Estradiol Test

What is the estradiol test?

Estradiol test is a blood test that determines the content of estradiol or E2 in a person’s blood. This test is suggested generally to females. This test is essential to determine the underlying medical conditions and treat them accordingly.

What is estrogen?

Estrogen is a hormone(chemical messengers released directly in the blood) that is produced in the ovaries. It is responsible for the development and the maintenance of the female primary and the secondary sex organs like breasts, pubic hair and armpit hair. During menstruation, estrogen creates a suitable environment for fertilization, implantation and the nutrition of an embryo in the early stage. This hormone in the body is responsible for the structural differences between male and female as well.

What are the hormones that come under the estrogen family?

The three hormones that come under the estrogen family are:
Estrone(E1): This hormone is the weak form of Estrogen and is predominantly found in women after menopause.

Estradiol(E2): The strongest hormone of the Estrogen family which is produced by the ovaries. Abnormal dynamics of this hormone can result in various gynecological problems like endometriosis, fibroids, and cancers that occur in females, particularly endometrial cancer, etc.

Estriol(E3): This is the weakest in the Estrogen family. It’s a byproduct that the body produces after using estradiol. This is found in higher quantities in pregnant women.

Why did my doctor ask me to undergo the estradiol test?

If your doctor has recommended an Estradiol Test, if he/she suspects:

– Menstrual problems
– Ovarian tumors
– Gynecomastia, noncancerous growth of the glandular breast tissue in males
– Menopausal symptoms
– Breast cancer

When should I take an Estradiol Test?

If any symptoms associated with higher levels or lower levels of estradiol are observed, an Estradiol Test is recommended. Some of the symptoms are listed below. The most common symptoms of higher levels of estradiol are:

– Irregular periods
– Light spotting
– Heavy bleeding
– More severe symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, or PMS.
– Bloating
– Cold hands and feet
– Difficulty sleeping
– Fatigue
– Hair loss
– Headaches
– Low sex drive
– Mood changes, depression, or anxiety
– Problems with memory
– Swollen or tender breasts
– Non Cancerous breast lumps
– Uterine fibroids, which are noncancerous growths that develop on, in, or around the uterus

The most common symptoms of lower levels of Estradiol are:

– Painful sex due to a lack of vaginal lubrication
– Increase in urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to a thinning of the urethra
– Irregular or absent periods
– Mood swings
– Hot flashes.
– Breast tenderness.
– Headaches or accentuation of pre-existing migraines.
– Depression
– Trouble concentrating
– Fatigue

What are the preparations needed for the estradiol test?

The estradiol test does not need any specific preparations:

– There is no requirement for fasting.
– No medications should be stopped unless advised by the doctor.
– No new medications should be included prior to the test.

What is the procedure of the estradiol test?

For estradiol Test to be conducted the blood sample is collected by the following procedure:

– A tourniquet is wrapped around the upper arm to make the veins more prominent.

– A syringe or needle is used to draw blood by puncturing the vein.

– The blood is drawn into the tube of the syringe.

– The tourniquet is released.

– An antiseptic is applied to the spot of venipuncture to avoid any infection.

– The spot of injection of the syringe is dabbed by a cotton swab or a bandage is put to stop any further bleeding.

The blood sample is then sent to the laboratory for the estradiol test.

Is the estradiol test procedure painful?

There’s no pain associated with the collection of the blood sample. A person might feel a pin pricking sensation for a very brief moment after the test. The pain goes away within a few hours.

What are the risks of the estradiol test?

There are no serious complications related to this test. The procedure of blood collection might have some risks associated with it:

-Some people feel light-headed and dizzy as the blood is being drawn.
-It might cause hematoma-formation (blood accumulating under the skin causing a lump or bruise).
-There might be some pain associated with too many punctures for finding a vein, in some cases.

What is the price of the Estradiol test in India?

The price of the estradiol test in India ranges from Rs 650 to 2000. This might also vary depending on the city or state diagnostic center or the hospital is located.

When will I get my reports?

The results of the estradiol test take 2 to 3 weeks time to come. But it might vary depending on the diagnostic center.

How to understand the results?

Estradiol test alone cannot determine a particular disease. This can be an indicator of various medical issues. After the results come, it is suggested to consult your doctor with the reports who can suggest further tests if needed.

If low estradiol level is detected, then it might indicate any of these:

– Ovarian failure
– Menopause
– Low estrogen levels due to rapid weight loss
– Low levels of pituitary hormones
– Failing pregnancy
– Turner syndrome, a chromosomal condition that can cause infertility

If a high estradiol level is detected, it might indicate these:

– Hyperthyroidism
– Liver damage
– Gynecomastia (enlargement of breasts in men)
– Tumors in the ovaries, testicles, or adrenal glands.

Can men also take estradiol test?

Yes. Though males usually have really less amount of estradiol in their body, still the test is recommended by doctors if any abnormality is noticed regarding sexual development like enlargement of breasts, lesser or no growth of facial hair, infertility, etc.

Is pregnancy possible with lower levels of estradiol?

Lack of estradiol leads to complications regarding the menstrual cycle. It prevents ovulation. This makes conceiving really difficult thus resulting in infertility.

Is it safe to have an estradiol test during pregnancy?

Yes. It’s totally safe to get an estradiol test during pregnancy. It is very important since this hormone makes a suitable environment for the fetus during pregnancy. The dynamics of this hormone are monitored by the doctor to understand the condition of the baby inside the womb.

Should I go for an estradiol test during the onset of menopause?

Since this test helps in determining if you are reaching the menopausal phase, it is recommended to go for this test. A lower amount of estradiol clearly signifies menopause.

What are the other tests associated with Estradiol Test?

There are many other tests associated with this which help the doctor in determining the correct result. FSH(Follicular Stimulating Hormone) Test is one of the most important ones that should be taken along with the Estradiol Test.