrogen concentrations in the body fall to low levels. This decrease is
often accompanied by vascular instability (hot flashes and night sweats), a
rise in incidence of heart disease, and an increasing rate of bone loss
(osteoporosis). Estrogen replacement for alleviation of menopausal symptoms
or to prophylax against heart disease and osteoporosis has become very
common.
Estradiol
levels are used to assess fertility, amenorrhea and precocious puberty in
girls. Measurement of estrogen levels is also useful to monitor and titrate
replacement therapy especially when the endpoints are long term health
(reduction in heart disease and osteoporosis) rather than the immediate
relief of symptoms.
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