The estradiol test checks the level of the hormone estradiol in the bloodstream. This is known as E2 test. Estradiol is a kind of oestrogen hormone. It’s also known as 17 beta-estradiol. The breasts, adrenal glands and ovaries produces Estradiol. Throughout pregnancy, the placenta produces estradiol as well. You can learn more about oestradiol blood tests from your doctor.
Estradiol assists in the development and growth of the following sex organs in females:
- Fallopian tubes
- Breasts
- Uterus
- Vagina
Estradiol regulates the distribution of fat in the body of a woman. This is necessary for a women’s joint and bone health. Men have estradiol in their system as well. The estradiol levels are less in males. The testes and adrenal glands produces Estradiol.
Estradiol stops the demolitionof the sperm cells. As per medical researches, Estradiol is less important in development and sexual function as compared to females women.
What is the requirement of an estradiol test?
If the male and female sex traits are not enhancing appropriately, your doctor will prescribe the estradiol test. A larger level of estradiol implies that puberty is occurring sooner than normal. This is precocious puberty. Lower estradiol levels can signify delayed puberty. Testing will assist the doctor in assessing if the adrenal glands are functioning properly or not. This also helps in understanding if hypopituitarism treatment is effective or not.
The doctor will recommend a test, for following reasons:
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Irregular bleeding from the vagina
- Infertility among females
If your monthly cycle has ceased and you are experiencing signs of menopause, the doctor will request an estradiol test. During and post menopause, the body of a woman makes lower oestrogen and estradiol, which adds to the complaints of women. Hence, testing the level of estradiol helps the doctor recognise whether you’re approaching menopause or are currently in it.
The estradiol test reveals the functionality of the ovaries. So, if there are signs of the tumour in ovary, your doctor will recommend this test. The symptoms are as follows:
- Abdominal swelling or bloating.
- Eating difficulties because of feeling bloated after consuming eating little.
- Discomfort in the lower abdomen and pelvis
- Shedding weight
- Urinating often
If the patient is pregnant or undergoing infertility treatment, the doctor will request an estradiol test to monitor your progression. An estradiol test cannot verify a certain finding. The outcomes will determine if more tests are required.
What are the drawbacks of undergoing an estradiol test?
- Several needles puncture to locate a vein
- Severe bleeding, dizziness and fainting
- Hematoma or blood Clotting
Getting ready to undergo estradiol test
Estradiol levels are affected by numerous issues. So, discuss with the doctor about it. You may recommended an adjusted dose or discontinue the medicine prior to the diagnosis.
The following medications can affect your estradiol levels:
- Glucocorticoids
- Oestrogen treatment
- Contraceptive tablets
- Phenothiazines, for curing schizophrenia as well as other mental illnesses
- Anybody taking antibiotics like Tetracycline (Panmycin) and ampicillin.
The levels of Estradiol fluctuates during daytime and throughout a woman’s menstrual period. Therefore, the doctor can recommend you for a blood test during a specific point in the mensuration cycle. The following conditions might impact estradiol concentrations:
- High blood pressure
- Anaemia
- Decreased functionality of liver
- Kidney disorder
Process of Estradiol Test
First, the specialist will cleanse the dermis with antiseptic. The specialist will collect sufficient blood for the series of tests that your doctor has prescribed. This will just take a few minutes to collect your blood. The majority of folks describe a pricking or burning feeling. The technician will keep putting momentary pressure on the part to minimize bruising.
What do the findings of an estradiol test imply?
Estradiol (E2) levels in menstruating females vary from 15 to 350 picograms per millilitre (pg/mL). Normal values for females undergoing postmenopausal are less than 10 pg/mL.
More estradiol levels can indicate:
- Early adolescence
- Gynecomastia, or the formation of male breasts
- Ovarian or testicular tumours
- Cirrhosis or liver scarring
- A hyperactive thyroid gland is associated with Hyperthyroidism
Estradiol levels below normal may indicate:
- Menopause
- Turner syndrome is a hereditary disease wherein a female possesses just one X chromosome rather than two.
- Ovarian dysfunction, often known as early menopause, happens once the ovaries quit working before 40 years of age.
- PCOS is a hormone disease with various symptoms which is a primary reason for infertility among females.
- Oestrogen deficiency, induced by a low percentage of body fat.
- Hypogonadism is a condition in which the testes and ovaries do not generate adequate hormones.
- Hypopituitarism
You can learn more about these tests by searching about oestrogen test in UK, online.