Estradiol (E2)
The downstream oestrogen — quietly essential for libido, bone, brain and feedback control.
What it is
Estradiol is the principal oestrogen in men, produced largely by aromatisation of testosterone via the aromatase enzyme in fat tissue, the brain and the testes. It is not a 'female hormone with the wrong label' — it is essential for male physiology.
Why it matters
E2 modulates libido, mood, bone density, lipid metabolism and the negative feedback loop that controls LH and FSH. Both extremes are problematic: too low (often after aggressive aromatase-inhibitor use) and too high (often in obesity or with high-dose exogenous testosterone) carry distinct symptom profiles.
Adult male reference range
Adult male reference range is roughly 11.3–43.2 pg/mL (40–160 pmol/L), depending on assay.
Role on the panel
On the Hormone Panel 01, E2 is interpreted alongside total testosterone and body composition context. It is the marker most often missed in standard GP panels.
When it reads low
Very low E2 in men is associated with low libido, joint pain, bone-density loss and depressed mood. Common cause: aggressive aromatase-inhibitor use without monitoring.
When it reads high
Elevated E2 in men is most often a downstream effect of high testosterone (endogenous or exogenous) combined with high adipose-tissue aromatase. Symptoms include water retention, gynaecomastia and mood changes.
Common questions about this marker.
Order the Hormone Panel 01.
All six markers, one finger-prick, ISO-certified German lab. Physician review and a plain-language report in 3–5 working days.