Estrogen (Estradiol) in Serum
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 hormonal balance, fertility, and potential health risks."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 58486-2
- Short code
- Estradiol sp7 p chal SerPl HS-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Estradiol sp7 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 This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test to evaluate symptoms like irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, or signs of hormonal imbalances. It can also be used during pregnancy, before hormone therapy, or to monitor conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
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 draw if your lab requires it. Wear comfortable clothing and plan to stay for about 15 minutes while blood is collected.
How the Test Is Performed
A healthcare professional will insert a needle into a vein in your arm to draw blood. You may feel a slight pinch, but it usually doesn’t cause long-lasting discomfort. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to a general reference range, which can vary by lab and individual factors like age, sex, and health status. High or low levels may signal conditions like hormonal disorders, thyroid issues, or other medical concerns.
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 imbalances, fertility problems, and conditions affecting bone health. Low levels may indicate premature ovarian failure, menopause, or thyroid disorders, while high levels could suggest tumors, Cushing’s syndrome, or other endocrine issues. Regular monitoring helps guide treatment for conditions like PCOS or hormone replacement therapy.
Short name
Estradiol Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes estradiol levels to change?
How long does it take to get results?
Can diet or supplements affect estradiol test results?
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