Oestradiol (E2)

Oestradiol is produced by the growing follicles and corpus luteum during the menstrual cycle and by the placenta. Small amounts are produced by the testes and by adipose tissue. It is responsible for development of secondary sexual characteristics in females and also prepares the reproductive tract for conception and pregnancy. Measurement can be useful in amenorrhoea and precocious puberty and is often used for monitoring treatment in assisted reproductive therapy. It is rarely useful in diagnosis of the menopause but may be helpful if premature ovarian failure is suspected.

Suspected gonadal/hypothalamic/pituitary dysfunction and post-menopausal bleeding
Monitoring of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) implants
Monitoring patients receiving fertility treatment to mitigate risk of ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome (OHSS

Not recommended for monitoring oral HRT or for the diagnosis of menopause. In these situations FSH assay is recommended.