Unconjugated Estriol (uE3)
General information
Estriol(uE3)is one of the three estrogen family hormones. Estriol is produced in a very small amount by the metabolization of the estriol. It is generally present in a woman’s body in varying amounts throughout the lifetime. Estriol(uE3) is the main estrogen hormone involved in pregnancy since it is produced in a very measurable amount at that time. It is produced naturally by the placenta and the fetus. Other functions of Estriol are as follows:
– It is very beneficial for bioidentical hormone replacement (BHRT).
– It is highly helpful for women going through symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.
– It plays a significant role in maintaining skin integrity and mucous membrane.
What is Unconjugated Estriol(uE3)?
During the period of pregnancy, estriol is produced by the fetus as well as the placenta. About 80%-90% estriol in the blood circulates in the conjugated form and about 10%-15% estriol circulates as in the unconjugated form. Thus, the estriol which circulates in the blood without conjugating with the enzyme in the maternal liver is known as the unconjugated estriol.What is the unconjugated Estriol test?
The unconjugated Estriol Test is used to measure and monitor the levels of unconjugated estriol in the blood. The level of unconjugated estriol is significantly high during pregnancy. Hence the unconjugated Estriol test is used as a part of both triple and quadruple serum marker antenatal screening tests for chromosomal and congenital anomalies.