Estrone (E1) is one of the three major endogenous estrogens, alongside estradiol (E2) and estriol (E3), and is the predominant circulating estrogen in postmenopausal women. It is a relatively weak estrogen produced primarily through peripheral aromatization of androstenedione in adipose tissue, liver, and adrenal glands. Estrone serves as a reservoir estrogen that can be converted to the more potent estradiol via 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. In premenopausal women, estrone is produced by the ovaries and through peripheral conversion of androgens, with levels fluctuating across the menstrual cycle but generally lower than estradiol. After menopause, ovarian estrogen production declines sharply, and estrone derived from adrenal androstenedione via aromatization in adipose tissue becomes the dominant circulating estrogen. In men, estrone is produced in small amounts through peripheral aromatization of androgens and plays a minor role in normal male physiology.
Estrone is a type of estrogen hormone found in your blood. It is the main estrogen in women after menopause and is made mostly in fat tissue from other hormones. Checking estrone levels can help your doctor understand your hormone balance, especially after menopause or if you have symptoms related to low or high estrogen. Higher levels can sometimes be linked to certain health risks, while lower levels may explain symptoms like hot flashes or bone thinning. Your doctor will interpret this result alongside other tests and your overall health picture.
When elevated: Elevated estrone in postmenopausal women may reflect increased adipose tissue aromatization, exogenous estrogen exposure, or estrogen-secreting tumors. Chronically elevated levels have been associated with increased risk of estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer and endometrial hyperplasia or carcinoma. In men, elevated estrone may contribute to gynecomastia and suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. When low: Low estrone levels are consistent with hypoestrogenism and may be associated with symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal atrophy, decreased bone mineral density, and mood disturbances. In premenopausal women, low estrone may indicate ovarian insufficiency, hypothalamic amenorrhea, or hypopituitarism. In men, low estrone is generally of limited clinical significance but may accompany hypogonadism.
Estrone is minimally specific to athletic performance in most contexts. However, in female athletes, estrone levels reflect overall estrogen status, which influences bone density, injury recovery, and menstrual cycle regularity—factors that indirectly affect training capacity and injury risk. For endurance athletes and those in low-energy availability states, tracking estrone alongside other hormones may help identify hormonal imbalances affecting recovery and health.
Fasting Required
No
Method
Immunoassay
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