Estradiol ELISA

Estradiol (17-Estradiol) is a sex hormone. It
represents the major estrogen in humans. Estradiol
has not only a critical impact on reproductive and
sexual functioning, but also affects other organs
including bone structure. During the reproductive
years most Estradiol in women is produced by the
ovaries, smaller amounts of Estradiol are also
produced by the adrenal cortex. In men, the testes
produce Estradiol. In plasma Estradiol is largely
bound to sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), also
to albumin, only a fraction is free and biologically
active. Serum Estradiol measurement in women
reflect primarily the activity of the ovaries. During
pregnancy estrogen levels, including Estradiol, rise
steadily towards term. Estradiol increases due to
placental production. In adult premenopausal women,
ovarian production of Estradiol is stimulated by
luteinizing hormone (LH) and the follicle-stimulating
hormone (FSH) during the menstrual cycle.
In adult women, Estradiol levels are measured in the
evaluation of fertility and menstrual irregularities, and
to monitor ovarian follicular function during induction
of ovulation. In the female, Estradiol acts as a growth
hormone for tissue of the reproductive organs. The
development of secondary sexual characteristics in
women is driven by Estradiol. Estradiol is involved
also in man fertility. Estradiol regulates the bone
maintenance. Post-menopause women experience
an accelerated loss of bone mass due to a relative
estrogen deficiency.
Estradiol affects the production of multiple proteins
including lipoproteins, binding proteins, and proteins
responsible for blood clotting. Estrogens have been
found to have neuroprotective function. The Estradiol,
for his activities, is involved in some types of cancer
such as breast cancer and cancer of the uterine
lining. In addition there are several benign
gynecologic conditions that are dependent on
estrogen such as endometriosis, leiomyomata uteri,
and uterine bleeding.