What is an Estradiol test (E2)? Why is the test done? Everything around this, that you should know, in this post and of course our doctors are always there to help you. Just fill in your details in the form down below and we will answer all your questions for FREE!
What is an estradiol test (E2)?
It measures the amount of estradiol (a form of estrogen) present in the blood.
Also Read: FSH
What is estradiol (E2)?
It is a female hormone and is made primarily by the ovaries, breast, and adrenal glands. This hormone is found at peak levels during the reproductive phase of women and at minimum or not at all after menopause.
It is present in males also and is made by the testis in a moderate amount.
What is the role of estradiol (E2)?
- It plays an important role in the development of reproductive organs and the formation of female secondary sexual features.
- It regulates the menstrual cycle in women during the reproductive phase, therefore is found in the highest amount.
- It is also important for the growth of the breast and uterus along with progesterone.
- It helps in regulating growth and metabolism in males also.
- It also helps in the distribution of body fat.
What is the normal range for it?
The amount of estradiol varies according to gender and age. The units of measurement are pg/ml.
- Male – 10-50 pg/ml
- Pre-menopausal female – 30-400 pg/ml
- Post-menopausal female – 0-30 pg/ml
The estradiol levels are high in newborns under the influence of maternal hormones but lower within a few days after birth and remain low during early childhood.
What is the importance of the estradiol test (E2)?
It is not a diagnostic test but helps in diagnosis when done with other tests. It is done to:
- Diagnose hypogonadism (low female sex hormone)
- Evaluate the cause of irregular menstruation
- Find the cause of gynecomastia (breast development in males)
- Evaluate precocious puberty (early puberty)
- Evaluate delayed puberty, lack of female secondary sexual features, less muscle mass
- Evaluate the menopausal symptoms
- Monitor treatment in HRT (hormone replacement therapy)
- Monitor infertility
What does high estradiol indicate?
Higher than normal levels of estradiol in the blood may be a sign of:
- Early puberty in females (precocious puberty)
- Delayed puberty in males
- Ovarian tumours in female
- Testicular tumours in males
- Breast development in males (gynecomastia)
- Adrenal tumours in both men and women
- Hyperthyroidism in both men and women
What does low estradiol indicate?
Lower than normal levels of estradiol in the blood may be a sign of:
- Ovarian failure / Hypogonadism
- Hypopituitarism
- Menopause
- Any genetic abnormality associated with undeveloped female sexual features
