Estrogen blood test

[pugwas]

Hi I am a recovering alcoholic that’s hasn’t drunk for 9 months. This last month my face has developed lots of broken capillaries and I am scared it might be due to the onset of liver cirrhosis. I have read online that it is due to the liver not being able to process estrogen. I am having a blood test on Friday, ALT, AST, ALP, Billirubin and Albanian but my Dr won’t let me have a Estrogen blood test she says it is unnecessary.

Do you think I am covered with the tests I’m having? Would you expect that if my liver could process Estrogen that it wouldn’t be able to process other things and would show up on the other tests? And has anyone with cirrhosis had an estrogen blood test and were the results out of range?

Thanks 🙏

[AyrshireK]

Broken capillaries on your face are not necessarily anything to do with the liver. They can be due to exposure to sunlight. Both my Dad and I have them on our cheeks and sides of our noses (we spend lots of time outdoors) - yet, neither of us drink and neither of us have any liver disease. My hubby does have cirrhosis but doesn't have broken capillaries.

The blood tests you are having should give some clue as to what is going on with your liver, the hormone tests probably are not necessary at this stage. If you do get a face to face appointment with your GP at some point you should get your face checked.

Katie

[Hidden]

Hi,

The liver bloods will be a good start to investigate matters; you may also want to discuss an imaging scan, such as an ultrasound for more information. Here is our publication 'Liver disease tests explained' that may be useful:

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

As Katie says in her reply, you can have broken capillaries on your face without any liver problems, however, it would still absolutely be a good idea to get the GP to physically assess your face when you see them

Best wishes

Trust1

[tommyc]

In men, Estrogen levels are commonly raised, it has something to do with Testosterone converting to Estrogen via a process called Aromatisation.

[pugwas in reply to tommyc]

Is this just in men with liver disease/cirrhosis or all men please?

[AyrshireK in reply to pugwas]

Fifty percent of patients with cirrhosis experience sexual dysfunction. Men may notice loss of interest, testicular shrinking, breast enlargement, and female hair growth pattern. The liver plays an important role in the breakdown of sex hormones, such as estrogen or testosterone. With increased scarring of the liver more estrogen remains in the body leading to the above-mentioned problems.