Basic Lab ¬ Estrogen Metabolism Ratio

This tests the ratio of 2- hydroxyestrogens to 16- alpha- hydroxyestrone in the urine. It looks at how estrogen is broken down by the body, with a proper balance between these metabolites being important to maintaining good health.

16-apha-hydroxyestrone is a more potent estrogen and may promote the growth of hormone dependent cancers like breast cancer.

2- hydroxyestrone, which is a milder estrogen, is protective against breast cancer. It is also thought that this ratio may be important for identifying men at risk for prostate cancer.

People who may want to have this test done; men or woman who are concerned about their risk for hormonally driven cancers such as breast, prostate and uterine.