2-Methoxyestrone (Pre-menopausal)

Optimal Result: 2 - 5.9 ng/mg Creat/Day.

2-Methoxyestrone (Pre-menopausal) is a biomarker measured in hormone testing that provides valuable insights into estrogen metabolism, particularly in premenopausal women. This metabolite of estrone, one of the primary forms of estrogen, is produced through the methylation of estrone, a process facilitated by enzymes in the liver. The level of 2-methoxyestrone in the body reflects how estrogen is processed and can be an important marker for evaluating overall hormonal health and balance.

In premenopausal women, 2-methoxyestrone can provide insights into various aspects of hormonal regulation, including:

  • Estrogen metabolism: Elevated or imbalanced levels of 2-methoxyestrone may indicate altered estrogen metabolism, which could contribute to hormone-related conditions.

  • Estrogen-related cancer risk: Research has suggested that the ratio of different estrogen metabolites, including 2-methoxyestrone, can influence the risk of hormone-related cancers, such as breast cancer. Imbalances in estrogen metabolism may increase the formation of more harmful estrogen metabolites, raising the risk of such conditions.

  • Endocrine function: Abnormal levels of 2-methoxyestrone can also signal potential issues with the endocrine system, particularly with the liver’s ability to process estrogen efficiently.

Role in Hormonal Balance

2-Methoxyestrone is part of a broader group of estrogen metabolites that include other important compounds such as 2-hydroxyestrone and 16α-hydroxyestrone. The balance between these metabolites is significant for maintaining hormonal harmony. A higher ratio of 2-hydroxyestrone to 16α-hydroxyestrone, for example, is generally considered protective against estrogen-driven cancers, while lower levels of 2-methoxyestrone can indicate a shift toward potentially harmful estrogenic pathways.

Testing and Clinical Relevance

Measuring 2-methoxyestrone in urine or serum as part of a comprehensive hormone panel offers an in-depth look at estrogen metabolism. This non-invasive testing method provides several advantages:

  • It helps assess how the body processes estrogen and whether there are any metabolic imbalances.
  • It can be used to evaluate the risk of developing hormone-dependent cancers.
  • It provides insights into liver function, as the liver plays a key role in estrogen metabolism.

Interpretation and Clinical Considerations

When interpreting 2-methoxyestrone levels, healthcare practitioners will consider the patient’s menstrual cycle phase, age, and other clinical factors. Hormonal fluctuations throughout the cycle can affect the levels of estrogen metabolites, and therefore, the timing of the test is important. Any variations in the results may help guide treatment options for hormonal imbalances, cancer risk management, or liver health optimization.

Understanding the role of 2-methoxyestrone in premenopausal women helps in developing personalized approaches for maintaining optimal hormonal health and reducing the risk of estrogen-related health conditions.

What does it mean if your 2-Methoxyestrone (Pre-menopausal) result is too low?

Decreased levels of 2-Methoxyestrone can indicate several potential health issues, particularly related to estrogen metabolism and endocrine function. Some of the conditions or situations where low levels may be observed include:

  1. Impaired estrogen metabolism: Low levels of 2-methoxyestrone may suggest an imbalance in how estrogen is metabolized in the body. This can be associated with inefficient detoxification of estrogen, which may lead to the accumulation of potentially harmful estrogen metabolites, such as 16α-hydroxyestrone. This imbalance can increase the risk of estrogen-related health conditions, including hormone-dependent cancers like breast cancer.

  2. Liver dysfunction: The liver plays a crucial role in estrogen metabolism, including the methylation process that produces 2-methoxyestrone. Reduced levels of this metabolite can signal impaired liver function or detoxification capacity. Conditions like fatty liver disease, liver cirrhosis, or other liver-related issues may hinder the production of 2-methoxyestrone.

  3. Estrogen dominance: While not always directly linked, low 2-methoxyestrone levels could contribute to estrogen dominance, a condition where estrogen levels are disproportionately high relative to progesterone. This imbalance can lead to symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding, fibroids, and increased risks of estrogen-driven conditions.

