Mastering Lab Testing For Estrogen: TRT and Hormones

Do you have questions about your estrogen lab tests? Perhaps you're experiencing estrogen-like symptoms, feeling hot, or maybe you're just a bit more sensitive. Alternatively, you might be puzzled if your blood shows high estrogen levels without these symptoms. In this video, I aim to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of estrogen lab testing. We'll explore various types of estradiol and estrogen tests, guiding you on how to obtain an accurate reading of your estrogen levels through a blood test. We aim to provide you with a more comprehensive understanding of estrogen through lab testing and help you decipher where your estrogen levels might stand. Self Pay Estradiol test MS/LC: https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-1010951... (affiliate link) Understanding the various methods of estrogen testing will give you insights into why symptoms may not always align with your lab results. The key factor to consider is the timeframe between when you're testing and the application of hormones. For example, if you're undergoing testosterone injections and concerned about elevated estrogen levels, the timing of your blood test matters. Checking estrogen levels seven days after the injection may not capture the peak, as estrogen typically follows the testosterone peak. This holds true for testosterone cypionate, commonly used in replacement therapy. Similarly, with topical applications of testosterone or estrogen in females, testing should align with the peak, typically 2 to 12 hours after application, for accurate results. Waiting 24 hours may yield levels below the starting point due to the hormone working out of your system. Individual differences in detoxification efficiency can affect hormone levels, explaining variations in responses to the same dose. Many individuals experiencing symptoms of high estrogen, such as hot flashes or fatigue, may find their test results show lower normal levels. The interval between application and testing is crucial to understanding these discrepancies. In estrogen lab testing, the primary contributor to symptoms is estradiol. There are two types of tests: mass spec liquid chromatography (MSLC) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). MSLC, also called ultra-sensitive estradiol, directly measures estradiol molecules, providing specific and sensitive results. ELISA, a less accurate method, may yield false positives or negatives due to its antibody-based nature. Estradiol tests through ELISA may react to molecules similar to estradiol, like estrone and estriol, leading to false positives. While these molecules are estrogenic, they don't stimulate estrogen receptors as vigorously as estradiol. For a broader view, consider total estrogens, which measure all estrogenic molecules in the sample. Combining total estrogens with ultra-sensitive estradiol testing offers a comprehensive understanding of estrogen levels. Match these results with your symptoms for a more informed perspective. When discussing hormones, we often refer to terms like free or bioavailable testosterone, and a similar consideration applies to estrogen testing. The amount of a hormone that can bind to its receptor at any given time is referred to as free testosterone. But what about free estrogen or free estradiol? The bioavailability of estradiol and testosterone is influenced by the presence of sex hormone binding globulin and albumin. The more of these binding proteins in your body, the lower your free or bioavailable estradiol or testosterone. If you're experiencing persistent estrogen-like symptoms, it might be worthwhile to measure free estradiol levels, although this test is not commonly performed in practice. This is because the level of estradiol itself determines the levels of sex hormone binding globulin. If one is high, the other is likely high as well, providing an indication of bioavailable versus bound estradiol. While it's not a routine test, it's worth noting because exceptions exist, and someone might have specific concerns or questions about this aspect of hormone testing.