estradiol test

Estradiol (E2) is also spelled as oestradiol. A major female sex hormone, estradiol is also an estrogen steroid hormone. Regulation of the estrous and menstrual female reproductive cycles is its primary role.

Not only does Estradiol play a role in the development of female secondary sexual characteristics but it also has an important part to play in the development and maintenance of female reproductive tissues. 

Produced by the follicles of the ovaries, Estradiol is a natural hormone as well as used as medicine in hormone replacement therapy.  

High estrogen levels can cause:

• Decreased sex drive.
• Irregular or otherwise abnormal menstrual periods.
• Bloating 
• Breast swelling and tenderness.
• Fibrocystic breasts.
• Headaches 
• Mood swings 

The estradiol blood test measures the amount of the hormone present in your blood. It is also known as the E2 test. 

If there is a problem with the rate at which your female or male sex characteristics are growing, then your doctor may suggest an estradiol test. 

You may also need an E2 test if you have been experiencing the following:

• abnormal menstrual periods
• abnormal vaginal bleeding
• infertility in women
• Menstrual cycle abruptly stops
• Menopause symptoms

The E2 test can also determine if you have an ovarian tumor. These symptoms may prompt your doctor to order an estradiol test. 

• 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

An estradiol blood test can also be used to keep track of infertility treatments or if you are pregnant.

The risks associated with having an estradiol blood test are low. They may 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

Your doctor can let you know the certain factors that can affect estradiol levels. You may need to stop medications before you can take this test because certain medications can affect your result. 

Some medications that can affect your estradiol levels include:

• birth control pills
• estrogen therapy
• glucocorticoids
• Phenothiazines
• Antibiotics, tetracycline (Panmycin) and ampicillin

The Estradiol levels are not constant throughout the day or cycle. You may need to get your Estradiol levels checked out at a specific day and time. 

15 to 350 pictograms per milliliter (pg/mL) is the Estradiol normal range. For women who have undergone menopause, normal levels should be below 10 pg/mL.

Estradiol levels that are higher than normal may suggest:

• early puberty
• tumors in the ovaries or testes
• gynecomastia
• hyperthyroidism
• cirrhosis

Lower than normal levels of estradiol may suggest:

• menopause
• Turner syndrome
• ovarian failure, or premature menopause
• polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) 
• depleted estrogen production
• hypopituitarism
• hypogonadism

The Estradiol test cost will vary depending on the lab and your location. 

E2 treatment includes getting Estradiol hormone therapy. 

Taking the Estradiol medication may result in certain side effects: 

• nausea,
• vomiting,
• bloating,
• stomach cramps,
• stomach upset,
• breast tenderness/pain/swelling,
• headache,
• weight changes,
• freckles darkening of facial skin,
• loss of scalp hair,
• vaginal itching or discharge,
• changes in your menstrual periods, or
• break-through bleeding.

At Portea, we help you by letting you take all your necessary tests at home. We also deliver your reports and guide you with treatment. Our commitment to world-class healthcare is what motivates us. Give us a call and let us take care of you!