Why would you check estrone levels in a comprehensive male blood work panel (Complete Blood Count, CBC)?

From the Guidelines

Checking estrone levels in a comprehensive male bloodwork panel is crucial to assess hormonal balance and potential estrogen-related side effects, particularly in men undergoing testosterone replacement therapy or with conditions like obesity, liver disease, or aging. Estrone is a significant estrogen that can affect men's health, contributing to symptoms like gynecomastia, erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, and mood changes 1. Elevated estrone may also indicate underlying conditions such as testicular tumors, adrenal disorders, or aromatase excess syndrome. In men with obesity, testosterone can convert to estrone through aromatization in adipose tissue, leading to low free testosterone levels and estrogen-related side effects 1.

Some key points to consider when evaluating estrone levels in men include:

• Estrone levels should be measured alongside other hormones, including total and free testosterone, estradiol, DHT, and SHBG, preferably in morning samples when hormone levels are most stable 1.
• Testosterone replacement therapy can increase estrone levels through aromatization, potentially causing estrogen-related side effects 1.
• Obesity is a significant factor in elevated estrone levels in men, as it can lead to increased aromatization of testosterone to estrone in adipose tissue 1.
• Estrone levels can help evaluate overall hormonal balance, as the ratio between testosterone and estrogens is important for male health 1.

In clinical practice, monitoring estrone levels is essential to ensure proper hormonal balance and prevent potential side effects, particularly in men undergoing testosterone replacement therapy or with conditions that may affect estrone levels. By considering these factors and measuring estrone levels alongside other hormones, healthcare providers can make informed decisions about treatment and management of hormonal imbalances in men.

From the Research

Estrone Checking in Male Bloodwork

• Estrone is an estrogen steroid hormone that is present in both men and women, although at lower levels in men.
• Checking estrone levels in a comprehensive male bloodwork pattern can be relevant in certain contexts, such as:
  • Monitoring testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), as estrone levels can be affected by TRT 2, 3
  • Evaluating male hypogonadism, as estrone levels can be altered in this condition 4
  • Assessing sexual dysfunction in men, as estrone levels may be related to sexual function 5, 6
• However, it is essential to note that the provided studies do not directly address the question of why estrone would be checked in a comprehensive male bloodwork pattern.
• The studies primarily focus on testosterone replacement therapy, male hypogonadism, and sexual dysfunction in men, with limited discussion on estrone levels specifically.

Relevant Hormone Testing

• The studies emphasize the importance of hormone testing, including testosterone and gonadotropin levels, in diagnosing and evaluating male hypogonadism and monitoring TRT 2, 4, 3
• Estrone levels may be considered as part of a comprehensive hormone panel, particularly in the context of TRT or male hypogonadism, to assess the balance of sex hormones in men.

Clinical Practice and Guidelines

• The studies highlight the need for adherence to clinical guidelines and proper hormone testing in the diagnosis and management of male hypogonadism and TRT 4, 3
• Estrone levels may be considered in clinical practice as part of a comprehensive evaluation of male sexual health and hormone balance, although the provided studies do not explicitly recommend this.