Estradiol Test, Ultrasensitive

The estradiol ultrasensitive test is used to measure ranges of the hormone estradiol in the blood that are lower than the levels of the standard estradiol test. Estradiol is a form of estrogen and in women, is mostly released from the ovaries and adrenal glands.

This test is recommended for when increased sensitivity to estradiol is expected and/or appropriate, as in situations with postmenopausal women, men, children and adolescents.

In women, estradiol plays a key role in:

• Growth of the uterus, vagina and Fallopian tubes
• Changes of the outer genitals
• Breast development
• Distribution of body fat

In men, small amounts of estradiol is released by the testes to prevent sperm from dying prematurely. Estradiol measurements may be useful in the evaluation of gynecomastia.