An estrogen test measures the level of the most important estrogen hormones (estradiol, estriol, and estrone) in a blood, saliva or urine sample.
Estradiol is the most commonly measured type of estrogen for nonpregnant women. The amount of estradiol in a woman’s blood varies throughout her menstrual cycle. So timing of the test is important in premenopausal women. After menopause, estradiol production drops to a low but constant level.
Estriol levels are usually measured during pregnancy. It is produced in large amounts by the placenta, the tissue that links the fetus to the mother. Estriol can be detected as early as the 9th week of pregnancy, and its levels increase until delivery.
All three of these are often measured by Holistic doctors, and a compounding pharmacy can prepare a customized blend of the three to help restore any imbalance.
Test for Estrogens can help with the following
Key
| Likely to help |
| Highly recommended |
Glossary
Estrogen
One of the female sex hormones produced by the ovaries.
Hormones
Chemical substances secreted by a variety of body organs that are carried by the bloodstream and usually influence cells some distance from the source of production. Hormones signal certain enzymes to perform their functions and, in this way, regulate such body functions as blood sugar levels, insulin levels, the menstrual cycle, and growth. These can be prescription, over-the-counter, synthetic or natural agents. Examples include adrenal hormones such as corticosteroids and aldosterone; glucagon, growth hormone, insulin, testosterone, estrogens, progestins, progesterone, DHEA, melatonin, and thyroid hormones such as thyroxine and calcitonin.
Premenopause
The period when women of childbearing age experience relatively normal reproductive function (including regular periods).
Menopause
The cessation of menstruation (usually not official until 12 months have passed without periods), occurring at the average age of 52. As commonly used, the word denotes the time of a woman's life, usually between the ages of 45 and 54, when periods cease and any symptoms of low estrogen levels persist, including hot flashes, insomnia, anxiety, mood swings, loss of libido and vaginal dryness. When these early menopausal symptoms subside, a woman becomes postmenopausal.