Estrogen is a key female hormone, also present in men, crucial for developing and regulating the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics. In women, it manages the menstrual cycle and affects the reproductive tract, skin, and bones. In men, it's involved in libido, erectile function, and sperm production. Produced mainly in women's ovaries and in men's testes, estrogen levels fluctuate significantly during puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause. Imbalances can lead to health issues like menstrual irregularities and mood swings.
Who would benefit from testing their estrogen levels?
Testing estrogen levels is useful for women with menopausal symptoms, fertility issues, or conditions like PCOS, as it helps in managing these issues. It’s also important for individuals undergoing hormone therapy, including transgender individuals and breast cancer patients, to monitor treatment effects. Additionally, postmenopausal women concerned about osteoporosis may benefit from such testing, as estrogen impacts bone density.
What is the difference between free and total estrogen?
Free and total estrogen are two measures of estrogen levels in the body. Total estrogen accounts for all estrogen, including both the estrogen that is freely circulating and the estrogen bound to proteins. Free estrogen, however, only includes the estrogen that is not bound to proteins and is available for the body to use. While total estrogen gives an overall picture, free estrogen is often more relevant for assessing certain health conditions, as it represents the active portion that the body can utilize.
What different types of estrogens are there in the body?
In the human body, three main types of estrogen each serve distinct roles. Estradiol, produced by the ovaries, is the most potent and prevalent in childbearing women, essential for reproductive health and bone maintenance. Estriol, important during pregnancy, is produced by the placenta and is the least potent. Postmenopausal women primarily have estrone, produced by the adrenal glands and fat tissues, playing a key role in estrogenic activity after menopause. These estrogens regulate functions like reproductive health and bone density, with their balance shifting during life stages like puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.
What are symptoms of low estrogen?
Hot flashes and night sweats
Irregular or missed Periods
Decreased fertility
Vaginal dryness
Mood swings or increased anxiety
Loss of bone density
Dry skin
Decrease in breast fullness
Test(s) that measure/test for Estrogen (estradiol)
Men's Hormone Test by GetTested, is for those seeking an in-depth understanding of their hormonal health. This saliva-based test analyzes key hormones such as testosterone, DHEA, c...
Women's Hormone Test analyses cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, and the ratio between estrogen and progesterone. Many women today face challenges with PMS, infe...
GetTested's Estrogen & Progesterone Test measures the absolute levels and the ratio between these two hormones. Hormonal imbalances, particularly in women, are unfortunately co...
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