Estradiol Test - Purpose, Procedure & Risks

15. 09. 2017.
Estradiol Test: Purpose, Procedure & Risks
NEWSLETTER

stradiol Test
E
Medically Reviewed by Steven Kim, MD on 2015. studeni 04 Written by Janelle Martel
Uses | Risks | Preparing for the Test | Test Procedure | Results
What Is an Estradiol Test?

Anestradiol testis a blood test that measures the amount of estradiol in your blood. Its also
called an E2 test.
Estradiol is a form of the hormone estrogen, and its 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
breasts
Estradiol helps to control the way fat is distributed in the female body. Its 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. 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.
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15. 09. 2017. Estradiol Test: Purpose, Procedure & Risks
USES
Why Do I Need an Estradiol Test?

Your doctor may order an estradiol test if female or male sex characteristics arent
developing at the normal rate. An estradiol level thats higher than normal indicates that
puberty is happening earlier than usual. This is a condition known asprecocious puberty.
Lower levels of estradiol may indicate late puberty. The test can help your doctor find out if
there are problems with your adrenal glands. It can also help determine if treatment
forhypopituitarism(decreased function of the pituitary gland) is working.
A doctor may order estradiol testing to look for causes of:

abnormal menstrual periods
abnormal vaginal bleeding
infertility in women
Your doctor may also order an estradiol test if your menstrual cycle has stopped and youre
having symptoms of menopause. During and after menopause, a womans body will
gradually produce less estrogen and estradiol, contributing to the symptoms experienced
during menopause. A test of your estradiol level can help your doctor determine if you are
preparing to enter menopause or you are already going through the transition.
The estradiol test can indicate how well the ovaries are working. Therefore, your doctor may
also order this test if you have 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
If youre pregnant or youre on infertility treatments, your doctor may order an estradiol test
to help keep track of your progress.
An estradiol test usually isnt used alone to make a diagnosis. However, the results of this
test may help your doctor decide if further testing is necessary.
RISKS
What Are the Risks Associated with an Estradiol Test?

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The risks associated with having an estradiol test are low. The risks include:
multiple punctures due to trouble finding a vein

excessive bleeding
feeling lightheaded
fainting
hematoma, which is an accumulation of blood under your skin
infection at the needle puncture site
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PREPARING FOR THE TEST
How Do I Prepare for an Estradiol Test?

Certain factors can affect estradiol levels. Its important that you and your doctor discuss
these factors. They may ask you to stop taking a certain medication or change the dose
before your test.
Medications that can affect your estradiol levels include:

birth control pills
estrogen therapy
glucocorticosteroids
phenothiazines, which are used to treat schizophrenia and other mental disorders
tetracycline, which is an antibiotic
ampicillin, which is an antibiotic
Estradiol levels can also vary throughout the day and with a womans menstrual cycle. As a
result, your doctor may ask you to have your blood tested at a certain time of day or at a
certain time in your cycle. Conditions that can affect estradiol levels include:
anemia
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high blood pressure
kidney disease
reduced liver function
TEST PROCEDURE
What Happens During an Estradiol Test?

An estradiol test is a blood test. This may also be called a blood draw or venipuncture. A
technician called a phlebotomist will perform the blood test.
Blood is usually drawn from a vein on the inside of your elbow or the back of your hand. To
begin, the technician will use antiseptic to clean the skin. This helps prevent infection. They
will then wrap an elastic band called atourniquetaround your upper arm. This causes the
vein to swell with blood. The technician will then insert a needle into your vein and draw
blood into a tube.
The technician will draw enough blood for the number of tests ordered by your doctor. The
blood draw will only take a couple of minutes. The process may be slightly painful. Most
people report a pricking or burning sensation.
After drawing the blood, the technician will apply pressure to stop the bleeding. Theyll apply
a bandage to the puncture site and send your blood sample to laboratory for testing.
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RESULTS
What Do Estradiol Test Results Mean?

Estradiol levels that arehigher than normalmay suggest:
early puberty
tumors in the ovariesA DorV Etestes
RTISEMENT
gynecomastia, which is the development of breasts in men
hyperthyroidism, which is caused by an overactive thyroid gland

cirrhosis, which is scarring of the liver
Lower than normallevels of estradiol may suggest:

menopause
Turner syndrome, which is a genetic disorder in which a female has one X chromosome
instead of two
ovarian failure (premature menopause), which occurs when the ovaries stop functioning
before the age of 40
polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which is a hormone disorder with a wide range of
symptoms thats also believe to be a leading cause of infertility in women
depleted estrogen production, which can be caused by low body fat
hypopituitarism
hypogonadism, which occurs when the ovaries or testes dont produce enough
hormone
Once the results of your estradiol level test are available, your doctor will discuss the results
in detail with you and then present you with options for treatment.
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15. 09. 2017.

Estradiol Test: Purpose, Procedure & Risks

Uses | Risks | Preparing for the Test | Test Procedure | Results

What Is an Estradiol Test?

Why Do I Need an Estradiol Test?

A doctor may order estradiol testing to look for causes of:

What Are the Risks Associated with an Estradiol Test?

multiple punctures due to trouble finding a vein

PREPARING FOR THE TEST

How Do I Prepare for an Estradiol Test?

Medications that can affect your estradiol levels include:

reduced liver function

What Happens During an Estradiol Test?

What Do Estradiol Test Results Mean?

gynecomastia, which is the development of breasts in men

hyperthyroidism, which is caused by an overactive thyroid gland

Lower than normallevels of estradiol may suggest:

Was this article helpful?

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Tips for Overcoming Your Fear of Flying, Why It

The Nutritional Value of Organ Meats

My Lifelong Companion, Anxiety, and How Its

Do Armpit Detoxes Work?

get our newsletter

Enter your email

About Us Health Topics Health News

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