Almost all vital processes in the human body are regulated by hormones. These biologically active substances in their majority are produced by endocrine glands. Depending on the age, state of health, or the presence of a developing pregnancy, the hormonal background undergoes major changes and thereby gives a clear picture of the processes that are taking place.
A special place is occupied by hormones during conception and in the process of gestation, they prepare the female organism for fertilization , create favorable conditions for further development. By the nature of hormonal changes can be judged about the characteristics of pregnancy. The most accurate marker of pregnancy is free estriol.
Free estriol in pregnancy
Free estriol belongs to the number of steroid hormones, in the ordinary state its level is minimal, and only during pregnancy the rates of norm increase in proportion to the time. For example, at 6-7 weeks, the hormone level is 0.6-2.5 nmol / L, while at 19-20 it is in the range of 7.5-28, the maximum value falls on 40-42 weeks and reaches 111 nmol / l.
It is especially important to pass the test for compliance with the level of free estriol norm when pregnant women:
- aged over 35-40 years;
- having children with developmental defects;
- with the presence in the family of persons with chromosomal abnormalities;
- after radiation exposure;
- with some diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, frequent miscarriage;
- after taking some medications.
Analysis of blood for free estriol - indicators
To suspect fetal pathology or unfavorable course of pregnancy is possible if free estriol is below normal. As a rule, a decrease in free estriol in pregnancy by more than 40 percent may indicate:
- the threat of interruption or premature birth;
- about Down's syndrome;
- on the presence of intrauterine infection;
- about fetoplacental insufficiency ;
- hypoplasia of the adrenal glands of the fetus;
- about the anencephaly of the fetus.
Certainly, a significant decrease in the hormone is very dangerous, but it is often just an effect of taking certain medications.
If free estriol is elevated - this is also not a very favorable symptom. It often indicates liver and kidney disease, the likelihood of premature birth. In addition, estriol significantly increases when bearing a twin or large fetus.