Oestriol

Oestriol (also spelled estriol) is one of the three main estrogens produced by the human body. It is only produced in significant amounts during pregnancy as it is made by the placenta. Levels of oestriol in the blood can be used to assess the health and development of the baby during pregnancy.

Production and function

Oestriol is produced in significant amounts only during pregnancy. It is made by the placenta from 16α-hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone (16α-OH DHEA-S), an androgen steroid produced in the fetal liver and adrenal glands.

The levels of oestriol in the mother's blood can be used to monitor the health and development of the baby. If levels of oestriol are abnormally low, it can indicate a problem with the baby's development or with the placenta.

Measurement

Oestriol can be measured in the blood or in the urine. Blood levels of oestriol are typically measured as part of a triple test or quadruple test during pregnancy. These tests also measure levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and sometimes inhibin A.

See also

• Estrogen
• Pregnancy
• Triple test
• Quadruple test

Oestriol Resources
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