Oestrogen is one of the two main female sex hormones that control your reproductive health and fertility. Paying attention to this hormone’s levels is important to maintaining good reproductive health. Apart from being involved in your reproductive system, oestrogen plays several other roles, from controlling your lipid metabolism to bone health. Your body must maintain the correct levels of this important hormone. Too low or too high oestrogen levels can affect your reproductive system and overall health. This article intends to explain oestrogen’s role in your body and how its levels fluctuate. We will also discuss normal oestrogen levels and how to tell if you have an imbalance in your body’s important hormone.

What is Oestrogen?

Oestrogen is a steroidal hormone secreted by the ovaries, which acts as one of the primary sex hormones for females. It directly impacts your reproductive health, fertility, and other bodily functions. Although the ovaries are major oestrogen-secreting organs, the adrenal glands and fatty tissue produce a small amount of the hormone. In certain medical conditions, ovaries tend to have too little or too much oestrogen, leading to several health issues.

Types of Oestrogen

Three distinct estrogen types are found in the female body: Estradiol , Estrone , and estriol . Although these three hormones are chemically similar, they each play a specific role in the body.

• Estradiol is found in females of reproductive age and is the major type of oestrogen during this phase of life.
• On the other hand, Estrone is the most abundant form of oestrogen found in women after Menopause.
• Estriol is produced, especially during pregnancy, as the major form of oestrogen.

When we talk about oestrogen levels in your body, we talk about the amount of estradiol, the most common oestrogen in childbearing age.

What does Oestrogen do?

Oestrogen is essential not only for reproductive functions but also for maintaining cardiovascular health. Research shows that oestrogen improves endothelial function by stimulating nitric oxide production, a molecule crucial for blood vessel relaxation and effective vasodilation. This nitric oxide pathway ensures consistent blood flow and optimal blood pressure, supporting overall heart function.

Beyond regulating vascular tone, oestrogen offers significant anti-inflammatory benefits in the circulatory system. By reducing inflammatory responses, it prevents arterial stiffness and slows the progression of atherosclerosis. Dr Elizabeth Barrett-Connor, a leading cardiovascular endocrinologist, states, “Oestrogen’s influence on vascular inflammation and nitric oxide production is a critical component of its cardioprotective benefits.”

These cardiovascular benefits are strongest during the reproductive years. As natural oestrogen levels decline with age—especially during and after menopause—the loss of these protective effects increases the risk of conditions like hypertension and atherosclerotic disease. Recognising these changes, it is essential to monitor hormonal balance and consult healthcare professionals to develop strategies that manage cardiovascular risk throughout different life stages.

Oestrogen levels during your menstrual cycle

The balanced actions of oestrogen and progesterone orchestrate the menstrual cycle. These hormones work in synchrony to prepare the body for a potential pregnancy, with each playing a key role in different phases of the cycle.

Oestrogen levels During Menstruation

During menstruation, oestrogen (primarily estradiol) levels fall to facilitate the shedding of the uterine lining. Typically, estradiol remains below 50 pg/ml (approximately 184 pmol/L) during this phase.

Oestrogen levels in the Follicular Phase

As the ovarian follicles begin to mature in the follicular phase, estradiol levels steadily rise. They usually start from around 19 pg/ml (approximately 70 pmol/L) and can increase up to about 140 pg/ml (roughly 514 pmol/L) just before ovulation.

Oestrogen levels in the Ovulatory Phase

Estradiol peaks just prior to ovulation, indicating the optimal fertility window. Levels can reach up to approximately 410 pg/ml (around 1505 pmol/L), with an ideal target near 400 pg/ml (roughly 1468 pmol/L).

Oestrogen levels in the Luteal Phase

Following ovulation, the corpus luteum’s activity causes a moderate increase in oestrogen. During the luteal phase, estradiol levels may peak at around 160 pg/ml (approximately 587 pmol/L) before declining to levels near 19 pg/ml (around 70 pmol/L) as the cycle concludes.

Oestrogen levels in Menopause

After menopause, ovarian oestrogen production ceases, and the hormone is primarily derived from the adrenal glands and adipose tissue. Typically, post-menopausal estradiol levels can be as low as 35 pg/ml (approximately 128 pmol/L), with a normal range falling between 10 pg/ml (about 37 pmol/L) and 50 pg/ml (roughly 184 pmol/L).

Pregnancy

Oestrogen is very important to establish and maintain pregnancy. Consequently, the levels of oestrogen increase steadily throughout the pregnancy. The rate of increase is the fastest during the first trimester and is responsible for developing early pregnancy symptoms, including morning sickness . During the second trimester, oestrogen helps your body to develop milk-secreting glands in the breast. The level of oestrogen reaches its peak during the third trimester. Once you deliver the baby, the levels of oestrogen decline very rapidly. The placenta of the growing foetus produces oestrogen during pregnancy. A high oestrogen level ensures a halt in the mechanisms leading to ovulation. As a foetus grows, the body does not need to release more eggs. The oestrogen that increases in concentration during pregnancy is not estradiol but estriol. If you have a normal pregnancy, expect the estriol levels to lie between 4 mol/L during the early phases of the pregnancy to 40 mol/L by the time you are ready to deliver.