  4. Hormonal imbalance: Low levels of 2-methoxyestrone may be indicative of a broader hormonal imbalance, particularly in the balance between estrogen metabolites. It could be a sign that the body is not properly processing estrogen, potentially contributing to symptoms of hormonal imbalance such as mood swings, irregular periods, or issues with fertility.

  5. Nutritional deficiencies or oxidative stress: Deficiencies in certain nutrients required for proper estrogen metabolism, such as methyl donors (e.g., folate, B12, or SAMe), may result in lower levels of 2-methoxyestrone. Additionally, high levels of oxidative stress can impair the enzyme activity needed for the proper conversion of estrone into its methylated forms, including 2-methoxyestrone.

When decreased levels of 2-Methoxyestrone are identified, treatment and management strategies typically focus on addressing the underlying causes, optimizing estrogen metabolism, and restoring hormonal balance. These strategies may involve a combination of lifestyle changes, nutritional support, and, if necessary, medical interventions. Here’s a more detailed look at appropriate treatment and management approaches:

1. Optimizing Estrogen Metabolism

  • Dietary Changes: A diet rich in fiber, cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts), and phytonutrients can support healthy estrogen metabolism. These foods contain compounds that help promote the conversion of estrone into safer estrogen metabolites like 2-hydroxyestrone, potentially reducing the risk of estrogen-related health issues.

  • Increase Methylation Support: Since 2-methoxyestrone is produced through methylation, supporting methylation pathways is important. This can be achieved by ensuring adequate intake of methyl donors, such as:

    • Folate (found in leafy greens, legumes, and fortified grains)
    • Vitamin B12 (found in animal products like meat, eggs, and dairy)
    • SAMe (S-adenosyl methionine), a naturally occurring compound that can also be taken as a supplement.
  • Reduce Toxic Load: Exposure to environmental toxins and endocrine disruptors (e.g., pesticides, plastics) can interfere with estrogen metabolism. Minimizing exposure to these substances by choosing organic foods, using natural household products, and avoiding plastics that contain BPA can help support hormone health.

2. Supporting Liver Function

  • Detoxification Support: Since the liver plays a crucial role in estrogen metabolism, supporting liver health is essential. This can be achieved through:

    • Liver-supportive foods: Foods like beets, turmeric, and dandelion root can help support liver detoxification pathways.
    • Hydration: Proper hydration ensures the liver’s detoxification processes function efficiently.
    • Supplements: Milk thistle (silymarin), N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and glutathione can support liver function and detoxification, particularly if there are concerns about impaired liver health.
  • Avoiding Alcohol and Toxins: Alcohol and other toxins can impair liver function, so reducing alcohol intake and avoiding exposure to harmful chemicals is recommended for maintaining optimal estrogen metabolism.

3. Balancing Hormones

  • Addressing Estrogen Dominance: If low levels of 2-methoxyestrone are associated with estrogen dominance, treatment may involve balancing estrogen levels by:

    • Progesterone supplementation: In some cases, bioidentical progesterone may be prescribed to help balance estrogen levels. This is particularly relevant for women with symptoms of estrogen dominance, such as heavy periods or PMS.
    • Lifestyle changes: Reducing stress and engaging in regular exercise can help modulate estrogen levels. Chronic stress increases cortisol, which can interfere with progesterone and estrogen balance.
  • Herbal Support: Certain herbs can help promote hormonal balance:

    • Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry): Often used to regulate progesterone levels in women with hormonal imbalances.
    • DIM (Diindolylmethane): A compound found in cruciferous vegetables that may help balance estrogen metabolism, favoring the production of protective estrogen metabolites like 2-hydroxyestrone.

4. Nutritional and Supplement Support

  • Anti-inflammatory Diet: Chronic inflammation can impair hormone metabolism, so following an anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (from fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts) can help optimize hormonal function.

  • Antioxidant-Rich Foods: Foods high in antioxidants, such as berries, green tea, and nuts, can help reduce oxidative stress, which may impair the enzymes responsible for estrogen metabolism.

  • Supplements to Support Estrogen Metabolism:

    • DIM (Diindolylmethane), found in cruciferous vegetables, may help favorably influence estrogen metabolism by increasing the production of protective estrogen metabolites.
    • Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), another compound from cruciferous vegetables, is known for promoting healthy estrogen metabolism.

