Home Specialty Labs Estrogen Metabolism Index
Estrogen Metabolism Index - Arizona Naturopathic Doctors PDF Print E-mail
Thursday, 04 September 2008 04:16
This test measures the ratio of 2-hydroxy (E1-Estrone + E2-Estradiol) to 16 alpha- hydroxyestrone in a random urine sample. Evidence indicates that this ratio is relevant as a risk factor for estrogen-sensitive diseases including breast and cervical cancers as well as some autoimmune diseases.

The ratio of 2-hydroxyestrone to 16 alpha-hydroxyestrone is not only a risk factor of breast cancer but also other conditions of inappropriate estrogen activity.
16 alpha-hydroxyestrone stimulates prolif­eration (cell growth), sometimes contraindicated in certain diseases, where 2 hydroxyestrogens have been shown to be protective against or lessen risk of cancer. Because there is an optimal level of both 2- and 16-hydroxyestrone, a ratio comparing the two levels can be very helpful. A 2:16 ratio is highly correlated with breast cancer. In 10,786 women, followed for 5.5 years, higher 2:16 ratios correlated with lower risk of breast cancer.

Cancers that react favorably to a higher 2:16 ratio
  • ER + breast cancer
  • ER – breast cancer
  • Prostate cancer
  • Cervical cancer
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Laryngeal cancer
16 alpha-hydroxyestrone has been found to be elevated in those at risk for breast cancer, as well as other conditions associated with hyperimmune activity such as sys­temic lupus erythematosis and rheumatoid arthritis. In these populations 16 alpha-hydroxyestrone was 10 times higher than the control population
Testing for the urinary levels of 2-hydroxyestrone and 16 alpha–hydroxyestrone provides valuable insight re­garding disease risk. Improvements of the ratio can be made through dietary recommendations and supplements that specifically improve the 2OH pathway.
 

Login Form

Newsletter Subscription

Keep yourself updated with our FREE newsletters now!







Naturopathic medicine is a healthcare practice that provides drugless treatment for a broad spectrum of health concerns. Its primary focus is to find the cause of a disease, bring the body into balance, and support its ability to heal.