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2: 16-Hydroxyestrone Ratio

Meaning

The 2: 16-Hydroxyestrone Ratio represents the balance between two primary estrogen metabolites produced during Phase I liver detoxification: 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE1) and 16-alpha-hydroxyestrone (16-OHE1). This ratio serves as a critical biomarker for assessing the relative dominance of the protective versus the proliferative estrogen metabolism pathways. A higher ratio generally indicates a favorable metabolic profile, suggesting estrogen is being processed toward the less proliferative metabolite. Conversely, a lower ratio signals a shift toward the more genotoxic and highly estrogenic 16-OHE1 pathway, which may elevate risk for certain hormone-sensitive conditions.