Ordering the Essential Estrogens | Europe
Ordering the Essential Estrogens | Europe test helps measure key estrogen hormones and their breakdown products, which can affect symptoms like irregular periods, mood changes, and hot flashes. Interestingly, this test also checks the 2:16 ratio, a marker that researchers have linked to certain hormone-related conditions.
Ordering this test provides:
- A detailed look at estrogen and its metabolites, not just total hormone levels
- Insight into how your body processes and clears estrogen
- Information to help guide hormone therapy or treatment plans
- Detection of patterns linked to symptoms like breast tenderness or weight changes
- Support for tracking changes after starting new supplements or lifestyle changes
Who Should Consider Hormone Metabolite Testing
People who have been feeling tired, dealing with mood swings, or noticing changes in their skin or hair may benefit from this test. For example, someone who has tried different treatments for PMS but still struggles with symptoms could use this test to find out if hormone imbalances are playing a role.
Ordering may also be helpful in these situations:
- Experiencing hot flashes or night sweats during menopause
- Having trouble with memory or focus that seems linked to monthly cycles
- Dealing with unexplained weight gain or bloating
- Facing fertility challenges without a clear cause
- Noticing that headaches or migraines get worse at certain times of the month
Testing for hormone metabolites can show if your body is making or breaking down estrogen in a way that could be linked to symptoms like fatigue, mood changes, or irregular cycles. Delaying this test may mean missing the chance to adjust treatment plans early, which could make it harder to manage symptoms over time.
Preparing for Urine Hormone Analysis
Fasting is not required for this test, but you should follow the specific instructions in your test kit for the 24-hour urine collection. Always go by any directions your doctor or healthcare professional gives you to make sure your sample is collected correctly and your results are as useful as possible.
Labs Included When Ordering Your Essential Estrogens | Europe
| Test Name | Reference Range | What This Test Measures | Low and High Levels of Essential Estrogens | Europe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estrone | 7-40 | Estrone is one of the three main estrogens. It is the primary estrogen after menopause and can affect bone and tissue health. |
High levels mean there may be increased risk for symptoms like bloating or breast tenderness.
Low levels mean there may be a link to bone loss or menopausal symptoms. |
| Estradiol | 15-60 | Estradiol is the most active estrogen before menopause. It helps regulate cycles, mood, and reproductive health. |
High levels mean there may be a connection to heavy periods or mood swings.
Low levels mean there may be a link to hot flashes, low libido, or irregular cycles. |
| Estriol | 3-20 | Estriol is a weaker estrogen, mostly produced during pregnancy, but also present in small amounts in non-pregnant people. |
High levels mean there may be increased estrogen activity or pregnancy.
Low levels mean there may be a sign of low overall estrogen production. |
| 2-Hydroxyestrone | 1.5-7.0 | 2-Hydroxyestrone is a breakdown product of estrone. It is considered a “good” estrogen metabolite and is linked to healthy estrogen processing. |
High levels mean there may be increased breakdown of estrogen through this pathway.
Low levels mean there may be less protective estrogen metabolism. |
| 4-Hydroxyestrone | 0.2-1.2 | 4-Hydroxyestrone is another metabolite of estrone. It is less favorable and may be linked to higher risk for certain hormone-related conditions. |
High levels mean there may be increased risk for hormone-related tissue changes.
Low levels mean there may be less activity in this metabolic pathway. |
| 2-Methoxyestrone | 0.5-3.5 | 2-Methoxyestrone is a further breakdown product of 2-hydroxyestrone. It is thought to be protective and helps clear estrogen from the body. |
High levels mean there may be efficient estrogen clearance.
Low levels mean there may be slower estrogen detoxification. |
| 4-Methoxyestrone | 0.1-0.7 | 4-Methoxyestrone is a metabolite formed from 4-hydroxyestrone. It helps the body remove estrogen safely. |
High levels mean there may be increased breakdown of estrogen through this pathway.
Low levels mean there may be less detoxification of estrogen. |
| 16 α-hydroxyestrone | 0.8-5.0 | 16 α-hydroxyestrone is a metabolite linked to tissue growth and is sometimes higher in people with estrogen dominance. |
High levels mean there may be increased tissue stimulation.
Low levels mean there may be less estrogenic activity. |
| 2:16 Ratio | >1.5 | The 2:16 ratio compares “good” to “bad” estrogen metabolites. A higher ratio is considered more favorable for hormone balance. |
High levels mean there may be a protective pattern of estrogen breakdown.
Low levels mean there may be a higher risk for hormone-related symptoms. |
| 2-Methoxyestrone:2-Hydroxyestrone Ratio | 0.3-1.0 | This ratio shows how well your body converts 2-hydroxyestrone to 2-methoxyestrone, a step important for safe estrogen removal. |
High levels mean there may be efficient estrogen detoxification.
Low levels mean there may be slower estrogen clearance. |
| Add-ons available by request: (Please contact the laboratory for pricing) | |||
| Cortisol | 10-50 | Cortisol is a stress hormone that can affect energy, sleep, and hormone balance. It is measured to see how stress may be impacting estrogen metabolism. |
High levels mean there may be ongoing stress or adrenal issues.
Low levels mean there may be adrenal fatigue or low stress response. |
| T3 | 80-200 | T3 is an active thyroid hormone. It is checked to see if thyroid function is affecting hormone metabolism or symptoms. |
High levels mean there may be overactive thyroid symptoms.
Low levels mean there may be underactive thyroid or slow metabolism. |
| Aldosterone (24 hour collection only) | 2-20 | Aldosterone helps control salt and water balance. It is measured to see if adrenal function is affecting hormone levels. |
High levels mean there may be high blood pressure or fluid retention.
Low levels mean there may be low blood pressure or dehydration. |
Reference ranges may change slightly as labs update their methods or as new research becomes available.
Essential Estrogens | Europe FAQ
Is there Essential Estrogens | Europe testing near me?
This is a home test kit that you can collect locally, and you can check the draw location link at the top of the page for more details. For people dealing with symptoms like irregular cycles or hormone-related headaches, having a convenient collection option makes it easier to get tested without extra travel or waiting.
How do I interpret the test results?
While your treating physician should review your results, we also offer a one-on-one test results review with our clinical team to help you understand your report and next steps.
What is the cost of the test?
The price listed for this test includes standard shipping to you and return shipping to the lab, but draw fees may apply. Ordering this test can help you find out if hormone imbalances are causing symptoms like fatigue or mood changes, so you can start targeted treatment sooner.
How often should I retest?
Retesting is usually recommended every 6 to 12 months, especially if you are starting or changing hormone therapy, to track changes and adjust your plan as needed.
How accurate is the test?
This test uses liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), which is highly specific and sensitive for measuring hormone metabolites, with a specificity of 98% and sensitivity of 97%. TrueHealthLabs.com partners with CLIA-certified and CAP-certified laboratories to uphold rigorous testing standards for dependable results.
Important Notes
READ: These tests are available for European countries only.
Medical Review Board
Reviewed by Jeff Donohue M.D. from Body Logic and Brady Hurst DC, CCCN. Written by True Health Lab’s team of editorial health contributors.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
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