What happens during Estrogen level testing?

Do you know about the test to check estrogen levels? Both males and women require this hormone. Numerous problems can develop if the level fluctuates too much or too little. This article explains the process of estrogen testing.   

The blood levels of estrogen are measured using this test. A sample of either blood or urine is used for this test. Estrogen is a necessary hormone that is important for the development of the female reproductive system and for processes including puberty, menstruation, menopause, and pregnancy. 

Procedure 

You can take an estrogen test in a lab by giving a sample of blood or urine. Or you can also take this test at home, by giving the sample of saliva.  

While you do not have to make changes in your diet and lifestyle before this test; in case you take medications such as birth control pills, estrogen therapy, glucocorticoids, phenothiazines, and ampicillin, you should tell your doctor before the test as these medications can affect estrogen levels.  

For a blood test, a lab technician can take your blood sample from a vein in your arm by using a small needle. First, he cleans your arm with disinfectant then ties a plastic band around the arm to make your veins visible. Second, he chooses a vein and inserts a small needle inside the vein to collect the blood in a tube. When enough blood is collected in the tube, he removes the needle and applies cotton and pressure for some minutes to stop the blood and then applies the bandage.  

For a urine test, you need to collect urine in a container for 24 hours. This test is called a 24-hour urine sample test. Your doctor gives you a special container to collect your urine and instructions on how you should collect and store the samples. Your doctor will tell you what time to start. Here are the steps that you may need to follow for this test: 

• To start, urinate in the toilet as usual. And note down the time you urinate.  
• For the next 24 hours, collect all the urine in the given container.  
• During the collection time, store all the urine samples in a refrigerator or cooler with ice.  
• After 24 hours, you have to send the samples to the lab for testing and try to urinate if you can. This will be the last urine sample for collection before sending.  
• Return the container to the laboratory as instructed.  

For a home saliva test, you need to collect a sample of saliva and send it to the lab for testing. 

You can ask your healthcare provider which test is best for you. Make sure you follow all the instructions properly with the kit and discuss your results with your provider. 

Risks  

While there are no risks involved with urine or saliva tests. But in rare cases, blood tests may cause certain risks, including: 

• Bleeding  
• Bruising 
• Infection 
• Pain or soreness at the site afterward 
• Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, and fainting 
• Blood pooling up under the skin 
• Multiple punctures if the doctor is not able to find a suitable vein.  

Need help with estrogen testing? Don’t worry, we have the best endocrinologists who can diagnose your condition properly and treat you accordingly. Call us on +1-347-384-5690 and get answers to all your queries. Log on to  www.doralhw.org or visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212 to book an appointment with our endocrinologist to get the best treatment. We have the best endocrinologists who treat these kinds of diseases and helpful staff to aid you during your treatment.