Your #1 Lab Test Source

Estrogens, total

Lab Tests > Hormone Tests > Estrogens, total

Estrogens, total Lab Test Information

Test 004549
Hormone Tests

Test 004549
Estrogen Tests

Estrogens are the hormones responsible for female sexual features such as breast development and the menstrual cycle. An estrogen test measures the level of the most important estrogens (estradiol, estriol, and estrone) in a blood sample.

Estradiol is the most commonly measured type of estrogen for nonpregnant women. The amount of estradiol in a woman's blood varies throughout her menstrual cycle. After menopause, estradiol production drops to a very low but constant level.

Estriol levels are usually measured for pregnant women to determine the likelihood of the fetus having Down syndrome or other birth defects. The test for estriol and other estrogens is combined with tests for alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The three tests done together are called a triple test. The amount of estriol in the blood increases during pregnancy. It is produced in large amounts by the placenta, the tissue that links the fetus to the mother. Estriol can be detected as early as the 9th week of pregnancy, and its levels increase until delivery. Estriol can also be measured in urine.

Estrone may be measured in women who have gone through menopause to determine their estrogen levels. It may also be measured in men or women (in a urine sample) as part of a total estrogen value when a tumor of the ovaries, testicles, or adrenal glands may be present.

In women, estrogens are produced mainly in the ovaries (and in the placenta during pregnancy). Small amounts are also produced by the adrenal glands. In men, small amounts of estrogens are produced by the adrenal glands and testicles. Small amounts of estrone are made throughout the body in most tissues, especially fat and muscle. This is the major source of estrogen in women who have gone through menopause.

You can use our Lab Test Locator to find a testing lab near you by clicking here

Notes: The Estrogens, total medical lab tests provided by YourLabTest.com are performed by US certified laboratories who operate patient service centers in most cities in the United States. Once your Estrogens, total lab test specimens are taken your lab results are available in 24 to 48 hours. One of our physicians will be sending the results to you directly.