Estradiol Blood Test

Estradiol Blood Test

What Is the Estradiol Blood Test and Why Is It Done?

An estradiol (ess-truh-DYE-ul) blood test measures the level of the hormone estradiol in blood. Estradiol is a main form of the sex hormone estrogen. It plays an important role in sexual development. Doctors may order the test if puberty starts earlier or later than expected. They may also give an estradiol blood test to:

• Check for menstrual problems, like unusual bleeding or missed periods.
• See if the testes (testicles), ovaries, or adrenal glands are working normally.
• Keep track of how a pregnancy is going or if fertility treatments (ways to help people get pregnant) are successful.
• Find out if someone has started menopause (when periods stop fully).

Top Things to Know

• The estradiol blood test measures how much of a hormone called estradiol is in blood.
• This test can be used to look for reasons for early or late puberty, or menstrual problems, like missed periods.
• Kids might need to stop taking certain medicines or not eat or drink before the blood test.
• Your doctor can explain what it means if the estradiol level is too high or too low.

How Can I Help My Child Prepare for a Blood Test?

To help kids get ready for a blood test, find out if they need to fast (not eat or drink) or should stop taking medicines before the test. Explain what to expect during the test. If your child is nervous about it, work together on ways to stay calm. Deep breathing or even imagining being in a peaceful place that makes your child feel safe and calm can help.

What Do Estradiol Test Results Mean?

A high level of estradiol can happen if a child has a condition called precocious puberty — when the signs of puberty, like breast development or menstruation (periods), start sooner than usual. A low level of estradiol can happen if someone has a condition called delayed puberty, which is when puberty starts later than expected. More tests may be needed to figure out the cause.

Your doctor will explain what the results of the estradiol test mean for your child. What’s “normal” varies based on things like age and gender.

What Else Should I Know?

Sex hormones work closely with each other. So doctors might do an estradiol test along with other blood tests that measure hormones like:

• luteinizing hormone (LH)
• follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
• testosterone
• progesterone (the hormone that prepares the body for pregnancy)

Together, the results can give a more complete picture of your child's or teen’s sexual development.

If you have questions about the estradiol blood test, talk to your doctor.