Estrogen Metabolism Panel – Urine Test
Estrogen Metabolism Conditions
Estrogens are hormones produced in both men and women. Estrogens circulating in the blood eventually get broken down by the liver into estrogen metabolites, which are eliminated in the urine. There are several different pathways estrogen can take on its way out of the body. Two of the major metabolic pathways are: 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE1) and 16-alpha-hydroxyestrone (16-OHE1). Research shows that a ratio of 2-OHE1 to 16-OHE1 in urine of greater than 2.0 is associated with a lower degree of severity, or risk of developing, certain diseases. Maintaining a healthy balance in favour of 2-hydroxyestrogens may help preserve good health.
The Estrogen Metabolism Ratio can be used to help women and men assess their risk of the following conditions associated with imbalances in the breakdown of estrogens.
Conditions Associated with Estrogen Metabolism Imbalance
Breast Cancer
Several studies show that women diagnosed with breast cancer have a lower ratio of 2-OHE1 to 16-OHE1 than age-matched disease-free women.
Cervical dysplasia
Cervical dysplasia is a condition where pre-cancerous cells are found in the cervix. Studies show the severity of the dysplasia is greater in women with a lower Estrogen Metabolism Ratio.
Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP)
RRP is a condition where non-cancerous tumors grow on the larynx, vocal cords, and trachea. Studies show the severity of RRP increases with a lower Estrogen Metabolism Ratio.
Prostate Cancer
Men with prostate cancer are significantly more likely to have a low Estrogen Metabolism Ratio than disease-free men.
Why Test the Estrogen Metabolism Ratio?
- Because a number of health conditions (see above) are affected by the ratio of 2-hydroxyestrone to 16-hydroxyestrone; your Estrogen Metabolism Ratio may give some indication of your relative risk of developing these conditions.
- Knowing you are at increased risk for certain hormone-related conditions may provide motivation to make healthier lifestyle choices.
- The Estrogen Metabolism Ratio test is simple to do. A single urine sample is tested and measurements of both 2-OHE1 and 16-OHE1 are made. The ratio of 2-OHE1 to 16-OHE1 is plotted on a bar graph with the favourable range highlighted in green.
Talk to your health care provider about getting an Estrogen Metabollism Ratio test done.
Test Results
- Maintaining an Estrogen Metabolism Ratio of 2.0 or higher may provide some protection against hormone related cancers. In some cases, an EMR of 2.0 may not be high enough. Your health care practitioner can help you determine what is a good ratio for you.
- Note that treatment decisions are based on the ratio of the two metabo- lites, not on individual measurements of either 2-OHE1 or 16-OHE1. The amount of 2-OHE1 or 16-OHE1 that is produced and eliminated varies widely throughout the menstrual cycle in women and from patient to patient, depending on kidney function and fluid consumption. Therefore, decisions must be based on the absolute ratio between the two.
**Description courtesy of Rocky Mountain Analytical