Estradiol (Serum) by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
This test measures the amount of estradiol, a key female sex hormone, in your blood. Estradiol helps regulate menstrual cycles, supports reproductive health, and plays a role in bone and cardiovascular health.
["Estradiol levels can help diagnose hormonal imbalances or conditions like perimenopause, ovarian issues, or certain cancers."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 58490-4
- Short code
- Estradiol sp3 p chal SerPl HS-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Estradiol sp3 p chal SerPl HS-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
- 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 this test if you have symptoms like irregular periods, hot flashes, infertility, or signs of hormonal disorders. It may also be used to monitor hormone therapy or evaluate conditions like ovarian cysts or tumors.
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 instructed. Wear a loose shirt for easy access. Bring any medications or supplements you’re taking, as they could affect results.
How the Test Is Performed
A blood sample will be drawn from a vein in your arm by a healthcare professional. The blood is then sent to a lab for analysis using HPLC to separate and measure estradiol levels precisely.
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported as a mass concentration of estradiol in your serum. While reference ranges vary by age and health status, very high or very low levels may signal underlying conditions 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 help identify hormonal disorders, such as low estrogen (hypoestrogenism) or high estrogen (hyperestrogenism), which can cause symptoms like fatigue, mood changes, or reproductive issues. It’s also used in diagnosing conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, or certain cancers (e.g., breast or endometrial). Monitoring estradiol can guide treatment decisions for menopause, fertility, or hormone replacement therapy.
Short name
Estradiol Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes abnormal 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