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Estradiol [Mass/time] in 24-Hour Urine

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the total amount of estradiol, a form of estrogen, excreted in urine collected over 24 hours. It can help clinicians assess estrogen production when a timed urine collection is appropriate.

Quick summary

["A 24-hour urine estradiol result reflects estrogen excretion over the entire collection period and must be interpreted alongside symptoms, medications, and other hormone tests."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
21263-9
Short code
Estradiol 24h Ur-mRate
Synonyms
Estradiol 24h Ur-mRate
Category
chemistry
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile urine container
Units
N/A
Ref low
20
Ref high
400
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
CPT
82670
SNOMED
300919004
Specimen volume
10 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What Does the Test Measure?

Estradiol is the most abundant form of estrogen in the body. This test measures how much estradiol is eliminated in the urine during a full 24-hour period, rather than testing the blood level at a single moment.

How Is the Urine Collected?

Urine is collected for 24 hours in a labeled container provided by the laboratory or clinic. The collection should begin and end at the specified times, and all urine produced during that period should be included; missed collections or incorrect timing can affect the result.

Why Is This Test Used?

Clinicians may use a 24-hour urine estradiol test to help evaluate estrogen production in selected fertility, endocrine, or hormone-treatment assessments. It may be used with other tests, because estradiol alone may not provide enough information to explain symptoms or treatment response.

What Affects the Result?

Menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause, hormone medications, and conditions that alter estrogen production can influence the result. An incomplete collection, unusual urine output, and certain medications may also affect the measured amount.

Reference range

Premenopausal: 20-400 pg/mL; Postmenopausal: <30 pg/mLN/A

Specimen: urine

For females: inform if menstrual cycle status. For certain tests, timing within menstrual cycle may matter.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical significance: A 24-hour urine estradiol result can provide information about the body's overall estrogen excretion, but it does not by itself diagnose a specific condition. Interpretation depends on the clinical question, collection quality, medications, and findings from other hormone or imaging tests.

Short name

24-Hour Urine Estradiol

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same as a serum estradiol test?
No. A serum estradiol test measures estrogen in blood at one point in time, while a 24-hour urine test measures the total amount excreted in urine over a full day. The tests can provide different information and are not direct substitutes.
Do I need to stop taking my medications before this test?
Do not stop prescribed medications unless your clinician specifically instructs you to do so. Some medicines can affect estradiol results, so tell the healthcare team about all medications, supplements, and hormone products before the collection.
What if I miss part of the 24-hour collection?
Contact the laboratory or ordering clinician for instructions. A missed collection can make the result unreliable, and the collection may need to be repeated with careful attention to the start and finish times.
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy