Estrona: what is it, how is it performed and normal values

Estrona, also called E1 or folliculin, is one of the three types of estrogen hormone, which also includes estradiol (E2) and estriol (E3). However, estrogen is the type of hormone that is found in the smallest amount in the body, it is one of the ones that presents greater action in the organism, which is why its evaluation can be important to determine the risk of certain illnesses.

For example, in postmenopausal women, if the levels of estrone are above those of estradiol or estriol, there may be an increase in cardiovascular risk and even the development of some types of cancer.

Therefore, this exam can also be requested by the doctor when hormone replacement of estrogen is performed, with the aim of evaluating the balance between the 3 components, guaranteeing that it is not contributing to the emergence of any illness.

what is it for

This exam can help the doctor to identify problems that already exist or to evaluate the risk of developing some illness that is related to the levels of estrone. For this reason, many times this problem is requested in women for the following fines:

• Confirm the diagnosis of early or late puberty;
• Evaluate the risk of fracture in postmenopausal women;
• Assess levels during hormone replacement treatment;
• Carry out follow-up of anti-estrogenic treatments in cases of cancer, for example;
• Evaluate the functioning of the ovaries in case of assisted reproduction (artificial fertilization).

Likewise, the estrone exam can also be requested in men to evaluate features of feminization, such as breast growth, known as gynecomastia, or even to confirm the diagnosis of estrogen-producing tumors.

How is the exam performed?

The estrone test is carried out by means of a simple blood sample taking through an aguja and a jeringa directly in the vein, which is why it needs to be carried out in a hospital or in clinical analysis laboratories.

What is the previous preparation needed

There is no specific prior preparation for estrone therapy, however, in case you are under treatment with hormone replacement drugs or oral contraceptives, the doctor may request that the drug be taken around 2 hours before the exam, with the purpose of reducing the risk of causing a false alteration of values.

What are the normal values

The reference values ​​for the estrona exam vary according to the age and sex of the person:

1. In children

2. In niñas

3. Adults

• men: from 10 to 60 pg/ml;
• Women before menopause: from 17 to 200 pg/mL
• postmenopausal women: from 7 to 40 pg/mL

What does the exam result mean?

The result of the estrona test should always be verified by the doctor who requested it, because the diagnosis varies a lot depending on the age and sex of the person being evaluated.