5. Medical Intervention

  • Bioidentical Hormones: In some cases, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be used to balance estrogen and progesterone levels, especially if low levels of 2-methoxyestrone are part of a broader hormonal imbalance.

  • Monitoring Hormonal Health: Regular monitoring of hormone levels, including estrogen metabolites, is crucial for women who are managing estrogen-related health concerns. This can help ensure that treatment strategies are effective and adjust as needed.

  • Consultation with an Endocrinologist or Hormone Specialist: If there are concerns about hormonal imbalances, consulting with a specialist in endocrinology or functional medicine can provide a personalized treatment plan that takes into account the full spectrum of hormones and overall health.

6. Managing Stress and Lifestyle Factors

  • Stress Reduction: Chronic stress can lead to an imbalance in cortisol and sex hormones, negatively impacting estrogen metabolism. Incorporating stress-reducing practices like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can help regulate hormone levels.

  • Exercise: Regular physical activity can help balance hormones and support detoxification processes, improving liver function and estrogen metabolism.

In summary, addressing decreased 2-methoxyestrone levels involves a multi-faceted approach. Supporting estrogen metabolism through diet, liver health, and stress management, alongside hormonal balancing strategies, can help optimize overall hormonal health. When necessary, medical interventions, such as progesterone supplementation or hormone replacement therapy, may be considered to restore balance and reduce the risk of estrogen-related health issues. Regular testing and personalized care are essential for managing and maintaining optimal hormonal health.

Frequently asked questions

Healthmatters is a highly-personalized health dashboard.

Instead of searching for your lab results in different places or tracking them down from different providers, Healthmatters houses, organizes, and interprets them all in one central location.

With a Healthmatters account, you can dive into the details of each biomarker and gain insights into the meaning behind your medical test data, anytime, anywhere.

For our professional users, Healthmatters provides intuitive tools that not only streamline analysis but also save valuable time when delving into your client's lab report history.

Healthmatters.io personal account provides in-depth research on 4000+ biomarkers, including information and suggestions for test panels such as, but not limited to:

  • The GI Effects® Comprehensive Stool Profile,
  • GI-MAP,
  • The NutrEval FMV®,
  • The ION Profile,
  • Amino Acids Profile,
  • Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones (DUTCH),
  • Organic Acids Test,
  • Organix Comprehensive Profile,
  • Toxic Metals,
  • Complete Blood Count (CBC),
  • Metabolic panel,
  • Thyroid panel,
  • Lipid Panel,
  • Urinalysis,
  • And many, many more.

You can combine all test reports inside your Healthmatters account and keep them in one place. It gives you an excellent overview of all your health data. Once you retest, you can add new results and compare them.

If you are still determining whether Healthmatters support your lab results, the rule is that if you can test it, you can upload it to Healthmatters.

While we work with many popular labs, we welcome reports from lots of other places too.

It's as simple as this: if you can get a test done, you can upload it to Healthmatters and we can interpret results from any lab out there. If laboratories can analyze it, we can interpret it.

If you’re on the hunt for a specific biomarker, contact us and we'll add it to our database. Anything from blood, urine, saliva, or stool can be uploaded, understood, and tracked with your Healthmatters account.

There are two ways to add your test reports to your Healthmatters account. One option is to input the data using the data entry forms. The other method is to utilize our "Data entry service."

Our data entry forms offer an easy, fast, and free way for you to input the reports yourself. Self-entry allows you to add an unlimited number of reports at no cost. We make the self-entry process user-friendly, providing dozens of templates that pre-populate the most popular laboratory panels and offering instant feedback on entered values.

For those who prefer assistance, we offer a "Data entry service" to help you input your data. Simply attach an image or file of your lab test results, and a qualified team member from our data entry team will add the results for you.

We support various file types, including PDFs, JPGs, or Excel. This service is particularly useful if you have many reports to upload or if you're too busy to handle the data entry yourself.

Our special data entry service makes it easy to add your results to your private dashboard. Just attach an image or a file of your lab test results, and our skilled data entry team will do the work for you. It's all done by humans, ensuring that your data is entered accurately and with personal care for each client.

