The estradiol exam is an exam done by analyzing a blood sample that aims to check the concentrations of the hormone estradiol in the body and, therefore, it is widely used to check the development and functioning of the ovaries in women, and testicles in men, especially in cases of infertility.
Estradiol is a very important form of the hormone estrogen in the body, which has the role of influencing the sexual development of girls, but which, when elevated, can hinder the development of boys. In addition, this hormone allows a woman to become pregnant and, when it is in low blood concentrations, can be responsible for infertility in women. See what diseases can cause infertility in men and women.
Thus, the levels of this hormone must be kept higher in women than in men, especially during childhood. Already in adulthood, the values may vary in women, according to the phase of the menstrual cycle.
What is it for
The estradiol test is one of the tests that can be ordered by the doctor to assess fertility, however, it can also be used to:
- Assess the success of infertility treatment; Identify whether a girl has already entered puberty; Assess the presence of problems in the ovaries, testicles or adrenal glands; Detect estrogen-producing tumors.
Another very common use of this test is to investigate abnormal symptoms in women, such as vaginal bleeding or no menstruation.
In men, the assessment of estradiol levels can also help to identify the cause of changes in libido, since this hormone is also responsible for sexual appetite.
See other tests that can be used to assess infertility.
How to prepare for the exam
Generally, no special preparation is required for the estradiol exam. However, there are some medications that can change your levels in the body, so your doctor may recommend that you avoid taking some antibiotics, contraceptives or corticosteroid medications before the test.
In addition, there are some health problems that can change the test values and therefore should be reported to the doctor, such as having anemia, high blood pressure, kidney disease or liver problems.
What the exam results mean
The result of the estradiol test should always be evaluated by a doctor, as the values may vary due to several factors, such as age, sex or history of diseases. However, in most cases the associated problems are:
High estradiol
- Onset of puberty in girls; Delayed puberty in boys; Tumors in the ovaries, testicles or adrenal glands; Breast enlargement in boys, known as gynecomastia.
Low estradiol
- Turner syndrome; Decreased pituitary function; Problems in the functioning of the ovaries; Menopause; Polycystic ovary syndrome.
The decrease in estradiol levels is usually only important in the case of women, since in men it is common that levels are always very low.
