What is the reference range for 16α-Hydroxyestrone?

The standard reference range for 16α-Hydroxyestrone is Premenopausal 1–10 ng/24hr; postmenopausal 0.5–5 ng/24hr; method- and laboratory-specific.. Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform — interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.

Which tests measure 16α-Hydroxyestrone?

16α-Hydroxyestrone is measured in 1 test on BiomarkersLabs.com, including Essential Estrogens™ - 24 hr.

Biomarker Reference · 16α-OHE1

What does the 16α-Hydroxyestrone test measure?

16α-Hydroxyestrone (16α-OHE1) is a clinical biomarker used in female-hormones assessment. 16α-Hydroxyestrone is formed by CYP3A4-mediated 16α-hydroxylation of oestrone. It is measured in 1 laboratory test on BiomarkersLabs.com.

Reference Range: Premenopausal 1–10 ng/24hr; postmenopausal 0.5–5 ng/24hr; method- and laboratory-specific.
Units: ng/24hr, µg/24hr
Measured In: 1 test
Category: Female Hormones

Functional medicine optimalFunctional targets often aim for 16α-OHE1 below 5 ng/24hr premenopausally and a 2:16α ratio above 2.0, though these are investigational and not evidence-based clinical thresholds.

What is 16α-Hydroxyestrone?

16α-Hydroxyestrone is formed by CYP3A4-mediated 16α-hydroxylation of oestrone. Unlike the catechol metabolites, it retains full oestrogenic potency, binds the oestrogen receptor avidly, and is not readily inactivated, giving it prolonged biological activity. It can form covalent DNA adducts and has been termed a 'high-risk' or 'proliferative' metabolite in the functional-medicine literature.

Why is 16α-Hydroxyestrone measured?

Epidemiological data link higher 16α-OHE1 (or a lower 2-OHE1 : 16α-OHE1 ratio) with increased breast cancer risk in some but not all studies; the association remains contested. Practitioners interpret elevated 16α-OHE1 or an unfavourable ratio as a marker of increased proliferative drive and may recommend dietary changes, indole-3-carbinol, or weight loss to shift metabolism toward the 2-pathway.

Reference ranges

Standard reference: Premenopausal 1–10 ng/24hr; postmenopausal 0.5–5 ng/24hr; method- and laboratory-specific.
Functional medicine optimal: Functional targets often aim for 16α-OHE1 below 5 ng/24hr premenopausally and a 2:16α ratio above 2.0, though these are investigational and not evidence-based clinical thresholds.
Units: ng/24hr, µg/24hr

Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform. Interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.

Tests that measure 16α-Hydroxyestrone

1 test on BiomarkersLabs.com include this biomarker.

BML-HRF-025Comprehensive

Essential Estrogens™ - 24 hr

16α-Hydroxyestrone reference range in this test: Premenopausal 1–10 ng/24hr; postmenopausal 0.5–5 ng/24hr; method- and laboratory-specific.

Related clinical conditions

Related Biomarkers

Frequently measured alongside

EstroneE15 tests EstradiolE25 tests EstriolE35 tests 2-Hydroxyestrone2-OHE14 tests 4-Hydroxyestrone4-OHE14 tests 2-Hydroxyestrone : 4-Hydroxyestrone Ratio2:4 Ratio1 test 2-Hydroxyestrone : 16α-Hydroxyestrone Ratio2:16α Ratio1 test

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