A convenient at-home finger-prick blood test for men and women who want to measure the level of the female hormone oestradiol in their body.
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Hormones
Oestradiol
Learn more
Oestradiol is the strongest of the three oestrogens. It's labelled a female hormone but it's made in both the ovaries and testes. It's responsible for the growth of breast tissue, the female reproductive system, and male sexual function.
In pre-menopausal women, oestradiol levels vary throughout the monthly cycle, peaking just before ovulation. Levels are lowest after menopause when the ovaries stop producing eggs. Low oestradiol levels in women can cause many symptoms associated with the menopause, including hot flushes, night sweats, and changes in mood. It can also increase the risk of osteoporosis (a condition where the bones become less dense).
In men, oestradiol levels tend to increase slightly with age as testosterone levels decline. Too much oestradiol in men can contribute to fertility problems, gynecomastia (enlarged breast tissue), and erectile dysfunction.
If you have periods
Tests with LH, FSH, or oestradiol
If you're taking your test to learn more about your fertility, take your test between days 2 and 5 of your menstrual cycle, or ideally day 3. Otherwise, for a general health check or if you're postmenopausal, you can take your test at any time.
In either case, it's important to log the date of your last period, and any other information regarding your periods or menopause status, in your MyMedichecks account right after taking your sample.
If you don't let us know the date of your last period, we'll interpret your result as though you took your test on day 3.
Special instructions
How to prepare for your test
Prepare for your Oestradiol Blood Test by following these instructions. Take this test two to five days after the start of your period, ideally on day three. It can be taken any time if you do not have periods. Avoid taking a finger-prick sample from a finger used to apply hormone gels/pessaries/patches in the past 4 weeks. Use gloves to apply these. Do not take biotin supplements for two days before this test, discuss this with your doctor if it is prescribed. Hormonal contraception can affect the results of this test. Taking a break from this and waiting for your periods to restart before your blood test will give more accurate results.
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FAQs
Why is oestradiol important for women?
In women, oestradiol is secreted by the ovaries, adrenal glands and placenta during pregnancy. It is responsible for developing and maintaining reproductive structures, including fat distribution, preparing the follicle in the ovary for the release of an egg, and helping maintain bone density.
Why is oestradiol important for men?
In men, oestradiol is converted from testosterone by the action of the aromatase enzyme. Elevated oestradiol in men can cause gynaecomastia, also known as moobs or man-boobs.
What is oestradiol?
Oestradiol is a steroid hormone that accounts for 80% of the oestrogen in the female body. It is also found in men at much lower levels. Both men and women need to have optimal levels of oestradiol as it is essential for bone strength, libido and sexual function, and fat distribution.