Contributed by – Healthians Team
What is the estradiol test?
An estradiol test (also known as the E2 test) measures the amount of estradiol in the blood.
Estradiol is basically a form of the hormone estrogen, a primary female sex hormone. Ovaries, breasts, and adrenal glands produce estradiol in women. And during pregnancy, the placenta also produces it. The hormone is essential because it helps with the growth and development of the female sex organs, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, vagina, and breasts. Estradiol also helps control the distribution of fat in the female body.
As far as estradiol in men is concerned, its levels are lower in them than those in females. Produced in very small amounts by adrenal glands and testes, it plays a role in the development and growth of bones.
Who should get tested?
An estradiol test is usually performed when there’s a problem with the rate at which female or male sex characteristics are growing.
It is ordered when the doctor notices the following:
- Abnormal menstrual periods
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Infertility in women
- Issues with the menstrual cycle
- Menopause symptoms
Besides, the E2 test can help make the diagnosis of an ovarian tumor. The following are the typical symptoms that would prompt the doctor to order this test:
- Bloating or swelling in the abdomen
- Trouble eating
- Pain in the lower abdominal area
- Weight loss
- Frequent need to urinate
Why is the estradiol test needed?
The estradiol test is often used to:
- Diagnose hypogonadism in females – production of fewer sex hormones
- Evaluate the cause of irregular menstruation
- Evaluate the cause of feminization in men
- Understand the cause of early and late puberty in females
- Evaluate the symptoms of menopause
- Monitor follicle development
- Monitor treatment in case of hormone replacement therapy
- Evaluate the lack of secondary sexual features in men
What does estradiol test results mean?
Normal levels of estradiol for menstruating women range from 15 to 350 pg/mL. For postmenopausal women, normal levels should be less than 10 pg/mL.
However, note that these ranges can vary from lab to lab. Thus, estradiol test results from different labs may vary.
If your results show higher than normal values, it could mean:
- Early puberty in females
- Tumors in the ovaries or testes
- Gynecomastia (development of breasts in men)
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Late puberty in men
- Hyperthyroidism
- Tumors or adrenal glands
And, having lower than normal values could mean:
- Menopause
- Ovarian failure
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
- Depleted estrogen production
- Hypopituitarism
- Hypogonadism
While this may be true, having abnormal estradiol levels doesn’t necessarily mean that you have any of the above-mentioned conditions. Various factors, including your lifestyle, can influence the results. Therefore, ensure that you always get your results checked by a doctor to correctly understand what they mean for you.
How is the test done?
Estradiol test is a simple blood test. A small sample of blood is needed for testing. It is usually drawn from a vein in the arm. The process is simple, quick, and relatively painless. Any kind of special preparation, including fasting, is not required prior to the sample collection. However, intimate your doctor about any medication you are taking and medical conditions you may have as they can influence your test results.
