Sensitive S-Estradiol
This specific marker refers to a sensitive estradiol assay (S-Estradiol, sensitive), which is a more advanced method used when higher sensitivity is required to measure lower levels of estradiol in the blood. This method is particularly useful in the evaluation of hormonal imbalances where traditional estradiol assays may not be sufficiently precise.
Applications of Sensitive Estradiol
The sensitive estradiol assay is primarily used in situations where accurate measurement of low estradiol levels is critical. This can be relevant in the following conditions or suspicions:
- Pubertas praecox or pubertas tarda (early or delayed puberty) to assess abnormalities in sexual development in children and adolescents.
- Diagnosis and monitoring of estrogen-producing tumors in both women and men.
- Investigation of amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) as a second-line option in suspected hormonal disorders.
- Downregulation of estradiol levels before IVF treatment, where accurate measurement of estradiol is essential for optimizing treatment.
- Evaluation of gynecomastia and other hyperestrogenic conditions in men.
Sensitive Estradiol, Specifically for Men
Men generally have significantly lower estradiol levels than women, making the sensitive estradiol assay particularly relevant for obtaining accurate results. Estradiol in men is produced in smaller amounts by the testes, adrenal glands, and fat tissue, and plays a key role in bone health, spermatogenesis, and other physiological functions. Since men typically have low estradiol levels, standard methods may sometimes miss subtle hormonal changes. Therefore, the sensitive assay is used to more precisely measure estradiol concentrations in men, especially in cases of suspected estrogen-producing tumors or during the evaluation of gynecomastia and other hormonal imbalances.
Analytical Method for Sensitive Estradiol
The assay is performed using liquid chromatography (LC) and mass spectrometry, allowing for highly accurate measurement of low estradiol levels, particularly when concentrations are below 200 pmol/L. This enables the detection of subtle changes in hormone production that may be difficult to capture with standard methods. For samples with estradiol values above 300 pmol/L, an automated immunochemical method is used.
Reference Ranges
The following reference ranges apply for the sensitive estradiol assay:
- Women, premenopausal: 55 - 1290 pmol/L
- Women, postmenopausal: < 37 pmol/L
- Men: 37 - 147 pmol/L