ESTRADIOL TEST

What are the other names for this test?

Estrone (E1), Estrogen test, Estriol (E3), Estrogenic hormone test

What is an estradiol test?

This test helps to determine the amount of estradiol in your blood. Estradiol is a type of estrogen. Estrogens include several hormones that have vital functions in the reproductive system for females. These functions include pregnancy, puberty, menstruation, and menopause. Estrogens are essential for the better health of the heart, bones, and brain in men and women.

Estrogen levels may change throughout the life of females but often do not change in males. High or low estrogen levels may indicate health problems.

What are the types of estrogen?

The common types of estrogen are:

Estrone - This is also known as E1. The unique estrogen that develops in females even after menopause. Menopause is a span in which the menstrual period finishes for a year. The adrenal glands (glands located above each kidney) are the place in the body where estrone develops in males and females. Ovaries that possess eggs produce estrone in females. The body fat also develops estrone.

Estradiol - This is also known as E2. Estradiol is a significant estrogen in non-pregnant women. It often develops in the ovaries (female glands contain eggs). This estrogen is necessary for female fertility (the power to become pregnant). Estradiol helps in the function of the brain and the health of bones. Testicles (glands that develop sperm) also produce this estrogen in males.

Estriol - This is also called E3. Its levels rise during pregnancy. The placenta develops estriol. The placenta is the organ that forms in the uterus to transfer nutrients and oxygen to a growing baby. The health of the pregnant lady and the unborn baby may monitor by checking the estriol levels. Low estriols are often present in non-pregnant women and men.

What is the purpose of this test?

This test checks the estradiol levels in men and women. An estradiol test may need to take in females because of the following conditions:

This test help to
 

• Diagnose problems that may lead to high or low estrogen levels. These include early or delayed puberty, menstrual disorder, and infertility (inability to get pregnant).
• Monitor how well the treatment is working for infertility.
• Observe hormone replacement therapy for menopause.
• Look for hormone treatment due to specific cancer like breast cancer.

This test may use during pregnancy to identify defects in the birth. It also observes the high chance of pregnancy.

The estradiol test may use in males to determine conditions that lead to high estrogen levels, including
 

• Delayed puberty
• Infertility
• Breast growth
• Erectile dysfunction - problem in getting and keeping an erection.

When do I need to take this test?

Your healthcare provider may recommend the estradiol test if you have conditions that may lead to low or high estradiol levels. These conditions are:
 

• Breast cancer
• Tumors in the ovary
• Menstrual problems
• Gynecomastia - A disease in which the growth of noncancerous glandular breast tissue happens in males).
• Symptoms of menopause

Your provider may also recommend this test if you have ongoing treatment for assisted reproductive technology (ART) for infertility. This test may monitor your hormone levels during ART. In adults, this test may use to see early puberty.

Give an online order for an estradiol test here to know your health conditions.

What is the procedure for this test?

An estradiol test is a blood test that requires a blood sample. The following are the steps for this test.
 

• Sit in front of your provider. Be relaxed and stay in a fixed position. It is difficult for your provider to collect a blood sample if you do the muscle movement.
• Remove the portion of your cloth from the arm.
• A small needle will inject into a vein in your arm.
• A small amount of blood will collect in a test tube.
• Blood samples will store in the laboratory for examination of an allergy.
• You can go home for regular activities.
• This test finishes within five minutes.

How do I get ready for this test?

You do not need special preparation for this test. You may inform your provider about medicines, vitamins, and supplements you use. Do not avoid any medication before consulting with a doctor. You may need to fast for several hours if your provider asks for additional blood tests.

Are there any risks involved in this test?

An estradiol test has low risk when you give a blood sample. Veins differ from person to person. Some people may have difficulty providing a blood sample compared to others.
Risks that link when the needle injects into a vein in your arm are:
 

• Extreme Bleeding
• Slight pain
• Bruising
• Infection
• Hematoma (Deposition of blood under the skin)

What do the test results indicate?

The recommended range for the estradiol test is:

For premenopausal women, the value lies between 30 to 400 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL). The estradiol levels should be 0 to 30 pg/mL for postmenopausal women.
For males, the value lies between 10 to 50 pg/mL. In men, generally, the estradiol levels remain constant throughout their life.

The test results depend on many factors, such as age, gender, and medical history. The test results may also slightly differ among laboratories. It is because each lab may use different methods for examination.

Low estradiol levels may indicate a condition of ovarian failure. It is also known as early menopause.
High estradiol levels may mean a tumor of the ovary, testes, or adrenal glands.
You can talk with a doctor about your test results with an online appointment.

What factors may affect the estradiol test results?

Birth control pills and hormone therapy may affect your test results.

What additional tests do I need along with this test?

Your healthcare provider may recommend the following tests along with an estradiol test:
 

• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing hormone (LH) - This test uses for menstrual problems and their treatment.
• TSH test, prolactin, FSH, and LH for infertility problems in both males and females.
• FSH, TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), and prolactin (a hormone required for breast milk if your periods have ended).