The importance of estradiol during an IVF cycle

estradiol fiv procesos de fecundación in vitro

Estradiol is one of the most important hormones when trying to get pregnant. It is essential for regulating the menstrual cycle, maintaining reproductive health and plays an important role throughout the IVF process.

Below, we talk to the medical director of Vida Fertility Alicante, Dr. Alejandra García-Villalba about what role oestradiol plays, what symptoms and causes a high oestradiol level produces and why it is so important in IVF.

Dra alejandra García-Villalba vida fertility

What is estradiol?

Estradiol is a hormone belonging to the oestrogen group, produced mainly in the ovaries in women and to a lesser extent in the adrenal glands and testes in men.

In women, oestradiol is a female sex hormone produced in the granulosa cells of the oocyte under the influence of FSH. It is important because it plays a key role in the development of the female reproductive system and in the development of secondary sexual characteristics.

Estradiol is also responsible for stimulating the growth of both the follicle and the endometrium, creating optimal conditions for embryo implantation and thus facilitating the onset of pregnancy.

It is essential for regulating the menstrual cycle, maintaining reproductive health and playing a crucial role during fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF).

What are the functions of estradiol?

Estradiol has multiple key functions, such as:

In women:

Contributing to the development of secondary sexual characteristics during puberty: armpit and pubic hair, pelvic widening, breast development and redistribution of body fat.
Bring on the arrival of the first menstruation.
Promote bone maturation, stimulating the growth of long bones and their proper mineralisation.
To ensure that a single mature oocyte develops in each menstrual cycle.
Stimulate the production of luteinising hormone (LH), which triggers ovulation.
Prepare the endometrium, the inner layer of the uterus, so that the embryo can implant and initiate a pregnancy.
Reduce the viscosity of the cervical mucus, thus facilitating the passage of sperm and improving their mobility.

In men:

This hormone contributes to the regulation of sperm production.
Sexual desire
Erectile function

How is oestradiol measured?

By means of a blood test we can measure the amount of the hormone oestradiol in the blood. In order to perform the test, it may be recommended that you stop taking certain medications that could affect the test results:

Oral contraceptives
Antibiotics such as ampicillin or tetracycline
Corticosteroids
Supplements such as DHEA
Oestrogens
Drugs used to treat mental disorders, such as phenothiazines
Testosterone

Vida Fertility Events

At Vida Fertility, we want to help our patients understand their treatment better.

We are convinced that a fertility process will be better lived, and with more
serenity, if the patient has received all the previous information.

For this reason, we organize events to inform, disseminate and explain how we adapt our processes to each person.

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Estradiol levels in women

The level of estradiol varies depending on when a woman is in her menstrual cycle, the characteristics of the individual woman and how many follicles are growing:

Basal level: from the first to the third day of the menstrual cycle its level is approximately 40- 60pg/ml.
Follicular phase: Between 60 and 161 pg/ml.
Ovulatory peak: Between 139 and 400 pg/ml (although they can be higher).
Luteal phase: Between 73 and 150 pg/ml.
Menopause: Less than 30 pg/ml.

High estradiol causes:

Normal estradiol values in a fertile woman are between approximately 60 and 161pg/ml in the follicular phase.

A high oestradiol level may be indicative of:

Onset of puberty in women
Taking oestrogen-containing drugs
Ovarian stimulation as part of the ovarian puncture process
Endometriosis
Presence of tumours.

Low estradiol

Low oestradiol levels may be associated with difficulty conceiving in women and, in the case of young women, could be an indication of ovulation problems, early menopause or premature ovarian failure.

Ask us about your case

Estradiol during IVF

Excessively high or low levels of oestradiol can affect the chances of a successful procedure, so monitoring is essential.

Estradiol is a key hormone that plays a fundamental role in follicle stimulation and maturation, endometrial preparation, synchronisation of oocyte development and support of the endometrium during the luteal phase, especially in in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatments.

In addition, menopausal women receiving hormone replacement therapy tend to have higher oestradiol levels compared to those not receiving hormone replacement therapy.

Estradiol levels in men

In men, estradiol levels are significantly lower than in women, with values between 10 and 50 pg/ml being considered normal.

However, when levels are higher than usual, female characteristics such as the development of breast tissue (gynaecomastia) may occur. Since the enzyme responsible for the production of oestradiol is mainly found in adipose tissue, excess weight can increase oestradiol levels and cause gynaecomastia.

Estradiol Vs Endocrine Disruptors

Some chemicals can be mistaken for our body’s natural hormones and upset their balance. These are called hormone disruptors or endocrine disruptors. One of the most common is Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used to make plastics, such as those used in the food and healthcare industry.

Although small amounts of BPA are not dangerous for adults, during pregnancy and the first months of a baby’s life, exposure to this chemical can negatively affect future reproductive capacity. For this reason, since 2011, the use of BPA in baby bottles and food containers for children under 3 years of age has been banned in Spain. Moreover, in recent years its use has been further limited, and in 2020 the European authorities decided to remove BPA from products such as shopping vouchers, as it can be harmful to health.

All about endocrine disruptors

Frequently asked questions about the hormone estradiol

Which hormones are most important to test for in a fertility test?

Dr. Alejandra García-Villalba replies

It depends on the situation of each couple and the woman’s menstrual cycles. If they are regular, the AMH – Antimullerian Hormone test is enough for us to assess her ovarian reserve.

If, on the other hand, the cycles are irregular, it is essential to analyse these female hormones:

LH (luteinising hormone): An abnormal level can hinder ovulation and, therefore, pregnancy.
FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone): High FSH values may indicate a low ovarian reserve.
Estradiol: Adequate levels are necessary for ovulation and preparation of the uterus for embryo implantation.
Progesterone: essential to prepare the endometrium to receive the embryo and maintain the pregnancy in its early stages.
AMH (anti-mullerian hormone): the most widely used marker to assess ovarian reserve.

Monitoring and analysing these hormones not only allows us to detect possible imbalances, but also to design a personalised treatment plan to maximise the chances of success.

If you are looking for answers or need a complete hormone analysis, at Vida Fertility we can help you from the first step. Contact us for your first visit and let our specialised team guide you along the way.

Ask us about your case

What is estradiol used for in IVF?

Dr. Alejandra García-Villalba replies

Oestradiol is an essential hormone in in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatments, as it has several key functions that contribute to the success of the procedure:

Stimulation and maturation of the follicles: During ovarian stimulation, oestradiol is produced as the follicles grow, indicating that the eggs are developing correctly.
Preparation of the endometrium: Oestradiol helps the endometrium to reach the ideal thickness and conditions for embryo implantation.
Synchronisation of oocyte development: This hormone ensures that the oocytes develop properly and are in optimal conditions for fertilisation.
Support of the endometrium during the luteal phase: After ovulation or ovarian puncture, oestradiol helps to maintain a receptive uterine environment for embryo implantation.

In short, oestradiol is not only a key indicator during treatment, but is also essential for each stage of the process to run smoothly.

Is it possible to have very low oestradiol levels when taking contraceptives?

Dr. Alejandra García-Villalba replies

The use of oral contraceptives can reduce oestradiol levels, as they contain synthetic hormones in lower doses than those produced naturally during the menstrual cycle. This is normal and part of their function to inhibit ovulation.

However, each woman may react differently to these medications. If you have any questions or side effects, consult your gynaecologist for a personalised assessment.

If you have been looking for pregnancy for between 6 months and 1 year and you have not achieved it, you can get information at Vida Fertility, we have the technology, specialists and our own centres to try to find a solution.

Ask us about your case