| |
Small amounts are also produced by the adrenal glands. This is the major source of estrogen in women who have gone through menopause. This measurement is often included in a maternal serum "triple" or "quadruple" screening test. The triple screen measures alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), beta human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-HCG), and unconjugated estriol (uE3). The levels of these substances, along with a woman's age and other factors, help estimate the risk that her child may have certain problems or birth defects. When it comes to interpreting the results, normal values may vary widely from lab to lab and depend to a large extent on gender, age, menopausal status and pregnancy.
High values:- Estradiol:
- Common in women who are having their ovaries stimulated to treat infertility.
- In a woman can indicate a tumor of the ovaries or adrenal glands. (These tumors can produce estradiol.)
- In a man can indicate a tumor of the testicles or adrenal glands.
- Can indicate serious liver disease (cirrhosis) in both men and women.
- Estriol:
- Can be caused by a pregnancy with more than one fetus (such as twins or triplets).
- High estrogen levels can indicate early (precocious) puberty.
|
|
|
