Progesterone and estradiol (in women)

The role of progesterone and estradiol in women

1. Estradiol (E2)

Estradiol is the main estrogen produced in the ovaries (follicles), as well as in the adrenal glands and adipose tissue.

Functions:
✔ Regulation of the menstrual cycle -stimulates the growth of the endometrium.
✔ Development of secondary sexual characteristics (breast, female body type).
✔ Strengthen bones (prevents osteoporosis).
✔ It affects the skin and hair (increases collagenCollagen is a fibrillar protein, one of the main building elements of the body. It constitutes a significant part of connective tissues such as skin, tendons, joints, bones, and cartilage. Collagen provides strength, elasticity, and structural integrity to these tissues, giving them the ability to resist stretching., hydration).
✔ Pregnancy Support -prepares the uterus for implantation.

2. Progesterone

Progesterone is a hormone of the yellow body of the ovaries and placenta (during pregnancy).

Functions:
✔ Preparation of the endometrium for implantation of a fertilized egg.
✔ Reduced uterine tone (prevents miscarriage).
Suppressing ovulation in the second phase of the cycle and during pregnancy.
✔ Effect on the mammary glands (preparation for lactation).

Norms in analyses

Estradiol (E2)

Cycle phase	Norm (pg / ml)	Norm (pmol / l)
Follicular (1-14 days)	20–150	70–550
Ovulation (~day 14)	100–400	370–1470
Luteal acid(15-28 days)	50–220	180–800
Menopause	<20	<70

Progesterone

Cycle phase	Norm (ng / ml)	Norm (nmol / l)
Follicular	0.1–0.8	0.3–2.5
Ovulation	0.1–1.5	0.3–4.8
Luteal acid	2–25	6–80
Menopause	<0.1	<0.3
Pregnancy (I trimester)	10–44	30–140

Symptoms of deficiency and excess

🔹 Estradiol

Deficiency (hypoestrogenism)	Excess (hyperestrogenism)
влагали Vaginal dryness, painful sex	✅ Breast swelling and swelling
Hot flashes, sweating (menopause)	✅ Increased anxiety
✅ Brittle bones (osteoporosis)	✅ Migraines, PMS
✅ Dry skin, wrinkles	Fibrocystic mastopathy
цикла Cycle disorders (amenorrhea)	✅ Risk of endometriosis, fibroids

Causes of the deficit:

Menopause, early menopause.
Ovarian depletion (PCOS, stress).
Strict diets (anorexia).

Causes of excess:

Obesity (adipose tissue produces estrogens).
Hormone-producing tumors.
Taking estrogen-containing medications.

🔹 Progesterone

Deficit	Excess
✅ Irregular monthly periods	✅ Drowsiness, fatigue
Infertility, miscarriages	✅ Vertigo
✅ PMS (irritability)	✅ Decreased libido
✅ Dry skin, hair loss	✅ Hypotension (low blood pressure)

Causes of the deficit:

Insufficiency of the yellow body.
Chronic stress (cortisol ‘steals’ progesterone).
Hypothyroidism.

Causes of excess:

Pregnancy.
Yellow body cysts.
Taking progesterone medications (Duphaston, Utrozhestan).

When should I get tested?

Estradiol – 3-5 day of the cycle (follicular phase) or in dynamics.
Progesterone – 21-23 days (with a 28-day cycle) in the luteal phase.

Additional tests:

FSH, LH – to assess ovulation.
Testosterone, DHT -for hirsutism.
TSH – if hypothyroidism is suspected.

How do I normalize my levels?

With estradiol deficiency:

Phytoestrogens (soy, flax, red clover).
HRT (estrogen-containing drugs).
Stress reduction (cortisol suppresses estrogens).

If there is an excess of estradiol:

Fiber (removes excess).
Indole-3-carbinol (broccoli, cabbage).

With progesterone deficiency:

Vitamin B6, magnesium (yellow body support).
Progesterone cream / tablets.

With an excess of progesterone:

It usually does not require correction (except in cases of cysts or medication).

Conclusion

Estradiol – the hormone of femininity, affects the cycle, skin, bones.
✅ Progesterone is a pregnancy hormone that protects against miscarriages.
The norms depend on the phase of the cycle (especially the luteal peak of progesterone is important).
An imbalance leads to PMS, infertility, and early aging.
Correction – diet, HRT, stress reduction.