- What is it for
- How the exam is done
- What preparation is necessary
- What is the exam reference value
- What the exam result means
Estrone, also known as E1, is one of three types of the hormone estrogen, which also includes estradiol, or E2, and estriol, E3. Although estrone is the type that is in the least amount in the body, it is one that has the greatest action in the body and, therefore, its evaluation may be important to assess the risk of some diseases.
For example, in women after menopause, if estrone levels are higher than estradiol or estriol levels, there may be an increased cardiovascular risk and even of developing some types of cancer.
Thus, this exam can also be ordered by the doctor when estrogen hormone replacement is performed, to assess the balance between the 3 components, ensuring that no disease is being contributed to.
What is it for
This test can help the doctor identify problems that already exist or assess the risk of developing a disease that is related to estrone levels. Therefore, this test is often requested, in women, for:
- Confirm the diagnosis of early or delayed puberty; Assess the risk of fracture in women after menopause; Evaluate doses during hormone replacement treatment; Monitor anti-estrogen treatment in cases of cancer, for example; Evaluate the functioning of the ovaries, in case of assisted reproduction.
In addition, the estrone test can also be ordered in men to assess traits of feminization such as breast growth, known as gynecomastia, or even to confirm the diagnosis of estrogen-producing cancer.
How the exam is done
The estrone test is done with a simple blood collection through a needle and syringe directly into the vein, so it needs to be done at the hospital or in clinical analysis clinics.
What preparation is necessary
There is no specific preparation for the estrone test, however, if you are taking any type of hormone replacement medication or oral contraceptive, the doctor may ask that the medicine be taken about 2 hours before the test, to reduce the risk cause a false change in values.
What is the exam reference value
The reference values for the estrone test vary according to the person's age and gender:
1. In boys
| Middle Ages | Reference value |
| 7 years | 0 to 16 pg / mL |
| 11 years | 0 to 22 pg / mL |
| 14 years | 10 to 25 pg / mL |
| 15 years | 10 to 46 pg / mL |
| 18 years | 10 to 60 pg / mL |
2. In girls
| Middle Ages | Reference value |
| 7 years | 0 to 29 pg / mL |
| 10 years | 10 to 33 pg / mL |
| 12 years | 14 to 77 pg / mL |
| 14 years | 17 to 200 pg / mL |
3. Adults
- Men: 10 to 60 pg / mL; Women before menopause: 17 to 200 pg / mL Women after menopause: 7 to 40 pg / mL
What the exam result means
The result of the estrone test must always be evaluated by the doctor who requested it, as the diagnosis varies greatly according to the age and sex of the person being evaluated.
