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Estradiol (E2)

Hormones & Fertility · also called Oestradiol, E2

What it measures

Estradiol is the main oestrogen produced by the ovaries. It is used to assess ovarian function, monitor fertility treatment, evaluate menopause, and investigate feminisation or puberty disorders.

Specimen and preparation

Specimen: Serum or lithium-heparin plasma
Tube: Gold top
Preparation: Note the day of the menstrual cycle.

Reference range

Group	Range
Female, follicular phase	12.5–166 pg/mL
Female, ovulation	85–498 pg/mL
Female, luteal phase	43–211 pg/mL
Postmenopausal	<55 pg/mL
Adult male	10–40 pg/mL

Reference ranges differ between laboratories, methods and populations. Always use the range printed on your own lab report.

Causes of high values

Ovarian stimulation (IVF)
Oestrogen-secreting tumours
Pregnancy
Precocious puberty
Liver cirrhosis in men

Causes of low values

Menopause and ovarian insufficiency
Hypopituitarism
Anorexia and extreme exercise
Aromatase inhibitors

Method

Immunoassay; LC-MS/MS for low levels (men, children, postmenopause)

Good to know

Fulvestrant can falsely raise estradiol on immunoassays.

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