The estrogen fractions test is used to evaluate:
Sexual maturity, menstrual problems, and fertility problems in females.
The health of a fetus and placenta in pregnant females.
The presence of female characteristics in males (feminization syndromes).
This test can also be used as a tumor marker in people with estrogen-producing tumors.
What is being tested?
This test measures the levels of estrogen in the blood. There are three major forms of estrogen:
Estriol. Estriol is the major estrogen during pregnancy. Excretion increases around the eighth week of pregnancy and continues to rise until just before delivery.
Estradiol. In women, the level of estradiol fluctuates monthly during the course of a normal menstrual …show more content…
The combination of estrone and estradiol is called total estrogen level.
What kind of sample is taken?
This test can be performed using the following samples:
Blood. This is usually collected by inserting a needle into a blood vessel.
Urine. This is collected in sterile containers over a 24-hour period.
The choice of sample often depends upon what your health care provider is looking for.
How do I collect samples at home?
Your health care provider may have you collect urine samples at home over a 24-hour period. You will be given the instructions and the supplies you will need to collect your urine. When collecting urine at home, make sure that you:
Discard the first sample you collect at the start of the 24-hour period.
Collect all urine passed during the 24-hour period.
Do not let any toilet paper or stool (feces) get into the cup.
Refrigerate the sample until you can return it to the lab.
Collect the last sample as close as possible to the end of the 24-hour period.
Return the sample(s) to the lab as instructed.
How do I prepare for this test?
If the test requires a urine sample, make sure to drink plenty of fluids before and during the 24-hour collection …show more content…
Adult female, follicular phase:
Urine: 0–14 micrograms/24 hr.
Adult female, ovulatory phase:
Urine: 13–54 micrograms/24 hr.
Adult female, luteal phase:
Urine: 8–60 micrograms/24 hr.
Adult female, postmenopausal:
Urine: 0–11 micrograms/24 hr.
Pregnant female, first trimester:
Serum: less than 38 ng/mL.
Urine: 0–800 micrograms/24 hr.
Pregnant female, second trimester:
Serum: 38–140 ng/mL.
Urine: 800–1,200 micrograms/24 hr.
Pregnant female, third trimester:
Serum: 31–460 ng/mL.
Urine: 5,000–12,000 micrograms/24 hr.
Reference ranges for estradiol
Child younger than 10 years:
Serum: less than 15 pg/mL.
Urine: 0–6 micrograms/24 hr.
Adult male:
Serum: 10–50 pg/mL.
Urine: 0–6 micrograms/24 hr.
Adult female, follicular phase:
Serum: 20–350 pg/mL.
Urine: 0–13 micrograms/24 hr.
Adult female, midcycle peak:
Serum: 150–750 pg/mL.
Urine: 4–14 micrograms/24 hr.
Adult female, luteal phase:
Serum: 30–450 pg/mL.
Urine: 4–10 micrograms/24 hr.
Adult female, postmenopausal:
Serum: less than or equal to 20 pg/mL.
Urine: 0–4 micrograms/24 hr.
Reference ranges for total estrogen
Male or child younger than 10 years:
Urine: 4–25 micrograms/24 hr.
Female not