Estrogen is a sex hormone found in both men and women. Estradiol is one of the most important estrogens. Estrogens affect the liver, bone, nervous system, heart and immune system and are important for fertility and bone development. Estrogen tests are used to detect a deficiency or excess in a woman and to diagnose conditions associated with this imbalance.
For a more comprehensive test that includes sex hormones and metabolites, stress hormones and metabolites, and melatonin, dried urine (Dutch) tests may be helpful.
Why test estradiol?
Testing estrogen levels is important for several reasons. It allows for monitoring hormone treatments during fertility procedures or menopause management. Lifestyle and dietary changes can impact hormone balance, and testing helps address menstrual issues like a lack of periods or heavy bleeding by determining if hormones or other treatments are needed. Additionally, it evaluates ovarian function, menopausal symptoms, and menstrual abnormalities. For suspected menopause, confirming signs through estrogen and FSH tests, or the Dutch test, provides clarity and guides appropriate treatment.
What does the result mean?
The meaning of the test result will depend on your age and gender. Taking estrogen medication can increase estrogen levels. Older women taking estrogen may have higher levels than younger women taking estrogen, which may be because older women eliminate estrogen medications more slowly. Obesity and excess weight can increase estrogen production. Other causes of elevated estrogen include liver disease, hyperthyroidism, and some tumours. High estrogen can increase the risk of certain chronic diseases including breast and ovarian cancer.
What causes high estrogen
High estrogen levels can result from various factors, including hormonal imbalances due to conditions like PCOS or thyroid disorders, obesity, and certain medications such as hormone replacement therapy and birth control pills. Liver dysfunction can also contribute, as it impairs estrogen metabolism, leading to its accumulation. Tumors in the ovaries, adrenal glands, or pituitary gland can secrete excess estrogen. Additionally, genetic conditions, diets high in phytoestrogens (like soy products), and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals can elevate estrogen levels. Managing these factors through medical treatment, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring is essential for maintaining healthy estrogen levels.
Symptoms of high estrogen
High estrogen levels can cause weight gain, particularly in the hips and thighs, menstrual irregularities, and breast tenderness. Other symptoms include mood swings, headaches, fatigue, decreased libido, bloating, hair loss, and sleep problems. These issues can significantly affect quality of life, highlighting the importance of diagnosing and managing high estrogen levels.
What causes low estrogen
High estrogen levels can cause weight gain, particularly in the hips and thighs, menstrual irregularities, and breast tenderness. Other symptoms include mood swings, headaches, fatigue, decreased libido, bloating, hair loss, and sleep problems. These issues can significantly affect quality of life, highlighting the importance of diagnosing and managing high estrogen levels.
Symptoms of low estrogen
Low estrogen levels can lead to various symptoms, including irregular or absent menstrual periods, hot flashes, and night sweats. Women may also experience mood swings, depression, and irritability, along with fatigue and difficulty concentrating. Physical symptoms can include vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, decreased libido, and bone density loss, which increases the risk of fractures.
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Estrogen can also protect skeletal muscles from damage during exercise. Exercise has many advantages, such as lower blood pressure and lower blood fats, as this boosts the endogenous production of estrogen. Physical activity is important for older women as estrogen levels drop with age.
Preparations for this test
Wait two days after taking an estrogen patch, or two to four hours after taking estrogen orally or applying estrogen gel to take this test.
On the day of the test
Always take I.D. with you when going to take a test.