🧬 The Estrogen Family: E1, E2, and E3
Estrogen is a vital hormone group that influences everything from reproductive health to brain function, bone density, and cardiovascular wellness. The three primary estrogens are:
Estradiol (E2) – The most potent estrogen, dominant during the reproductive years. It supports ovulation, thickens the uterine lining, and maintains vaginal health.
Estrone (E1) – A weaker estrogen that becomes the primary form after menopause. It’s produced mainly in fat tissue and the adrenal glands.
Estriol (E3) – The least potent, but plays a protective role during pregnancy and in hormone therapy, especially for vaginal and urinary health.clevelandclinic
Each estrogen interacts differently with receptors throughout the body, and their metabolites can either support health or contribute to disease.
🔄 Estrogen Metabolites: Why They Matter
Estrogens are metabolized in the liver through Phase I and Phase II detoxification. This process creates metabolites like:
2-Hydroxyestrone (2-OH-E1) – Considered protective and anti-carcinogenic.
4-Hydroxyestrone (4-OH-E1) – Can damage DNA and increase cancer risk if not properly detoxified.
16α-Hydroxyestrone (16α-OH-E1) – Estrogenic and linked to tumor growth when elevated.rupahealth+1
Testing these metabolites helps us understand how your body processes estrogen and whether your detox pathways are functioning optimally. This is especially important for patients with symptoms like PMS, fibroids, endometriosis, or a family history of hormone-sensitive cancers.
👵 Estrogen Shifts After Menopause
During cycling years, the ovaries are the primary source of estrogen—mainly estradiol (E2). But after menopause, hormone production shifts to the adrenal glands and fat tissue, and estrone (E1) becomes the dominant form. This transition can lead to imbalances, especially if adrenal function is compromised or detox pathways are sluggish.clevelandclinic
Postmenopausal women often experience symptoms of estrogen dominance, not because estrogen is high, but because progesterone drops dramatically, leaving even low estrogen levels unopposed.
🧪 When and How to Test Estrogen
📅 For Cycling Women:
The best time to test estrogen is days 19–21 of a 28-day cycle, during the mid-luteal phase. This is when progesterone peaks and estrogen reaches its luteal plateau, giving us the clearest picture of hormonal balance.
👩🦳 For Postmenopausal Women:
Testing can be done any day, but it’s crucial to assess both blood levels and urine metabolites. Blood tests show what’s circulating, while urine tests reveal how estrogen is being metabolized and eliminated. This dual approach helps us understand not just how much estrogen is present, but how it’s behaving in the body.
⚠️ Symptoms of Estrogen Imbalance
Estrogen imbalances can manifest in many ways, including:
Irregular or heavy periods
PMS or PMDD
Breast tenderness
Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
Fatigue and brain fog
Weight gain (especially around hips and abdomen)
Vaginal dryness or pain during intercourse
Hair thinning or excess facial hair
Acne or skin changes
Digestive issues like bloating or constipationclevelandclinic+1
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to stop guessing and start testing.
💚 How We Can Help
At The Wellness Way Leesburg, we offer comprehensive hormone testing using both blood and urine analysis. Whether you're local or remote, we can work with you to uncover the root causes of your symptoms and build a personalized plan to restore balance.
We see patients in person and virtually, making it easy to get the care you need no matter where you are. Schedule a 15-minute Complimentary Call with us to learn more about our process and how we can help you with your health concerns.
