Medical Book

LANGUAGE
English Español 中文 Українська
Search

Showing results for: Array

    Medical Book

    LANG
    English Español 中文 Українська
    48 Total estrogen.
    Home > Parameters

    48 Total estrogen.

    Oestrogens: estradiol, estrone and estriol, changes during the menstrual cycle and causes of low and high levels.

    Oestrogens are the main female sex hormones: estradiol (the most potent and the main oestrogen in women of reproductive age), estrone (the main oestrogen after menopause, formed largely in fat tissue) and estriol (the main oestrogen of pregnancy, made by the placenta). They are steroid hormones that enter cells and activate oestrogen receptors, which regulate many genes. Oestrogens control the menstrual cycle and female sexual development, and also protect bone, influence fat distribution, blood vessels, the brain, skin and the liver's production of proteins. Men also produce small amounts, mainly from testosterone.

    HormonesMenstrual cycleMenopause
    Main formsestradiol, estrone, estriol
    Varies withcycle phase, age, pregnancy
    In this apptotal oestrogens, nmol/24 h
    Main regulatorsFSH and LH from the pituitary
    Schematic estradiol level across a 28-day menstrual cycle: low during menstruation, a sharp peak before ovulation around day 13, a dip after ovulation and a second smaller rise in the luteal phase Estradiol during the menstrual cycle (schematic) 17142128 day of cycle menstruation ovulation follicular phase luteal phase
    Figure 1. Schematic estradiol curve during a 28-day cycle. Reference ranges therefore depend on the day of the cycle, and results must be interpreted with it in mind.

    Measurement

    Serum estradiol is the usual test; its interpretation depends on the cycle phase, pregnancy and menopausal status. Sensitive assays (mass spectrometry) are needed for low levels in men, children and postmenopausal women. This application reports total oestrogens as daily excretion (nmol/24 h), which reflects overall production.

    Clinical significance

    Low oestrogens

    Menopause and premature ovarian insufficiency, hypothalamic amenorrhoea (low weight, intense exercise, stress), pituitary disease, Turner syndrome, aromatase inhibitors. Consequences: hot flushes, vaginal dryness, absent periods, infertility, bone loss and osteoporosis.

    High oestrogens

    Pregnancy, ovarian stimulation, oestrogen-secreting tumours, obesity (conversion in fat), liver cirrhosis; in men, breast enlargement and reduced libido. Prolonged unopposed oestrogen raises the risk of endometrial hyperplasia; oestrogen-containing medicines increase the risk of venous thrombosis.

    When to see a doctor

    Absent or very irregular periods, bleeding after menopause, severe menopausal symptoms, or breast enlargement in men need medical assessment.

    References

    1. Delgado BJ, Lopez-Ojeda W. Estrogen. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538260

    This article is for general information and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. Laboratory results must be interpreted by a physician together with symptoms and other tests.

    Published on 1 May 2024