E2

This test is used to measure the levels of estradiol hormone in the blood.

What is Estradiol?

Estradiol is a form of estrogen called as 17 beta-estradiol. It is made by ovaries, breasts and adrenal glands. Placenta also makes estradiol during pregnancy. Estradiol is useful in the growth and development of breasts, vagina, fallopian tubes, uterus. It also controls the fat distribution in the female body and is essential for bones and joints health in females. Estradiol is also present in men’s body but in lower levels compared to women. In men, estradiol is produced from testes and adrenal glands.

Why this test is performed?

This test may be recommended to you if your male or female sex characteristics are not developing normally in your adolescence, ovarian tumors, menstrual problems, menopausal symptoms, breast cancer, abnormal vaginal bleeding, infertility in women, non-cancerous growth of breast tissue in men (gynecomastia), etc. This test is also recommended in addition to assisted reproductive technology (ART) for infertility. This test also shows how well your ovaries are working hence if you have symptoms of ovarian tumor-like bloating, swollen abdomen, frequent urination, trouble eating, weight loss, pain in the pelvic area or lower abdomen this test may be recommended. People how has undergone transgender hormone therapy receive estradiol, so this test is done to check the levels of estradiol.

Precautions:

Some medicines may interact with the test results like birth control pills, glucocorticoids like dexamethasone, betamethasone, prednisone, hydrocortisone, etc, phenothiazines, antibiotics like ampicillin, tetracycline, etc and hormonal therapy. Some medical conditions like decreased liver function, high blood pressure, anemia, kidney disease may also affect the test results. Hence inform your doctor or technician about all your current medications and medical conditions prior to the test.

The normal test results may vary depending on gender, age, health history, etc.

If your estradiol blood test results are higher than the normal range then it may indicate, tumors in ovaries or testes or adrenal gland, early puberty, development of breasts in men, scarring of the liver (cirrhosis), overactive thyroid gland, etc.

If your estradiol blood test levels are lower than the normal range then it may indicate ovarian failure, menopause, hypopituitarism, hypogonadism, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), depleted estrogen production, early menopause, etc.

If you get abnormal test results, consult your doctor immediately. Your doctor may recommend other tests depending on your results.