The estrogen test (estrogen test; estrogen-progestin test) is performed, if necessary, following a negative progestin test in amenorrhea (absence of regular bleeding).
Estrogens are female sex hormones. They are mainly produced in the ovaries (Graafian follicle, corpus luteum), but also to a lesser extent in the adrenal cortex. The estrogen concentration changes in the course of the female cycle.17-Beta-estradiol is the most effective of the female sex hormones. Estrogens are synthesized from cholesterol.
The procedure
In the estrogen test, the endometrium (lining of the uterus) is stimulated by an estrogen (proliferation phase), that is, built up and then converted by a progestin (secretion phase). For the estrogen test, the patient takes an estrogen-progestin combination (e.g.: Femoston).
Indications
- Negative gestagen test (differentiation of anatomic problems of the genital organs from insufficient ovarian estrogen production).
- Primary or secondary amenorrhea.
Contraindications
- Liver dysfunction
- Severe hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Thromboembolism
Interpretation
Positive test
- Bleeding indicates an intact, that is, stimulable, endometrium (lining of the uterus)
Negative test
- In the absence of bleeding, there is a suspicion of uterine (endometrial) amenorrhea (uterine or endometrial-related absence of menstruation).
