Back

Estron (E1)

0 Azn
Add to basketAdded

Estrogens are the primary steroid sex hormones in the female body. In women, estrogens are synthesized by the follicular apparatus of the ovaries. In men, these hormones are mainly produced in the testes (up to 20% of total estrogen production). The primary role of estrogens is to ensure the normal development and function of the female reproductive system.

Estrogens, among which estradiol (E2) predominates in men, play a role in the fine regulation of prostate and testicular functions and are involved in lipid and mineral metabolism.

Types of Estrogens

There are three forms of estrogens with varying physiological activity:
Estradiol (E2) ˃ Estriol (E3) ˃ Estrone (E1).

Estrogen Synthesis

In both men and women, estrogen synthesis begins from cholesterol:

  • In women, cholesterol is converted in theca folliculi cells under the control of luteinizing hormone (LH) into pregnenolone, then into 17-OH-pregnenolone, followed by dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which is converted into androstenedione—a precursor of testosterone.

  • Further conversion of androstenedione into estrone (E1) and testosterone into estradiol (E2) is regulated by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and occurs in granulosa cells of the ovaries. Estrone and estradiol can be interconverted within these cells.

  • In men, estradiol is produced from testosterone in the seminal vesicles.

  • Extra-gonadal tissues (fat tissue, skin, liver) produce estrogens from DHEA and testosterone in both sexes.

  • In overweight individuals, both men and women tend to have higher estrone levels, as androstenedione is aromatized into estrone in fat cells.

  • Infants (under 1 year old): Avoid eating 30–40 minutes before the test.
  • Children (1 to 5 years old): Avoid eating 2–3 hours before the test.
  • Adults:
    • Fast for 12 hours before the test (only plain, non-carbonated water is allowed).
    • Women (unless otherwise instructed by a doctor) should take the test on days 2–5 of the menstrual cycle.
    • Avoid physical and emotional stress for 30 minutes before the test.
    • Do not smoke for 30 minutes before the test.

General Conditions:

  • Osteoporosis
  • Obesity
  • Fatty liver disease
  • Infertility

For Women:

  • Ovarian dysfunction
  • Menstrual cycle disorders
  • Delayed or premature sexual development

For Men:

  • Testicular and epididymal dysfunction
  • Impaired spermatogenesis, reduced fertility, and gynecomastia

Causes of Increased Estradiol Levels

  • Obesity
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Adrenal cortex hyperplasia
  • Liver cirrhosis
  • Gynecomastia
  • Estrogen-secreting tumors of the ovaries or testes
  • Precocious puberty
  • Follicular persistence (hyperestrogenism)
  • Endometriotic ovarian cysts

Medications that Increase Estradiol Levels:

  • Anabolic steroids (e.g., methandrostenolone, nerobol, dianabol, retabolil)
  • Carbamazepine
  • Clomiphene (in menopausal women)
  • Ketoconazole
  • Mifepristone
  • Nafarelin
  • Phenytoin
  • Tamoxifen
  • Troleandomycin
     

    Causes of Decreased Estradiol Levels

  • Delayed puberty
  • Hypogonadism
  • Hypopituitarism
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Adrenal cortex dysfunction
  • Virilization syndrome
  • Menopause
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  • Turner syndrome

  • Medications that Decrease Estradiol Levels:

  • Aminoglutethimide
  • Chemotherapy drugs (e.g., hydroxyurea, fluorouracil)
  • Cimetidine
  • Cyproterone
  • Danazol
  • Dexamethasone
  • Epistan
  • Megestrol
  • Mifepristone
  • Moclobemide
  • Nafarelin
  • Nandrolone
     

    Causes of Increased Estrone (E1) Levels

  • Excess weight
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Liver cirrhosis
  • Ovarian or testicular tumors
  • Adrenal tumors

  • Causes of Decreased Estrone (E1) Levels

  • Ovarian dysfunction
  • Hypopituitarism
  • Turner syndrome
     

    Causes of Increased Estriol (E3) Levels

  • Obesity
  • Adrenal tumors
  • Estrogen-producing ovarian tumors

  • Causes of Decreased Estriol (E3) Levels

  • Fetal abnormalities (e.g., adrenal insufficiency, Down syndrome, neural tube defects, Edwards syndrome)
  • Rhesus incompatibility
  • Placental dysfunction
  • Hydatidiform mole
  • Choriocarcinoma
  • Trophoblastic teratoma

  • Medications that Decrease Estriol Levels:

  • Oral glucocorticoids (e.g., prednisolone, betamethasone)
  • Estrogens
  • Penicillin
  • Meprobamate
  • Phenazopyridine