Description
The Estradiol test measures the circulating levels of estradiol which is important for assessing the ovarian function and monitoring follicular development for assisted reproduction protocols. Estradiol plays an essential role throughout the human menstrual cycle. Elevated estradiol levels in females may also result from primary or secondary ovarian hyperfunction. Very high estradiol levels are found during the induction of ovulation for assisted reproduction therapy or in pregnancy. Decreased estradiol levels in females may result from either lack of ovarian synthesis (primary ovarian hypofunction and menopause) or a lesion in the hypothalamus-pituitary axis (secondary ovarian hypofunction). Elevated estradiol levels in males may be due to increased aromatization of androgens, resulting in gynecomastia.
The reference range during the process of immunoassay are different during the menstrual cycle of females.
Female
Follicular Phase 19-144 pg/mL
Mid-Cycle 64-357 pg/mL
Luteal Phase 56-214 pg/mL
Postmenopausal =31 pg/mL
Male =39 pg/mL
Hence this test measures the amount of estradiol in the blood.It’s also called an E2 test. Estradiol is an element of the hormone estrogen. It is usually produced in the ovaries of premenopausal women and in the testicles of men. It is the most potent form of estrogen. A woman’s age and reproductive status can make a big difference in the levels of estradiol. This test can be used to monitor ovarian function in women struggling to get pregnant. This test is usually ordered for women who are experiencing infertility, abnormal menstruation or have evidence of menopause. This test can also be ordered for men who are suffering from testosterone deficiency.
Estradiol is also called 17 beta-estradiol. The ovaries, breasts, and adrenal glands make estradiol. During pregnancy, the placenta also makes estradiol.
Estradiol helps with the growth and development of female sex organs, including the uterus,fallopian tubes,vagina and breasts.Estradiol helps to control the way fat is distributed in the female body. It’s also essential for bone and joint health in females.
Males also have estradiol in their bodies. Their levels of estradiol are lower than the levels in females. In males, the adrenal glands and testes make estradiol. In men testosterone levels decrease while their estrogen levels increase as they age. High estrogen levels in men contribute to prostate cancer, heart disease, loss of muscle mass, fatigue, low libido, erectile dysfunction.Estradiol has been shown in vitro to prevent destruction of sperm cells, but its clinical importance in sexual function and development in men is likely less significant than in women.
An estradiol level that’s higher than normal indicates that puberty is happening earlier than usual which is known as precocious puberty.Lower levels of estradiol may indicate late puberty. The test may help to know if there are problems with the adrenal glands. It can also help to determine if treatment for hypopituitarism, or decreased function of the pituitary gland, is working.
Estradiol testing is done to look for causes of abnormal menstrual periods,abnormal vaginal bleeding and infertility in women.During and after menopause, a woman’s body will gradually produce less estrogen and estradiol, contributing to the symptoms experienced during menopause. A test of your estradiol level can help to prepare to enter menopause.Estradiol test can also indicate how well the ovaries are working.If there are symptoms of an ovarian tumor. The symptoms include bloating or swelling in your abdomen,trouble eating due to feeling full after eating a small amount of food,pain in your lower abdominal and pelvic area,weight loss,frequent urination.
