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2: 16 Hydroxyestrone Ratio

Meaning

The 2: 16 Hydroxyestrone Ratio is a clinical biomarker that quantifies the balance between two major metabolic pathways of the estrogen estrone (E1). Specifically, it compares the level of 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE1) to 16-alpha-hydroxyestrone (16α-OHE1) to assess the preferential direction of estrogen detoxification. A higher ratio is generally considered favorable, reflecting a greater proportion of the less proliferative 2-OHE1 metabolite. Clinicians utilize this ratio to gain insight into an individual’s phase I hepatic estrogen metabolism and potential risk profile.