Skip to main content

2: 16 Estrogen Ratio

Meaning

The 2: 16 Estrogen Ratio is a diagnostic measure that quantifies the balance between two specific estrogen metabolites: 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE1) and 16-alpha-hydroxyestrone (16-OHE1). These compounds are produced during the initial Phase I detoxification of estrogen in the liver, and the resulting ratio provides critical clinical insight into the relative favorability of estrogen clearance pathways. A higher ratio, indicating a greater proportion of the less proliferative 2-OHE1, is generally associated with a more protective metabolic profile for hormone-sensitive tissues. This metric is a key tool for assessing an individual’s intrinsic estrogen processing efficiency and potential long-term hormonal risk.