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4-OH-E1

Meaning

4-OH-E1, or 4-Hydroxyestrone, is a specific catechol estrogen metabolite derived from the primary estrogen, estrone (E1). This compound is clinically significant because it represents a less favorable pathway of estrogen metabolism, often considered a “genotoxic” metabolite. While it possesses minimal direct estrogenic activity, its presence signals a metabolic environment that requires careful clinical attention. Elevated levels of 4-OH-E1 are a biochemical marker associated with a potentially increased risk for certain hormone-sensitive conditions due to its downstream conversion products. Understanding this metabolite is crucial for comprehensive hormonal health assessments.