Estradiol / Estrogen (E2) Test

The purpose of an estradiol test is to measure the oestradiol hormone’s level in the bloodstream. Also known as E2, this hormone plays a vital role in sexual development. In sexually mature women, this hormone is chiefly produced by the ovaries. The placenta, adrenal glands and testes also produce smaller amounts of estradiol.

Some quantities of estradiol also get produced in body tissues like the brain, skin and liver.

The role of estradiol in the body is multifold. In addition to facilitating healthy breast development, it also distributes body fat evenly and helps with the growth of the fallopian tubes and vagina.

When it comes to the female body, having normal estrogen levels is vital for healthy reproductive health. Having this hormone in excess or limited quantity can lead to severe issues like weak bones, depression and urinary tract infections.

The male body also produces minimal estradiol. It is chiefly produced in the testes and helps prevent sperm from dying too early. A man can take the estradiol test to diagnose enlarged male breasts to check if puberty is delayed or to find if high estrogen levels are due to low testosterone levels.

An estradiol test can be prescribed by doctors if they want to discover if an individual’s sex characteristics are developing in a healthy manner. Some symptoms that can lead to a prescription by a doctor include issues with menstrual cycles, infertility and vaginal bleeding after menopause.

Compared to their global counterparts, Indian women reach menopause earlier. While the average age for reaching menopause worldwide is 51-52, most Indian women reach menopause by 46-47. That is why they are at a higher risk of midlife diseases and problems. High estradiol can occur in postmenopausal women often.

So, it becomes more vital for these women to take an estradiol test often while keeping their doctor in the loop. It can be a great preventive measure and can allow an individual to diagnose severe issues early on.

Other names of the Estradiol test

• E2 Test
• Estrogen Test

What does the Estradiol test detect or measure and who is this prescribed for?

An estradiol test measures the estradiol levels in an individual’s body. These levels can affect how an individual’s reproductive system develops. A lower rate of estradiol in the human body can indicate late puberty. On the contrary, higher rates can hint that puberty is happening at a much faster speed.

This test also pinpoints how well the ovaries are working. At the time of birth, estradiol levels are very high in the body. But they become minimal during early childhood. They rise again as puberty approaches.

Many doctors recommend this test when they feel that female or male traits aren’t developing at a healthy rate. Here are some of the other reasons why individuals get prescribed this test.

• They are having trouble with pregnancy.
• They are showing symptoms of menopause like night sweats and hot flashes.
• They have vaginal bleeding after menopause.
• They have symptoms of PCOS.
• They have symptoms of ovarian tumours like bloating in the abdomen are suffering from frequent urination or have constant pain in the pelvic area.

This test also helps your doctor determine if your adrenal glands are working normally. That is why individuals undergoing transgender hormone therapy also receive a request for an estradiol test from their doctors.

The estradiol blood sample test applies to both men and women. Both male and female teenagers can get this test done.

The normal range of estradiol levels varies not only between men and women but even between premenopausal women and postmenopausal women. For premenopausal women, the normal range is 30-400 pg/ml and 0-30 pg/ml for postmenopausal women.

The main parameters of an estradiol test are estradiol levels. The normal range may vary depending on your gender. The results will indicate different things depending on the individual. Both high and low estradiol levels can be a cause of concern. Low estradiol levels could point towards the following:

• Menopause
• Low levels of pituitary hormones
• Failing pregnancy
• Ovarian failure
• Turner syndrome

On the contrary, high estradiol levels could signal one of the following:

• Tumour in the ovaries, adrenal glands or testes.
• Liver damage
• Hyperthyroidism
• Gynecomastia

When it comes to teenagers, higher estradiol levels could signal delayed puberty in boys and early puberty in girls.

In the menstruation period, estradiol levels are at their peak during ovulation. On the other hand, they are at their lowest during menstruation. The reason pregnant women have high estradiol levels is due to the placenta. It is known to produce estradiol.

The estradiol test required a blood sample which is collected by a phlebotomist from the arm of the patient commonly. It helps check on concerns about puberty, menopause and fertility, amongst other conditions.

Test Preparation

The estradiol test is a blood test that does not require any fasting or special precautions. Before this test, you must provide your medical history and your current supplement intake with your doctor.

Here are some of the medications that can affect your estradiol levels.

• Estrogen therapy
• Ampicillin
• Birth control pills

Test inclusions: What are the parameters included?

The main parameter in an estradiol blood test is estradiol levels. Doctors measure these levels in picograms/millilitres. Normal ranges of estradiol levels vary between postmenopausal females and premenopausal females.

High estradiol levels point towards issues with ovarian reserves. They could also mean that estradiol is suppressing FSH or follicle-stimulating hormone.

An estrogen test finds elevation in the following things:

• Ovulation
• Pregnancy
• Liver Disease
• PCOS
• The second half of the menstrual cycle
• Amenorrhea-Galactorrhea syndrome

How frequently should you take this test?

A random estradiol test helps diagnose any potential irregularities in your ovaries or birth shortcomings during pregnancy. If the result of an estradiol test confirms a diagnosis or irregularity, then appropriate medication will be prescribed by the doctor.

They can also advise additional procedures or tests. The frequency between the first and second tests gets decided by the respective doctor.

Infertility, Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding, Healthy Menstrual Periods, Cirrhosis, Turner Syndrome