This test is not the sensitive estradiol test but the regular one. It is not recommended for men (it is adequate for pre-menapausal women).  The results from this test are usually available 2 business days faster than the sensitive estradiol test.

This ultrasensitive estradiol test is recommended for men. The commonly used estradiol test may overestimate estradiol in men. That test uses immunoassay technology that cannot differentiate C-Reactive Protein (involved in inflammation) from estradiol, so it reads the combination of the two as estradiol. This ultrasensitive estradiol test is based on liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS), an assay technology that does not have that limitation. 

Important note:  The blood sample is sent out to Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute San Juan Capistrano, Caifornia.  Overnight delivery and testing is performed on Sunday and Friday.  Reports are available within 5-7 business days from the time the specimen is collected.

Estrogen is the primary female sex hormone as well as a medication. It is responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics. There are three major endogenous estrogens in women and men: estrone, estradiol, and estriol. This test does not specify each of these estrogens.

SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) binds to testosterone and estradiol. High SHBG may decrease free testosterone and free estradiol.

Pregnenolone is known as the mother hormone. All other steroids including testosterone and estrogen are derived from this important hormone. For this reason, optimal blood levels of pregnenolone are critical for a healthy hormone balance.  This test uses liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, the most accurate assay for hormones.

This test measures the amount of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the blood.  Low DHT has been associated with low libido and high DHT has been linked to acne, hair loss and benign prostatic inflammation in a minority of men.

The adrenal gland produces a hormone known as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). It is also made in the brain. DHEA leads to the production of androgens and estrogens (male and female sex hormones). DHEA levels in the body begin to decrease after age 30. Lower DHEA levels are found in people with hormonal disorders, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, depression, diabetes, inflammation, immune disorders, and osteoporosis. Corticosteroids, birth control taken by mouth, and agents that treat psychiatric disorders may reduce DHEA levels.