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Estrogen (Estradiol) in Serum

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

This test measures the amount of estradiol, a type of estrogen hormone, in your blood serum. Estradiol is important for women’s reproductive health and men’s hormone balance.

Quick summary

["Estradiol levels help diagnose hormonal imbalances or conditions related to reproductive health."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
24414-5
Short code
Estradiol BS SerPl-mCnc
Synonyms
Estradiol BS SerPl-mCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
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
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Might Be Ordered

Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like irregular periods (in women), changes in breast tissue, or signs of hormonal disorders. It could also be part of fertility evaluations, monitoring hormone replacement therapy, or checking for conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or ovarian tumors.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the draw if your lab requires it. Wear comfortable clothing and plan to sit quietly for a few minutes while blood is drawn from your arm.

How the Test Works

A small amount of blood is drawn from a vein in your arm and sent to a lab. The lab uses a specialized immunoassay method to detect and measure estradiol levels in your serum.

What the Results Mean

Results are compared to standard ranges for your age and sex. Low or high levels may signal underlying health concerns, but interpretation depends on your medical history and symptoms. Your provider will discuss findings with you.

Reference range

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

Specimen: serum

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.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Estradiol Level

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get my estradiol test results?
Results typically arrive within 1–3 business days, depending on your lab’s processing time. Your provider will contact you once they’re ready to discuss them.
What does a low estradiol level mean?
Low estradiol may indicate menopause, ovarian dysfunction, or thyroid disorders. It can also be caused by medications or certain medical conditions. Your provider will assess this in context with your symptoms and other test results.
Can diet or supplements affect estradiol levels?
Some foods, herbs, or supplements (like soy or phytoestrogens) may influence hormone levels, but the impact varies by individual. Avoiding alcohol and certain medications (e.g., birth control) before testing can help ensure accurate results.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

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