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24-Hour Urinary Estrogen (Total) Excretion Rate

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the total amount of estrogen hormones excreted in your urine over a 24-hour period. Estrogen is a key hormone involved in reproductive health and helps regulate menstrual cycles.

Quick summary

["Assesses long-term estrogen levels in your body through urine."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
2246-7
Short code
u Estradiol 24h Ur-mRate
Synonyms
u Estradiol 24h Ur-mRate
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 Is Done

Your healthcare provider may order this test to evaluate estrogen production, diagnose hormonal imbalances, or monitor conditions like ovarian dysfunction, breast cancer, or certain genetic disorders. It can also help assess fertility or response to hormone treatments.

What to Expect Before the Test

You’ll need to collect all urine for 24 hours, starting and ending with a sample at the same time each day. Store the urine in a refrigerator or freezer until the test. Follow your provider’s instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.

How the Test Works

The collected urine is analyzed to determine the total amount of estrogen excreted. This involves measuring the combined levels of different estrogen compounds in your urine over the full day.

What the Results Mean

Results help identify whether estrogen levels are too high or too low. Abnormal results may signal conditions affecting hormone production, metabolism, or reproductive health.

Reference range

Premenopausal: 20-400 pg/mL; Postmenopausal: <30 pg/mLN/A

Specimen: urine

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.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

24-hour urine estrogen test

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get my results?
Results are typically available within 1 to 2 weeks after the lab processes your sample. Your healthcare provider will contact you to review them.
Can I take medications before this test?
Some medications may affect estrogen levels. Ask your provider if you should stop certain medications (like birth control or hormone therapies) before collecting urine samples. Always follow their specific instructions.
Is there anything I should avoid during the 24-hour urine collection?
Avoid certain foods, drinks, or supplements (like soy products or herbal supplements) that may influence estrogen levels. Also, refrain from smoking or using tobacco products, as they can impact hormone metabolism.
  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