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Estradiol (serum/plasma, mass concentration)

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 reproductive health, and influences bone and cardiovascular health.

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
83097-6
Short code
Estradiol SerPl IA-sCnc
Synonyms
Estradiol SerPl IA-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
ia
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?

Doctors may order estradiol testing to evaluate symptoms like irregular periods, infertility, or menopause-related issues. It can also help monitor hormone replacement therapy or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours if your blood is drawn early in the morning. Wear comfortable clothing for easy access to your arm.

How the Test Works

A small blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it’s analyzed to measure estradiol concentration using a sensitive immunoassay method.

What the Results Mean

Results are compared to general reference ranges for your age and sex. Low or high levels may signal underlying health concerns that need further evaluation.

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.

Clinical significance: Estradiol levels are critical for diagnosing hormonal disorders, assessing fertility, and guiding treatments for conditions like endometriosis, breast cancer, or menopause. Abnormal results may prompt additional testing or lifestyle adjustments.

Short name

Estradiol Level

Frequently asked questions

What causes estradiol levels to be too low?
Low estradiol can result from menopause, ovarian dysfunction, thyroid disorders, or certain medications. It may also occur in conditions like premature ovarian insufficiency or chronic stress.
What causes estradiol levels to be too high?
High estradiol is sometimes linked to hormonal imbalances, tumors (benign or malignant), or conditions like PCOS. It can also be influenced by certain medications or genetic factors.
How often should I get this test?
Frequency depends on your health needs. Doctors may recommend regular monitoring for hormonal therapies, fertility treatments, or if you have a history of hormonal disorders. Follow-up is typically scheduled based on your symptoms and medical history.
  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