Patient education: Estrogen blood test (The Basics)

What is an estrogen blood test? — 

This is a test to measure the level of a hormone called estrogen in the blood.

Most, but not all, estrogen is made by the ovaries. It is involved in puberty, menstruation (periods), fertility, and pregnancy. It also helps with other body functions, like heart and bone health. There are different types of estrogen.

Normal estrogen levels depend on your age, where you are in your menstrual cycle, and if you have been through menopause. Menopause is when a person naturally stops having monthly periods. After menopause, the ovaries no longer release eggs or make estrogen.

Doctors often do an estrogen blood test along with other hormone tests.

Why might I get an estrogen blood test? — 

Your doctor might order this test:

●If you have signs or symptoms of menopause, and you are younger than 45 years – Menopause usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55. But in some people, it happens earlier. If you have changes in your periods or symptoms like hot flashes, blood tests can help your doctor figure out if this is due to menopause or something else.

●To learn more if you are having trouble getting pregnant

●If you are getting treatment for infertility – For example, the doctor will check your estrogen levels if you take medicines to cause ovulation or if you are going through in vitro fertilization, or "IVF."

An estrogen test might be done in a female child if they:

●Are showing signs of puberty younger than expected

●Have not started puberty by the usual time

How do I prepare for an estrogen blood test? — 

You need to get a "blood draw." Your doctor or nurse will tell you where to go for this.

It might help to wear a short-sleeve shirt to your blood draw appointment. This makes it easier for the person drawing your blood to get to your arm.

What happens during a blood draw? — 

A needle is used to take a small amount of blood from your arm (figure 1). Collecting the blood only takes a few minutes. The blood is then tested in a lab.

Tell the person who takes your blood:

●If you take "blood thinner" medicines or have a bleeding problem – They will make sure your bleeding is under control before you leave.

●If you have a latex allergy – Some of the supplies used for blood draws might contain latex.

●If you have a preferred arm to use

Most of the time, getting blood taken does not cause problems. You might have a little soreness or bruising where the needle went in.

What do my results mean? — 

Your doctor or nurse will tell you when to expect your results, and will contact you with the results. Or if you use an online "patient portal," you might get an alert there when your results are ready.

If the test shows your estrogen level is abnormal, your doctor or nurse will talk to you about what to do next. They might need to do more tests to figure out the cause.

If you do have a health problem, your doctor will work with you to come up with a treatment plan.

More on this topic

Patient education: Primary ovarian insufficiency (The Basics)
Patient education: Early puberty (The Basics)
Patient education: Female infertility (The Basics)
Patient education: Late puberty (The Basics)
Patient education: Gynecomastia (male breast development) (The Basics)
Patient education: Menopause (The Basics)

Patient education: Primary ovarian insufficiency (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Evaluation of infertility in couples (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Gynecomastia (breast enlargement in males) (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Menopause (Beyond the Basics)