E2 (Estradiol)
Understanding E2 (Estradiol)
What is E2 (Estradiol)?
An estradiol test measures the amount of the hormone estradiol in your blood. Estradiol is primarily a female sex hormone which is produced by the ovaries, breasts, and adrenal glands. Doctors may order an estradiol test in relation to a person’s fertility, puberty and menopause in females. During their reproductive years, women usually have their highest levels of estradiol. This hormone is considered to be one of the best markers for ovarian function.
An estradiol test alone cannot diagnose a specific disease. If the test results show low or high levels of estradiol, a doctor may recommend further tests to help pinpoint a diagnosis.
What is E2 (Estradiol) used for?
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To diagnose hypogonadism (production of fewer sex hormones) in females
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To evaluate the cause of oligomenorrhea (infrequent menstruation) and irregular menstruation in females
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To evaluate the cause of feminization in males like gynecomastia (enlarged breasts)
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To evaluate the cause of precocious (early) and delayed puberty in females
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To evaluate the symptoms of menopause like abnormal vaginal bleeding
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To monitor follicle development in case of infertility in women
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To monitor treatment in case of hormone replacement therapy taken by women after menopause
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To evaluate the lack of secondary sexual features, lack of muscle mass, delayed puberty in males
Interpreting E2 (Estradiol) results
Interpretations
High levels of Estradiol may indicate:
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Puberty before time (precocious puberty) in girls
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Ovarian tumors in females
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Tumors of adrenal glands in men and women
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Gynecomastia (enlarged breasts) in men
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Testicular tumors
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Delayed puberty in males
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Hyperthyroidism in men and women
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Cirrhosis in men and women
Low levels of Estradiol may indicate:
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Hypopituitarism
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Hypogonadism in females (the abnormal function of ovaries)
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Following menopause
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Conditions in which female sexual characteristics are underdeveloped like Turner’s Syndrome
Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about E2 (Estradiol)
Frequently Asked Questions about E2 (Estradiol)
Q. Is there any preparation required before the test?
Q. Is there any risk associated with this test?
Q. Any additional information I should know about the estradiol test?
Q. Do any medicines have an effect on the level of estradiol?
Q. What other tests might be required if estradiol test results are not normal?
Other tests
