Estriol

Estriol is one of the three main estrogens produced by the human body. It is only produced in significant amounts during pregnancy as it is made by the fetus.

Levels of estriol in non-pregnant women do not change much after menopause, and levels are not significantly different from levels in men.

Estriol levels can be measured to give an indication of the general health of the fetus. DHEA is produced by the adrenal cortex of the fetus, this is converted to estriol by the placenta.

If levels are abnormally low in a pregnant woman, this may indicate a problem with the development in the child.