Estradiol (Total) in Serum
This test measures the total amount of estradiol, a primary female sex hormone, in your blood serum. Estradiol plays a key role in regulating menstrual cycles, maintaining reproductive health, and supporting bone and cardiovascular health.
["Estradiol levels help diagnose hormonal imbalances, fertility issues, or conditions related to estrogen production."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 34286-5
- Short code
- Estradiol Ur-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Estradiol Ur-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 20
- Ref high
- 400
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82670
- SNOMED
- 300919004
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you experience symptoms like irregular menstrual periods, infertility, or signs of hormonal changes. It could also be used to monitor conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), ovarian cysts, or hormone therapy. Some women get this test during pregnancy or before starting birth control to check hormone levels.
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 your provider specifies it. Wear comfortable clothing and plan to stay for about 15 minutes while a blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm.
What Happens During the Test
A healthcare professional will clean the area with an antiseptic, insert a small needle into your vein, and collect a blood sample. You may feel a slight pinch, but the procedure is quick and typically painless. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to a reference range that may vary by lab and age. Low levels might suggest hormonal deficiencies, while high levels could indicate conditions like ovarian tumors or certain medications affecting estrogen. Your provider will discuss these findings in the context of your health history.
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, fertility problems, and conditions affecting women’s health. For example, low estradiol may indicate menopause-related symptoms or ovarian dysfunction, while elevated levels could signal tumors or hormonal imbalances. Regular monitoring helps manage conditions like PCOS or thyroid disorders that influence estrogen metabolism.
Short name
Total Estradiol
Frequently asked questions
What causes estradiol levels to be tested?
How long does it take to get results?
Can I eat or drink before this 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