Estradiol is a sex hormone, the most importantestrogenmade by humans. Its production mainly takes place in the ovary of women, but small amounts are also produced in the testes of men. Estrogens are responsible for the development of the female reproductive organs. It also has a beneficial effect on the mind, emotions, and libido.
In women of reproductive age, its concentration in blood serum depends on the phase of the menstrual cycle. The highest concentration of estradiol can be found between the 12th and the 14th day of the cycle, i.e., in the perovulatory period. Testing the estradiol concentration at this time is an indirect test that confirms the occurrence of ovulation. After menopause, estradiol levels decline. Synthetically produced estradiol is used in hormone replacement therapy.
A fall in estradiol levels occurs in women who have had ovarian damage, and it can be congenital (e.g.,Turner syndrome) or acquired (e.g., ovarian destruction due to cancer).
The reduction in concentration may also occur when the ovaries are unable to produce hormones (e.g. in the course of damage to the pituitary gland or hypothalamus). Increased estradiol levels in women are observed in pregnancy and in the course of ovarian tumors. In men, estrogen levels increase in the presence of testicular tumors (e.g. seminoma). Very high levels of estradiol are found in newborns, but its levels normalize within a few days after birth.
In this article, Niketrainers.com.co will tell you:
What are the indications for testing estradiol levels?
The test of estradiol concentration is used to diagnose amenorrhea in girls, cessation of menstruation in women who have been menstruating regularly, irregular menstruation, and to diagnose estrogen-producing neoplasms or gynecomastia (enlargement of the mammary glands) in men. The estradiol concentration determination is also used to monitor ovulation in women who have undergone hormonal stimulation and are planning IVFtreatment . Estrogen levels are monitored in women undergoing hormone replacement therapy.
How is the test performed?
The test is performed on a venous blood sample taken with a disposable needle from one of the veins in the upper limb.
How to prepare for the test?
There are no specific recommendations for preparation for the examination. Due to the fluctuations in blood estradiol concentration during the menstrual cycle, its concentration should be determined on the 2nd or 3rd day of the cycle using a venous blood sample. Each laboratory should define a range of standards depending on the determination method used.
What are the contraindications for the study?
There are no contraindications for the examination.
What complications may occur after the test is performed? How to proceed after the examination?
Complications may be related to the venous blood collection procedure (e.g. pain, hematoma at the injection site, local inflammation).