Estradiol
Salivary Estradiol Measurement in Wave I of the Social Life Health & Aging
Project
Authors:
Karl Mendoza, BS, University of Chicago, Department of Ob/Gyn
Mary Curran, Salimetrics LLC
Stacy Tessler Lindau, MD, MAPP, University of Chicago, Departments of Ob/Gyn and Medicine –
Geriatrics*
* Corresponding author. Fax: +1 773 834 5664.
E-mail address: slindau@uchicago.edu (S.T. Lindau).
Suggested Citation: Mendoza, K., M. Curran, and S.T. Lindau. (2007). Salivary Estradiol
Measurement in Wave I of the National Social Life, Health & Aging Project (NSHAP). Chicago
Core on Biomarkers in Population-Based Aging Research
http://biomarkers.uchicago.edu/pdfs/TR-Estradiol.pdf
Date: December 17, 2007
Contents
• Rationale
• Measurement
• Population Norms
• Specimen Collection
• Storage and Shipping
• Assay
• Performance Characteristics
• Quality Control
• Availability
• References
Rationale
Estradiol (17-beta-estradiol or E2), a steroid hormone derived from cholesterol, targets a variety of
tissues, located in the female and male reproductive tracts, mammary gland, and skeletal and
cardiovascular systems (Hall, Couse et al. 2001). Among women, it is primarily synthesized from
testosterone in the ovarian follicles, whereas among men, it is produced by the testes and
extraglandular conversion of androgens (Tivis, Richardson et al. 2005; Salimetrics 2006).
In women, estradiol synthesis normally declines after menopause (Manly, Merchant et al. 2000;
Meston and Frohlich 2000). This causes decreased vaginal lubrication and atrophy of the vaginal
epithelium, due to diminished genital vasocongestion (Meston and Frohlich 2000). Though the
role of estrogens in female sexual desire is not fully understood, they may influence sexual desire
(Dennerstein, Gotts et al. 1994; Meston and Frohlich 2000); estrogen replacement therapy may
indirectly enhance female sexuality, by restoring vaginal lubrication (Meston and Frohlich 2000)
or promoting positive body image and overall sense o