Estradiol (serum/plasma, mass concentration)
This test measures the amount of estradiol, a primary female sex hormone, in your blood. Estradiol plays a key role in reproductive health, bone density, and overall well-being.
["Estradiol levels help assess hormone balance and potential health concerns."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 72873-3
- Short code
- Estradiol SerPl HS-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Estradiol SerPl HS-sCnc
- 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
- Method
- high-sensitivity
- 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 an estradiol test to evaluate symptoms like irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, or menopausal changes. It can also help diagnose conditions such as hormonal imbalances, ovarian or pituitary disorders, or monitor treatment for hormone-related conditions.
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 test if it involves a blood draw. Avoid smoking or consuming certain medications that could affect hormone levels. If you’re on birth control or hormone therapy, let your provider know.
During the Test
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. You may feel a slight pinch, but the process is quick. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to a general reference range, but individual ranges can vary based on age, sex, and medical history. High or low estradiol levels may signal underlying health issues that need further evaluation.
Reference range
Premenopausal: 20-400 pg/mL; Postmenopausal: <30 pg/mLN/A
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.
Estradiol levels are critical for diagnosing hormonal disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), ovarian failure, or thyroid dysfunction. They also help monitor menopause, fertility treatments, or conditions affecting bone health. Abnormal results may prompt additional testing or treatment adjustments.
Short name
Estradiol Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes fluctuations in estradiol levels?
How long does it take to get results?
Can diet or supplements affect estradiol levels?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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.
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