Estradiol (Serum) by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
This test measures the amount of estradiol, a key female sex hormone, in your blood serum. Estradiol plays a critical role in regulating menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and overall reproductive health.
["Estradiol levels help diagnose hormonal imbalances, fertility issues, or conditions like perimenopause."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 58487-0
- Short code
- Estradiol sp6 p chal SerPl HS-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Estradiol sp6 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 to evaluate symptoms such as irregular periods, menopausal changes, or to monitor hormone therapy. It can also help diagnose conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or evaluate hormone-related cancers.
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 a comfortable shirt for easy access to your arm.
How the Test Is Performed
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm using a small needle. You may feel a slight pinch, but the procedure usually takes less than five minutes. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis using HPLC.
What the Results Mean
Results are reported in picograms per milliliter (pg/mL). While reference ranges vary by lab, lower or higher levels than expected may indicate hormonal disorders or other health concerns. Your provider will interpret results in the context of your medical history and symptoms.
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 can indicate reproductive health, menopausal status, or potential hormonal imbalances. Low levels may suggest early menopause, thyroid issues, or certain cancers, while high levels could signal tumors, ovarian cysts, or other endocrine disorders. Regular monitoring helps manage conditions like PCOS or hormone replacement therapy effectively.
Short name
Serum Estradiol Level
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my estradiol test results?
Can diet or supplements affect estradiol levels?
Is this test the same as a pregnancy test?
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