estrogen-levels-test
Reviewed
Also called: estradiol test, estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), estriol (E3), estrogenic hormone test
An estrogen test measures the level of estrogens (E1, E2, E3) in a sample of your blood, urine, or saliva. Estrogens are hormones that play a key role in female reproductive health and also affect cholesterol, blood sugar, bone and muscle strength, and brain function in both males and females.
Specimen: blood, urine (24-hour collection), or saliva (spit)
Why this test may be ordered
- In females: to help diagnose early or late puberty, PCOS, thyroid or pituitary disorders, infertility, estrogen-producing tumors, perimenopause; to monitor infertility treatments, hormone replacement therapy, or hormone treatment for certain cancers.
- During pregnancy: to help diagnose certain birth defects or monitor a high-risk pregnancy (estriol test, often part of triple or quad screening between weeks 15 and 20).
- In males: to evaluate late puberty, breast growth (gynecomastia), infertility, erectile dysfunction, or testicular/adrenal cancer.
Preparation and collection
You may need to stop taking certain supplements and medicines (e.g., birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy) before the test. Tell your provider about everything you take, but do not stop any medicine unless your provider tells you to.
For a blood test: a small needle is used to draw blood from a vein in your arm. For a 24-hour urine test: you collect all urine over 24 hours in a special container, stored in a refrigerator or cooler with ice. For an at-home saliva test: you collect a saliva sample and send it to a lab.
Blood test: very little risk; you may have slight pain or bruising at the needle site, but most symptoms go away quickly. Urine or saliva test: no known risk.
Understanding results
A healthy level of estrogen depends on your age, sex, the reason for testing, the type of estrogen measured, and results of other tests. Because estrogen levels change often, you may need to be tested more than once to look for a trend. Talk with your provider to find out what your results mean for your health.
- High estrogen level: In males, a high level is usually a sign of a health condition such as infertility or an estrogen-producing tumor. In females, levels rise during puberty, are highest during pregnancy, and decline after menopause; a persistently high level may indicate a health problem. Limitation: Interpretation depends on age, sex, and clinical context. Your provider will consider these factors and may recommend additional testing. Next step: Discuss with your healthcare provider to determine the cause and any needed follow-up.
- Low estrogen level: In females, low levels may be seen with delayed puberty, menopause, or certain conditions affecting the ovaries. In males, low levels are less common but may be associated with certain health issues. Limitation: Interpretation depends on age, sex, and clinical context. Your provider will consider these factors and may recommend additional testing. Next step: Discuss with your healthcare provider to determine the cause and any needed follow-up.
- Estrogen levels depend on many factors, including sex and age, and levels that stay too high or too low may be a sign of a health problem.
- Because estrogen levels change often, you may need to be tested more than once to look for a trend.
- Results must be interpreted by a healthcare professional in the context of your overall health and other test results.
What to do next
Talk with your provider to find out what your results mean for your health and whether any follow-up testing or treatment is needed.
- What type of estrogen was measured (E1, E2, or E3)?
- How do my results compare to normal ranges for my age and sex?
- Do I need to repeat this test or have other tests?
- What are the next steps based on my results?