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Endocrine Society advocates for improved estrogen testing methods
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The Endocrine Society has released a position statement on estradiol measurement, citing the need for improved care among patients throughout their lives. Using data from various online databases, including PubMed and Ovid Medline, researchers evaluated the current clinical assays for estradiol. Their findings were published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
“Estradiol levels need to be accurately, precisely and consistently measured to provide the proper care for patients from the cradle to the grave,” William Rosner, MD, of Columbia University, said in a press release. “Health care providers rely on estradiol testing to diagnose and help treat a variety of conditions, including infertility, osteoporosis and breast cancer. Current testing methods need to evolve to meet patients’ needs.”
According to the press release, recommendations include:
- The development of a universally recognized estradiol standard to which all measurements can be traced;
- The development of estradiol reference ranges specific for age, gender and stage of reproductive development, including puberty/adolescence, menstrual cycle and menopause;
- A wider recognition among physicians, laboratory staff and researchers that low estradiol values in men, children and menopausal women obtained using current clinical testing methods are likely to be untrustworthy; and
- The creation of new methods capable of accurately and precisely measuring small concentrations of estradiol in routine clinical specimens. Until such methods are available, a system needs to be implemented to continuously evaluate existing testing and facilitate the improvement of estradiol measurements.
“The Endocrine Society calls for physicians, members of the research community, government agencies, patient advocates and insurers to collaborate to make accurate testing more accessible,” Rosner said.
However, the researchers wrote that financial, political, educational and scientific barriers still exist and will need to be overcome for improved care.
Disclosure: Rosner reports no relevant financial disclosures.
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