OVERVIEW:
What is the estradiol serum lab test?
An estradiol serum lab test is a blood test that measures the level of estradiol circulating in your blood.
Why is the estradiol serum lab test done?
As estradiol serum lab test is done in order to:
- Diagnose the cause behind delay in male or female sexual development,
- Diagnose any problems with adrenal glands,
- Determine if the treatment for hypopituitarism (decreased pituitary gland function) is working or not,
- Diagnose the cause behind abnormal menstruation,
- Diagnose the cause behind vaginal bleeding,
- Diagnose infertility in women,
- Diagnose an ovarian tumor.
What is it used for?
Estradiol tests or estrone tests are used to help:
- Find out the reason for early or late puberty in girls
- Find out the reason for late puberty in boys
- Diagnose menstrual problems
- Find out the cause of infertility (the inability to get pregnant)
- Monitor infertility treatments
- Monitor treatments for menopause
- Find tumors that make estrogen
An estriol hormone test is used to:
- Help diagnose certain birth defects, including Down syndrome, during pregnancy.
- Monitor a high-risk pregnancy
- How is this test performed?
This test is performed on a blood sample. A syringe with a fine needle is used to withdraw blood from a blood vessel in your arm. The healthcare provider will tie an elastic band around your arm to make the blood vessels swell with blood. This makes it easier to withdraw blood. You may be asked to tightly clench your fist. Once the veins are clearly visible, the area is cleaned with an antiseptic solution and then the needle is inserted into the blood vessel to collect the sample. You will feel a tiny pinprick during the procedure. Blood sample once collected will then be sent to the laboratory.
- Is there any risk associated with this test?
There is no risk associated with the test. However, since this test involves a needle prick to withdraw the blood sample, in very rare cases, a patient may experience increased bleeding, hematoma formation (blood collection under the skin), bruising or infection at the site of needle prick.
- Is there any preparation required before the test?
Inform the doctor about the medications you may be taking. No other specific preparations are usually required before this test.
- Any additional information I should know about the estradiol test?
Apart from the blood sample, Estradiol is tested on urine sample as well but the results of both cannot be interchanged.
- Do any medicines have an effect on the level of estradiol?
Yes, certain medicines can decrease the levels of estradiol like oral contraceptives and clomiphene. Drugs which can increase the levels of estradiol include drugs which contain estrogen, glucocorticosteroids, phenothiazines, ampicillin, tetracyclines. Apart from medicines, certain conditions like anemia, high blood pressure, dysfunction in kidney and liver can affect the levels of estradiol.
- What other tests might be required if estradiol test results are not normal?
Other tests which your doctor may advise you include: Follicle stimulating test (FSH) and Luteinizing hormone test (LH) for treatment of menopausal problems; FSH, Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) or Free thyroxine (T4) along with Prolactin test for lack of menstrual cycle; FSH test and LH test for precocious (early) puberty; TSH test, FSH test, Prolactin test and LH test for infertility issues in men and women.
INTERPRETATIONS
If your estradiol or estrogen levels are higher than normal, it may be due to:
- A tumor of the ovaries, adrenal glands, or testicles
- Cirrhosis
- Early puberty in girls; delayed puberty in boys
If your estradiol or estrogen levels are lower than normal, it may be due to:
- Primary ovarian insufficiency, a condition that causes a woman's ovaries to stop working before she is 40 years old
- Turner syndrome, a condition in which a woman's sexual characteristics don't develop properly
- An eating disorder, such as anorexia nervosa
- Polycystic ovary syndrome, a common hormone disorder affecting childbearing women. It is one of the leading causes of female infertility.
If you are pregnant and your estriol levels are lower than normal, it may mean your pregnancy is failing or that there is a chance your baby might have a birth defect. If the test shows a possible birth defect, you will need more testing before a diagnosis can be made.
Higher levels of estriol may mean you will be going into labor soon. Normally, estriol levels go up about four weeks before you start labor.
Why do I need an estrogen test?
You may need an estradiol test or an estrone test if you:
- Are having trouble getting pregnant
- Are a woman of childbearing age who is not having periods or having abnormal periods
- Are a girl with early or delayed puberty
- Have symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes and/or night sweats
- Have vaginal bleeding after menopause
- Are a boy with delayed puberty
- Are a man showing female characteristics, such as the growth of breasts