What does the Estrone test measure?

Why is Estrone measured?

Estrone measurement is less commonly ordered than estradiol but is useful in evaluating postmenopausal bleeding (where peripheral aromatisation may drive endometrial proliferation), androgen-secreting tumours that aromatise peripherally, and polycystic ovary syndrome, in which elevated estrone-to-estradiol ratios may be observed. The test adds diagnostic value when oestrogen exposure is suspected despite low estradiol, particularly in obesity or when assessing postmenopausal hormone-replacement formulations.

Reference ranges

Standard reference

Follicular 37–138 pg/mL; mid-cycle 60–229 pg/mL; luteal 45–214 pg/mL; postmenopausal 11–95 pg/mL; male 10–60 pg/mL. Assay-specific.

Functional medicine optimal

No widely accepted optimal range; interpretation is context-dependent and influenced by body composition and aromatase activity.

Units

pg/mL, pmol/L

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