The purpose of the estradiol (E2) test is to measure the levels of the hormone E2 present in an individual's blood. E2 is one of the four types of estrogen produced primarily by the ovaries. However, at the same time,...
Introduction
The purpose of the estradiol (E2) test is to measure the levels of the hormone E2 present in an individual's blood. E2 is one of the four types of estrogen produced primarily by the ovaries. However, at the same time, smaller amounts of E2 are also produced by the adrenal glands, placenta, testes, and certain tissues. By examining the test results, doctors can identify various conditions including fertility issues and liver damage. For good reproductive health, the estrogen levels have to be perfect.
Estradiol is useful in controlling and managing fat distribution in females. It’s also crucial for their bone and joint health. Having an imbalanced level can lead to medical conditions such as UTI (urinary tract infection), weaker bones, and sometimes depression.
Even males have estradiol in their bodies produced by their adrenal glands and testes, however, in lower levels than females.
Research has shown that estradiol can inhibit the destruction of sperm cells. Its clinical significance in terms of sexual function and development is likely to be less substantial in men compared to women.
Purpose of an Estradiol (E2) test
A doctor may order an E2 test to gauge the fertility, puberty, or menopause of a person. The main purpose of an estradiol test is to detect any anomaly of female or male characteristics not developing as they should be. When the estradiol level is higher than the normal range, it is a sign of early occurrence of puberty, which is a condition called precocious puberty.
Contrarily, when the estradiol levels are low it may signal late puberty. The test is also helpful by enabling the doctor to diagnose any problems with the adrenal glands. Furthermore, the E2 test can assist in assessing the effectiveness of treatment for hypopituitarism, a condition characterized by reduced pituitary gland function.
Another reason a doctor may order an estradiol test is to look for causes of the following:
- Anomaly in menstrual periods
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Infertility in women
The E2 test is also utilized by doctors to address symptoms of menopause when a woman’s menstrual cycle has ceased. Generally, during and after menopause there is gradually less production of estrogen and estradiol in a woman’s body, triggering symptoms that are experienced during menopause.
So an estradiol test will give the doctor an idea if a woman is about to enter menopause or she is already in the transition phase by checking the level of estradiol.
The estradiol test is also beneficial by providing a clear picture of how well the ovaries are functioning. Hence, the doctor may also order E2 test if someone has symptoms of an ovarian tumor. These symptoms may include:
- Swelling in the abdomen or bloating.
- Eating problem
- Pain in the lower abdominal and pelvic region.
- Weight loss
- Frequent urination, etc.
Even when a woman is pregnant or she is undergoing infertility treatments, the doctor may want to keep track of the progress and order an estradiol test.
Usually, an estradiol test in isolation is not enough to make a diagnosis. Yet, the findings of this test can help doctors to decide whether further testing is required.
Individuals undergoing transgender hormone therapy may be prescribed estradiol as part of their treatment. In such cases, their doctors may regularly conduct tests to monitor and evaluate their estradiol levels.
Are there risks linked to an estradiol test?
There are very minimal risks associated with an estradiol test. Some of them include:
- Multiple punctures if unable to find a vein easily
- Excess bleeding
- A feeling of lightheaded
- Fainting
- Hematoma (a condition where there is an accumulation of blood under the skin)
- Infections at the site of the needle puncture, etc.
Preparing for the estradiol test
Some particular factors can impact estradiol levels. So, it is advisable to have a clear discussion with the doctor beforehand about this. The doctor may ask the individual to abstain from taking certain medications or alter the dose before the E2 test.
The medicines that can affect the estradiol levels of a person are:
- Birth control pills
- Glucocorticoids
- Estrogen therapy
- Phenothiazines (given to treat schizophrenia and other mental disorders)
- Antibiotics tetracycline (Panmycin) and ampicillin
It is also important to note that estradiol levels can also fluctuate throughout the day and also with a female’s menstrual cycle. Because of this reason, the doctor may order to have the blood tested at a particular time of day or at a certain time in the menstrual cycle. The following are the conditions that can affect estradiol levels:
- Anemia
- High BP
- Kidney disease
- Impaired liver function, etc.
The procedure of an estradiol test
The estradiol test is a blood test that involves obtaining a blood sample. A skilled and trained technician performs the procedure and typically draws the blood from a vein located on the inner elbow or the back of the hand of the person. The technician will cleanse the skin with an antiseptic solution to ensure cleanliness and prevent infections. Next, a tourniquet will be applied to the upper arm, causing the vein to become more visible and filled with blood. The technician will then carefully insert a needle into the vein and collect the blood into a tube for analysis.
The technician will draw an adequate amount of blood based on the number of tests prescribed by the doctor. The drawing of blood typically lasts only a few minutes. Remember that some people may experience slight discomfort, like a pricking or burning sensation.
After the blood is taken, the technician will apply pressure to the puncture site to stop bleeding. A bandage will be placed over the site, and the blood sample will be sent to a laboratory for testing. To reduce the bruising, the technician may maintain pressure on the site for a few minutes.
Conclusion
Once the results are out, the doctor will discuss the subsequent steps with the person and what needs to be done further.
As per available sources, the typical range for normal estradiol (E2) levels in menstruating women is reported to be between 15 and 350 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL). On the other hand, postmenopausal women should have it below 10 pg/mL to be considered normal. If you want to know more about estradiol test price, contact the diagnostic centre for an accurate quote.
FAQs
What is the estradiol test for fertility?
It is a test to determine ovarian reserve and fertility in women. It is a blood test that checks estradiol levels in females. It is also one of the most common fertility tests available. An estradiol test is ordered to check the ovaries' ability to produce eggs (which is known as ovarian reserve). This test can also help to ascertain if the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) test was accurate or not.
When should estradiol be tested?
A female who is in a phase here she should be having periods, need to go for an estradiol test. Typically, doctors recommend assessing estrogen levels on day three of the menstrual cycle (the third day of your period). In certain cases, they may also suggest testing estrogen levels between days 19-22 or approximately 5-7 days after ovulation.
What is estradiol used for in females?
Estradiol is a drug for managing and treating postmenopausal symptoms and for women who had undergone hysterectomies. In the human body estradiol is considered the most potent estrogen (E2). For women, a few postmenopausal symptoms include but not limited to are vaginal dryness, itchiness, dysuria, and among others.
Does estradiol affect egg quality?
Recent studies have indicated a positive association between estradiol levels and various factors, including the number of mature follicles, retrieved oocytes, and the number of mature oocytes.
What happens when estradiol is low?
Low estrogen can affect the body in several ways, depending on where an individual is in terms of sexual development. Low estrogen may lead to delayed puberty, slowing or preventing sexual development. It occurs in perimenopause and menopause, which often leads to painful sex, low libido, and hot flashes.
Can estradiol cause periods?
Estradiol plays an important role in the menstrual cycle by regulating various processes. When there is a decline in estradiol levels during the follicular phase, it triggers the shedding of the endometrium, which is the onset of menstruation.
Can estrogen enhance fertility?
As a result of an imbalance in the estrogen levels in the body, which is either too high or too low, it can impact the fertility levels in females. This is why women who are planning to be pregnant are prescribed estrogen in the form of estradiol when the doctor sees estrogen deficiency.
Can the estradiol be increased?
Yes, eating certain foods and remedies can boost estrogen. Foods like soy and other legumes are good for this purpose as they are a rich source of isoflavones, one of the most important groups of phytoestrogens. One can eat flaxseeds, garlic oil supplements, dark chocolate, vitamin D, red clover, DHEA, etc.
