|  | Family Health | Womens Health

What Is a Good Estrogen Level?

Estrogen is a hormone which, in the female body, is responsible for reproductive maturation, metabolic processes and fetal development during pregnancy. Fluctuations in estrogen levels are normal throughout a woman's menstrual cycle. Larger variations may be characteristic of menopause or a more serious medical condition.

  1. Normal Levels For Women

    • According to BabyBoomerCaretaker.com, women of child-bearing age normally have estrogen levels ranging from 50 to 400 pg/mL (picograms per milliliter) which fluctuate throughout your menstrual cycle. According to Health.com, picograms are the equivalent of one trillionth of one gram and a milliliter is one thousandth of one liter.

    Normal Levels in Menopausal Women

    • According to BabyBoomerCartaker.com, good estrogen levels in menopausal women should be between 10 and 20 pg/mL, with anything less than 100 pg/mL considered to be normal. Higher estrogen levels can cause mood swings, dry skin and hot flashes.

    High Levels

    • Abnormally high estrogen levels may indicate pregnancy, early-onset puberty in children, cirrhosis and tumors (either of the adrenal gland or ovary).

    Low Levels

    • Abnormally low estrogen levels may indicate conditions such as menopause, anorexia, hypopituitarism (a pituitary disorder), failing pregnancy or polycystic ovary syndrome. It can also be caused by engaging in extreme exercise programs.

    Abnormal Levels in Men

    • Men also produce estrogen. Abnormal male levels may be caused by an estrogen-producing tumor, gynecomastia or testicular dysfunction (hypogonadism).

    Considerations

    • Medical conditions such anemia, kidney dysfunction or hypertension can alter estrogen levels. Medications such as clomiphene, tetracycline, glucocorticosteroids or ampicillian may also affect your estrogen levels.

Womens Health - Related Articles