Estradiol (1) Test

An estradiol test is a blood test that measures the level of estradiol in the blood. The test is also known as an E2 test. Estradiol is a form of hormone estrogen which is also known as 17 beta-estradiol. Estradiol is made by the ovaries, adrenal glands, and breasts. Estradiol is also formed by the placenta during pregnancy. Estradiol helps in the growth and development of female sex organs which includes breasts, vagina, fallopian tubes, and uterus. Estradiol also helps in controlling the way the fat is distributed in the female body and is also an essential element for joint and bone health in females. Estradiol is also found in male bodies. In males, estradiol is made by the testes and adrenal glands but the levels of estradiol are lower than found in females.

No special preparation is required for the estradiol test, but certain factors must be kept in mind which affects the estradiol levels. It is also very important to discuss the factors which will affect the levels of estradiol. The doctor may even ask you to stop taking certain medications before the test. The levels of estradiol may also be affected by a woman’s menstrual cycle or throughout the day. You may also be asked by the doctor to have your estradiol blood test at a certain time in your cycle or at a certain time of the day.

An estradiol blood test is ordered by the doctor if the male and female sex characteristics are not developing at the normal rate. A Higher level of estradiol level indicates precocious puberty and lower levels of estradiol indicates late puberty. The test is also useful in determining if hypopituitarism treatment is working efficiently or not. It is also useful in detecting the problems related to the adrenal glands. Estradiol test is also useful in indicating the working conditions of the ovaries or if you having any symptoms of an ovarian tumor. The test may also be ordered by the doctor if your menstrual cycles have stopped or are having the symptoms of menopause.

For an estradiol blood test, the technician will first clean the skin with the help of antiseptic liquid which will prevent infection. After that, an elastic band is wrapped around the upper arm which causes the vein to swell with blood. The technician will then inject a needle into the vein to draw the blood into a tube. Once the tube gets filled with the blood, the technician will remove the needle and will apply some pressure to stop the bleeding. The blood sample is then sent to the laboratory for examination.