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Estradiol (Serum) by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

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

This test measures the amount of estradiol, a key female sex hormone, in your blood. Estradiol helps regulate menstrual cycles, supports fertility, and influences breast and reproductive tissue development.

Quick summary

["Estradiol levels can help diagnose hormonal imbalances or track treatment effectiveness."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
85065-1
Short code
Estradiol p FSH SerPl-mCnc
Synonyms
Estradiol p FSH 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 Is This Test Done?

Your healthcare provider may order this test to evaluate symptoms like irregular periods, infertility, or signs of hormonal disorders. It can also be used during pregnancy to monitor hormone levels or before surgery (e.g., hysterectomy) to assess estrogen status.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the draw if your lab requires it. Wear a comfortable shirt for easy access to your vein. Bring any medications or supplements you’re taking, as they may affect results.

What Happens During the Test?

A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. The process takes a few minutes, and you may feel slight discomfort. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis using HPLC to measure estradiol concentration.

What the Results Mean

Results are compared to a general reference range, but individual ranges can vary by age, health status, and cycle phase. High levels may suggest conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or tumors, while low levels could indicate menopause, thyroid issues, or other hormonal imbalances.

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 are typically available within 1–3 business days, depending on your lab’s processing time. Follow-up with your provider to discuss findings and next steps.
Can diet or supplements affect estradiol levels?
Certain foods (e.g., soy, flaxseed), herbal supplements (e.g., black cohosh), and medications (e.g., birth control) may influence estradiol. Always inform your provider about all supplements or medications you take.
Is fasting required for this test?
Some labs may require fasting for 8–12 hours, but check with your provider or lab for specific instructions. If you’re unsure, ask before your appointment.
  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