Estrogen: Testing, Normal Levels, and Health Impacts

What Is Estrogen?

Estrogen is a key hormone produced by both men and women, though it plays a particularly vital role in women’s reproductive health. 

It belongs to a group of hormones known as steroid hormones, which are essential in regulating various functions in the body. 

Estrogen is responsible for the development of female secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast growth, and helps regulate the menstrual cycle.

Beyond reproductive health, estrogen has other functions in the body, including:

• Bone health: Estrogen helps maintain bone density and prevents bone loss.
• Heart health: It supports cardiovascular health by keeping cholesterol levels in check.
• Mood regulation: Estrogen plays a role in brain chemistry, impacting mood and mental health.

Measuring estrogen levels helps doctors find hormone imbalances, check fertility, diagnose certain cancers, and spot problems with menopause or other hormone issues.

When Is Estrogen Testing Recommended?

In women, estrogen tests are often part of routine check-ups or fertility assessments. In men, it may be needed to investigate health issues related to hormone imbalances.

Estrogen testing may be recommended in the following situations:

• Continuous pelvic pain
• Abnormal menstruation
• Unexplained weight changes
• Unusual breast enlargement (in both men and women)
• Mood swings or prolonged mood changes
• Low sex drive
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) monitoring
• Menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes or night sweats
• Gynecomastia in men (enlarged breast tissue)
• Fertility problems or pregnancy concerns

How Is Estrogen Testing Conducted?

Estrogen levels can be measured using several different methods, depending on the medical context. 

The test is typically done by collecting a sample from the body, which is then analyzed to determine hormone levels.

Common methods for measuring estrogen:

• Blood test: This is the most common method and involves drawing blood from a vein to analyze estrogen levels in the bloodstream.
• Urine test: Estrogen can also be detected in a urine sample, although this method is less commonly used.
• Saliva test: This method is occasionally used to measure estrogen levels, especially in non-invasive hormone testing.

These tests are sometimes part of broader hormone panels, such as a reproductive hormone panel or fertility assessment. They may also be included in tests for endocrine function.

Preparations for the Test

To ensure accurate test results, certain preparations may be needed before the test:

• Fasting: In some cases, fasting for several hours may be required before a blood test.
• Timing: For women, the timing of the test is important, as estrogen levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle. Your doctor may advise you to take the test on a specific day of your cycle.
• Medication disclosure: It’s important to inform your doctor about any medications you’re taking, as some can affect hormone levels.

What Are the Normal Estrogen Levels?

Estrogen levels vary depending on several factors, including gender, age, and for women, the phase of their menstrual cycle. Here are the typical ranges for estrogen:

For women:

• Follicular phase: 5–53 pg/ml
• Ovulation: 90–299 pg/ml
• Luteal phase: 11–116 pg/ml

For men:

• Typical range: 21.9–30.12 pg/ml

Note: The units of measurement and the normal ranges can differ depending on the laboratory and the specific methods used

What Do Abnormal Estrogen Levels Mean?

Estrogen High Levels

When estrogen levels are higher than normal, it can indicate an imbalance or an underlying health condition. Elevated estrogen levels can lead to a range of symptoms and may require medical intervention.

Causes of high estrogen levels:

• Certain medications: Some medications can increase estrogen levels as a side effect.
• Inflammatory diseases: Chronic inflammation in the body, especially of the urogenital system, can elevate estrogen levels.
• Autoimmune diseases: Certain autoimmune conditions can disrupt hormone production.
• Hypothalamic-pituitary disorders: Problems with the hypothalamus or pituitary gland can interfere with estrogen regulation.
• Breast or ovarian cancer: Estrogen-sensitive cancers, like breast or ovarian cancer, may cause elevated estrogen levels.

If your estrogen levels are high, here are some recommendations to help manage them:

• Consult your doctor: Always consult a healthcare provider to investigate the underlying cause of high estrogen.
• Reduce alcohol intake: Excessive alcohol can increase estrogen levels, so reducing or eliminating alcohol can help.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Excess body fat can contribute to higher estrogen production.
• Manage stress: Chronic stress can disrupt hormone balance, so stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation or exercise, may help.
• Limit exposure to environmental estrogens: Avoid products containing hormone-disrupting chemicals (e.g., certain plastics or personal care products).

Estrogen Low Levels

Low estrogen levels can lead to a variety of health problems, particularly in women. It is commonly seen during menopause, but other factors can cause estrogen levels to drop as well.

Causes of low estrogen levels:

• Ovarian agenesis: A condition where the ovaries are absent or underdeveloped, leading to insufficient estrogen production.
• Menopause: Estrogen levels naturally decline as women age and enter menopause.
• Ovarian removal: Surgical removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy) results in a sudden drop in estrogen.
• Hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction: Hormonal imbalances caused by issues in the brain’s control centers can lead to low estrogen.
• Aplasia of the ovaries: A condition where the ovaries fail to develop properly, leading to low estrogen production.

To manage low estrogen levels, here are some steps you can take:

• Consult a healthcare professional: Always seek medical advice if you suspect low estrogen levels.
• Consider hormone replacement therapy (HRT): HRT may be recommended by a doctor to help alleviate symptoms of low estrogen.
• Eat estrogen-supporting foods: Foods like soy products, flax seeds, and legumes contain phytoestrogens that may help support estrogen levels.
• Exercise regularly: Strength training and weight-bearing exercises can help manage symptoms like bone loss.
• Stay hydrated and care for your skin: Dry skin is a common symptom of low estrogen, so keeping your skin moisturized and staying hydrated can help.

Which Specialist Should You Consult?

If you are experiencing symptoms of high or low estrogen, it is important to consult the right specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment. Typically, the following specialists are involved in managing hormone-related issues:

• Gynecologist: For women, a gynecologist is the primary specialist for reproductive health and hormone management.
• Endocrinologist: This doctor specializes in the body’s hormone systems and can diagnose and treat conditions related to estrogen imbalances.

Make sure to speak with your healthcare provider if you suspect any hormone imbalances, as early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference in managing your health.