Depending on your account, the data entry service can be included for free or come at an additional cost of $15 per report.

For users on the Complete monthly plan, the first report is entered free of charge, and each additional report incurs a fee of $15.

Unlimited account holders enjoy the entry of ten reports without charge. Subsequent reports are subject to a $15 fee per report.

Additionally, users on the Complete plan can upgrade to a yearly subscription from the account settings. The annual subscription includes a data entry service for five reports.

The Unlimited plan is a one-time purchase for $250, and it covers your account for a lifetime with no additional payments.

For the Complete plan, the cost is $15 per month. You have the flexibility to cancel it anytime through your account settings, ensuring no further payments. To avoid charges, remember to cancel at least a day before the renewal date. Once canceled, the subscription remains active until the end of the current billing cycle.

Additionally, you can upgrade to the yearly Advanced plan from within your account. The annual cost is $79, and it comes with a data entry service for five reports.

You can always upgrade to a lifetime version with a prorated price from a monthly or yearly subscription.

Simply log in and navigate to your account settings to cancel your subscription. Scroll down to locate the 'Cancel' button at the bottom of the page. Ensure you cancel at least one day before the renewal date to prevent any charges. Once cancellation is requested, the subscription remains active until the conclusion of the current billing cycle.

Our goal has been to make your Healthmatters account as intuitive as possible.

We’ve crafted multiple ways for you to navigate your data, whether you're glancing at a single report or delving into your historical test reports.

1. Graph View:

Dive into a visual journey with our biomarker graphs, showcasing over 40 data points. Combining years of results unveils trends, empowering you to make informed decisions. Our visualization tools make it a breeze to compare and understand changes over time, even if your results are from different labs. A search function and filters simplify the exploration of extensive data, allowing you to focus on what needs attention.

2. All Tests View

Explore neatly organized reports on a timeline, highlighting crucial details like dates, critical results, and lab/panel names. Each report opens up to reveal in-depth descriptions and additional recommendations for each biomarker. The history of previous results is just a click away, and you can download a comprehensive report for deeper insights. Color-coded and user-friendly, it's designed for easy reading, understanding, and navigation.

3. Table View:

For a holistic view of all biomarkers side by side, our table view is your go-to. Results are neatly displayed in a categorized and dated table, ideal for those with an extensive test history. Utilize sorting, filters, and color-coding to enhance your analysis and gain extra insights.

Yes, you can download information from your account. We can compile your labs into a CSV file. To download all your labs, you can go to Account Settings, and at the bottom of the page, you will find a link to download your information.

Yes, you can print your report. To do so, navigate to "All tests" and open the report you wish to print. You'll find a print button in the right corner of the report. Click on it, and your browser's print window will open. If you prefer to print in a bigger typeface, adjust the scale using the print window settings.

Yes, you can! We highly recommend activating Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for your account. To do so, please navigate to the "Profile and Security" section of your account, where you will find instructions for activating 2FA.

Yes, you can. When entering values for the biomarker, you will see an "Edit Range" button. Click this button, and you'll have the option to enter a custom range.

A personal account is all about keeping your own lab test results in check. It's just for you and your personal use.

The professional account is designed for health professionals who wish to track and organize their clients' laboratory results.

Yes, you can! Simply go to the "Invite Doctor" section, enter your doctor’s email address, and send the invitation. Your doctor will receive an email with secure access to view your results. You can revoke this access at any time. All shared information is securely encrypted and protected for your privacy.
Yes, you can! Go to the Graph view or Spreadsheet view. In the top-right corner, click "Export to Excel," and the file will be downloaded to your device.

Use promo code to save 10% off any plan.


We implement proven measures to keep your data safe.

At HealthMatters, we're committed to maintaining the security and confidentiality of your personal information. We've put industry-leading security standards in place to help protect against the loss, misuse, or alteration of the information under our control. We use procedural, physical, and electronic security methods designed to prevent unauthorized people from getting access to this information. Our internal code of conduct adds additional privacy protection. All data is backed up multiple times a day and encrypted using SSL certificates. See our Privacy Policy for more details.