A Brief Introduction To Estradiol Serum Tests

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By Yhordan Serpentini | April 26, 2023

Hormones play an important role in the healthy development of our body and bodily functions. One such hormone that plays a great role in the reproductive system of both men and women is estrogen or estradiol. When something is wrong with your estradiol hormone levels, an estradiol serum test can be conducted to determine the cause of the problem. In today’s blog, we’ll take a brief introduction to an estradiol serum test, including what it is, what is measured, when to get one, and how to prepare for one.

estradiol serum tests

What Is An Estradiol Serum Test

An estradiol serum test–also known as an estrogen test, or an E2 test–is a blood test that measures the level of estradiol in the blood. Estradiol is a form of estrogen, a hormone produced by the ovaries in women and the testicles in men–as well as other tissues like the skin, fat, brain, or liver–which plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of female reproductive organs and secondary sex characteristics. An estradiol serum test may be ordered by a doctor to evaluate a number of conditions related to the reproductive system, such as infertility, menstrual irregularities, and/or menopause.

What Is Measured?

As mentioned earlier, an estradiol serum test measures the estradiol hormone levels in your blood to help identify, determine, monitor, or even diagnose certain reproductive system conditions. Since estradiol is produced significantly more in women due to the ovaries and adrenal glands, as well as the placenta (if pregnant), there are more complications that can occur in women that an estradiol serum test can determine.

For example, growth in the womb, fallopian tubes, or vagina, breast development, distribution of body fat, menopause, and changes of the outer genitals are all affected by estradiol levels in women. As a result, an estradiol serum test can help determine:

  • The condition of your ovaries
  • The condition of your placenta
  • The condition of your adrenal glands
  • Signs of ovarian cancer or tumor growth
  • Response to fertility treatment
  • Response to hormone therapy for menopause
  • Diagnose early or late puberty
  • Diagnose menstrual problems
  • Diagnose abnormal vaginal bleeding
  • Diagnose infertility
  • Response to hormone treatment for certain cancers
  • Diagnose birth defects during pregnancy
  • Monitor a high-risk pregnancy

For men, only a small amount of the estradiol hormone is produced from the testicles, which is meant to help keep the sperm from dying too quickly or too early. As a result, an estradiol serum test has limited functions, but can still be used to determine:

  • Response to treatment for, as well as diagnosis of, erectile dysfunction
  • Monitor spermatogenesis
  • Diagnose late puberty
  • Diagnose gynecomastia
  • Diagnose infertility

When To Get An Estradiol Serum Test

Getting an estradiol serum test depends on a multitude of reasons, that vary depending on your age, gender, and medical history. For example, when you’re pregnant, you may need an estriol test between 15 to 20 weeks of pregnancy to determine potential genetic defects, such as Down Syndrome, as pregnancy increases the production of estrogen. A woman who isn’t pregnant may still need an estradiol test because she is having trouble getting pregnant. If you are or have any of the following, you most likely will need an estradiol serum test:

For Women:

  • Have early or late puberty
  • Have abnormal periods or no periods
  • Having trouble getting pregnant
  • Are showing signs and symptoms of menopause
  • Are using hormone replacement therapy
  • Have abnormal vaginal bleeding (especially if after menopause)
  • Have a potentially estrogen-producing tumor
  • Have ovarian cancer or breast cancer

For Pregnant Women:

  • Have a high-risk pregnancy
  • Are at or above the age of 35
  • Have or have had a viral infection during pregnancy
  • Have diabetes

For Men:

  • Delayed puberty
  • Enlarged breasts
  • Show signs and symptoms of too much estrogen
  • Have a potentially estrogen-producing tumor

How To Prepare For An Estradiol Serum Test

An estradiol serum test is typically performed in the morning for the best results, as estradiol levels tend to fluctuate throughout the day. On top of preparing by having good rest, you’ll also be asked to fast anywhere from 6-12 hours prior to testing for the most accurate results.

Additionally, you will be asked to avoid taking certain medications that could potentially affect the test or test results. These medications include birth control pills, antibiotics like ampicillin or tetracycline, corticosteroids, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), phenothiazine (and other mental disorder medicines), estrogen, and testosterone. Note that these medications should only be stopped and resumed after consultation with your doctor.

Since estradiol is a hormone in the blood, you’ll likely receive a venipuncture to collect samples of your blood, which may cause slight bruising on or around the sight. You should also be aware that nausea and dizziness are likely side effects of a blood test if you are queasy or iron deficient.

Need a fast and reliable estradiol serum test? Visit our Lab Tests page to book your estradiol serum appointment and get your sample collected for testing; track your reports online and get notified when your reports are done, typically within one day.

Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to be medical advice

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