Oestrogen levels in Menopause

After Menopause, no new follicles develop in your ovaries, and they stop producing oestrogen. The body makes several different forms of oestrogen, including estradiol and Estrone, mainly from the adrenal gland and adipose tissue. The decline in oestrogen levels leads to the unpleasant symptoms that many women experience during Menopause, including hormone flashes and low libido. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with the right amounts of oestrogen is often used to alleviate the symptoms of Menopause. Your doctor might prescribe your HRT in very small doses until your body is accustomed to the lower oestrogen levels. According to the Woman’s Health Initiative , excessive use of oestrogen replacements during HRT can harm your health. An increased oestrogen level after Menopause might lead to breast cancer and increase your risk of developing a heart condition and stroke. Women who have been diagnosed with osteoporosis are seldom given HRT. The oestrogen levels after Menopause can be as low as 35 pg/ml or more. A range between 10 and 50 pg/ml is considered normal.

What is a low level of oestrogen?

If oestrogen levels are lower than normal, it can make it difficult for you to conceive. It is important to recognise how low oestrogen levels can impact your fertility.

Signs and Symptoms

Fluctuations in oestrogen levels can influence more than reproductive processes; they also affect mental and emotional well-being. Variations in this hormone may disrupt neurotransmitter regulation, leading to mood disturbances such as depression, anxiety, and irritability. These mood changes can become particularly pronounced during the premenstrual phase or the transition into menopause.

Other signs that your oestrogen levels may be lower than optimal include:

• Irregular or missed menstrual cycles
• Persistent low mood or episodes of depression
• Heightened anxiety and irritability
• Increased fatigue and difficulty concentrating
• Sleep disturbances or feelings of restlessness
• Sensitivity to stress and sudden mood swings
• Physical discomfort such as hot flashes, breast tenderness, and muscle aches

If you experience these symptoms, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation and personalised guidance.

Treatment for Low Oestrogen Levels

If you experience signs of low oestrogen, seeking a professional evaluation is essential. A healthcare provider can perform the necessary tests to determine your hormonal profile and advise a personalised treatment plan. Alongside medical guidance, a balanced diet incorporating phytoestrogen-rich foods—such as flaxseed, tofu, tempeh, broccoli, and alfalfa—may help support natural hormone regulation. Combine these dietary strategies with moderate, well-planned exercise, and be sure to discuss any lifestyle changes with your doctor.

Treatment Options for Elevated Oestrogen Levels

Addressing high oestrogen levels begins with a comprehensive assessment by a healthcare professional to identify the underlying causes. Personalised treatment plans based on detailed hormone evaluations are crucial for safe and effective management. In addition to medical advice, consider lifestyle modifications such as choosing organic foods, using personal care products free of harmful chemicals, moderating phytoestrogen intake, managing stress through mindful practices, and pursuing healthy weight management. Always work closely with your doctor to ensure that these adjustments are tailored to your specific health needs.

Several factors, including lifestyle, dietary, and environmental factors, can significantly elevate oestrogen levels. If you control these risk factors, you can get your oestrogen back into the normal range. The following lifestyle changes can help you if you are experiencing symptoms of higher oestrogen levels.

Seven Reasons for high oestrogen

• Choose organic food —If you want a healthy endocrine system, avoid highly processed food as much as possible. Organic food can help you limit your body’s exposure to chemicals, pesticides, and other harmful agents.
• Choose the right personal care products —Personal care products, such as makeup and shampoos, contain several toxins and chemicals. Avoid using products that contain parabens and sulphates.
• Limit the ingestion of phytoestrogens – Phytoestrogens are compounds found in some vegetables and plant products that can mimic the role of oestrogen in your body. If you already have a problem with high oestrogen, adding many phytoestrogen-containing products to your diet might worsen the symptoms. The most common foods containing phytoestrogens include wheat and soy. If you consume dairy or meat, ensure they are made from responsibly raised, hormone-free animals.
• Control stress —Stress is not good for an elevated oestrogen level. Meditation and exercise go a long way in controlling and managing stress daily. If you have elevated oestrogen levels, include some yoga and training to manage stress levels.
• Weight loss —Oestrogen over secretion is commonly associated with being overweight. If possible, try to lose some weight healthily. Ask your doctor for ways to do this.
• Seed cycling – This is a great way to increase your menstrual cycle; many seeds are nutrient-dense and have a variety of health benefits.

Evan kurzyp

Evan Kurzyp

Evan is the founder of Fertility2Family and is passionate about fertility education & providing affordable products to help people in their fertility journey. Evan is a qualified Registered Nurse and has expertise in guiding & managing patients through their fertility journeys.