Estradiol (E2) Blood Test

What is the purpose of this test?

Order this Estradiol (E2) Blood Test to measure the E2 hormone levels in the blood to detect an abnormal level or hormone imbalance. Estrogens are a group of hormones essential to developing female physical features and reproductive functions, such as:

• Growth of breasts, uterus, and reproductive organs
• Regulation of the menstrual cycle

It should be noted that men also make estrogen but in much smaller amounts. Three main types of estrogens that are commonly tested include estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3). E1 is the main estrogen women produce after menopause, and E3 is the form of estrogen produced during pregnancy. This Estradiol Blood Test measures the hormone commonly referred to as E2, which is the primary form of (estrogen) that nonpregnant women make. 

In addition, individuals may also use this Estradiol test to:

• Determine the cause of early or late puberty in girls
• Determine the cause of late puberty in boys
• Screen for menstrual problems (heavy periods, irregular periods)
• Determine the cause of infertility 
• Monitor infertility treatments
• Monitor treatments for menopause
• Detect tumors that make estrogen

What conditions cause abnormal estradiol levels?

Several conditions may affect estradiol levels, so discussing concerns with a healthcare provider and using blood tests such as this to help monitor your hormone levels is essential. Estradiol levels may be abnormally high due to conditions such as:

• A tumor detected in the ovaries, adrenal glands, or testicles
• Cirrhosis
• Gynecomastia (when men develop breasts)
• Hyperthyroidism
• Enlargement of the prostate
• Early puberty in girls or delayed puberty in boys

However, estradiol levels may be abnormally low due to conditions including:

• Primary Ovarian Insufficiency, a condition that causes ovarian failure in women before 40yrs. old.
• Menopause
• Turner Syndrome, a condition characterized by a woman's reproductive organs not developing properly.
• An eating disorder, such as anorexia nervosa
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormone disorder affecting women of childbearing age. It is one of the top causes of female infertility.

When should I order an Estradiol Blood Test?

Individuals may order an Estradiol Blood Test when:

• A girl's reproductive organs develop earlier or later than normally expected.
• A woman experiences symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding after menopause or irregular menstrual cycles.
• A woman is experiencing infertility; a healthcare provider may order a series of estradiol blood tests throughout a woman's menstrual cycle to monitor follicle development before in vitro fertilization procedures.
• A woman has symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, and irregular or lack of menstrual periods.