What is oestrogen?

Oestrogen on your report

Your report may show oestradiol (E2), often written as estradiol. Healthy values change a lot with:

• your cycle day
• pregnancy
• menopause

Labs print separate ranges for each phase, and your doctor reads your number against the one that matches you.

What oestrogen tells your doctor

Oestrogen runs your monthly cycle, helping release an egg and thicken the womb lining.

It also helps:

• keep your bones and muscles strong
• support your brain
• play a part in keeping cholesterol and blood sugar in balance

As levels fall during perimenopause and after menopause, you may notice:

• hot flushes
• poorer sleep
• vaginal dryness
• faster bone loss

That's why calcium, protein and strength work matter more in your forties and fifties.

Looking after yourself as oestrogen falls

You can't stop the natural fall in oestrogen, but you can look after what it used to protect.

What helps:

• Eat calcium-rich foods like milk, dahi, paneer, ragi and til every day.
• Keep protein in each meal.
• Do weight-bearing exercise such as brisk walking and strength training.
• Keep sweets and fried snacks occasional to protect your heart and blood sugar.

If menopause symptoms are hard to live with, ask your doctor whether hormone therapy suits you.