What is the Origin of Estrogen Metabolite Ratio?

This ratio's development stems from the understanding that estrogenic activity is not solely determined by circulating estradiol but significantly by its downstream metabolites produced via hepatic oxidation. It formalizes the comparison between two major Phase I detoxification routes.

What is the Mechanism of Estrogen Metabolite Ratio?

The mechanism involves the activity of specific Cytochrome P450 enzymes acting upon estradiol; 2-hydroxylation generally yields metabolites with weaker estrogenic activity, whereas 16$alpha$-hydroxylation yields metabolites associated with greater proliferative potential. Thus, the ratio reflects the balance between these competing enzymatic activities influencing overall estrogenic load.

Estrogen Metabolite Ratio ∞ Area

Estrogen Metabolite Ratio

Meaning

The Estrogen Metabolite Ratio is a biochemical assessment comparing the relative quantities of specific estrogen breakdown products, most commonly the ratio of 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OH-E1) to 16$alpha$-hydroxyestrone (16$alpha$-OH-E1). This ratio provides a functional snapshot of how the body is metabolizing circulating estrogens. It is a tool for assessing relative estrogenic signaling strength.