Estradiol is an estrogenic hormone, C18H24O2, produced by the ovaries and used in treating estrogen deficiency. Estradiol is essential for maintaining normal female functions and is normally produced by the ovaries. After menopause, the ovaries decrease their production of this hormone. Estradiol is a sex hormone. Estradiol is the predominant sex hormone present in females; however, it is present in males, albeit at lower levels, as well. It represents the major estrogen in humans. Estradiol has