Information about a laboratory test

Estradiol (E2): What Does This Blood Test Measure?

Measures the blood level of estradiol, one of the main estrogens.

Test summary

Test name
Estradiol (E2)
Abbreviations
E2
Category
Endocrinology / Reproductive
Panel
Reproductive Hormones
Specimen
Serum / plasma
Common units
pg/mL, pmol/L

What does the test measure?

Measures the blood level of estradiol, one of the main estrogens.

Why is the test ordered?

Used to evaluate ovarian function, fertility, menstrual disorders, menopause, puberty, and some hormone treatments.

Information about a low result

Low estradiol is expected after menopause; in reproductive-age people it can relate to ovarian or pituitary function, low body fat, or other causes.

Information about a high result

High estradiol may be physiologic depending on cycle phase or pregnancy; medicines and ovarian or adrenal factors can also affect it.

Reference and clinical context

Use the reference interval printed on your own laboratory report first. Hormone results may vary with the assay, age, sex, pregnancy, menstrual-cycle phase, and sampling time.

Reference range 1

>= 10 – <= 50 pg/mL

Population
Adults
Sex
Male
Specimen
Serum / plasma

Example reference interval

This is an example interval from the cited source. Menstrual-cycle phase, menopause, and pregnancy can materially affect reproductive-hormone results.

Reference range 2

>= 30 – <= 400 pg/mL

Population
Premenopausal adults
Sex
Female
Pregnancy status
No
Specimen
Serum / plasma

Example reference interval

This is an example interval from the cited source. Menstrual-cycle phase, menopause, and pregnancy can materially affect reproductive-hormone results.

Reference range 3

>= 0 – <= 30 pg/mL

Population
Postmenopausal adults
Sex
Female
Pregnancy status
No
Specimen
Serum / plasma

Example reference interval

This is an example interval from the cited source. Menstrual-cycle phase, menopause, and pregnancy can materially affect reproductive-hormone results.

Reference ranges may vary by laboratory, method used, age, sex, pregnancy status, and clinical context. The reference range on your own laboratory report takes precedence.

Interpretation notes

Age, menopausal status, and cycle timing are critical for estradiol interpretation in females. One adult-female interval cannot represent all phases.

Related specialties

  • Endocrinology
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Urology
  • Pediatric Endocrinology

Frequently asked questions

More information about this test

Sources

  1. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Levels Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)

    Government medical reference · 2023 · FSH use with LH, estrogen, testosterone and progesterone · Verified: Aug 11, 2026

  2. Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Levels Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)

    Government medical reference · 2023 · LH function and use with FSH and reproductive hormones · Verified: Aug 11, 2026

  3. Estrogen Levels Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)

    Government medical reference · 2025 · Estrogen testing across fertility, pregnancy, bone health and menopause · Verified: Aug 11, 2026

  4. Estradiol blood test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)

    Government medical encyclopedia · 2025 · Example estradiol ranges by sex and menopausal status · Verified: Aug 11, 2026

  5. Progesterone Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)

    Government medical reference · 2025 · Progesterone use in ovulation, fertility and pregnancy · Verified: Aug 11, 2026

  6. Anti-Müllerian Hormone Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)

    Government medical reference · 2023 · AMH, ovarian reserve, age dependence and limitations · Verified: Aug 11, 2026