Estradiol test: normal ranges and results (E2)
- Updated
- 2026-09-30
- Every number with its source
What estradiol is and why it is tested
Estradiol (E2, also spelled oestradiol) is the strongest and most important of the three main oestrogens (together with estrone and estriol). In women it is produced mainly by the ovarian follicles, and during pregnancy a large part of it is produced by the placenta; in men and in women after menopause estradiol is formed in small amounts in the adrenal glands and in fat tissue from testosterone. In women estradiol regulates the menstrual cycle, prepares the uterus for a possible pregnancy and supports bone as well as heart and blood vessel health. In men it takes part in spermatogenesis and in maintaining bone density.
The estradiol level in women swings widely across the menstrual cycle — it is highest before ovulation — so the test result always has to be assessed together with the day of the cycle. The test is often done together with FSH, LH and progesterone, in order to assess overall hormonal balance, fertility or menopausal changes.
Reference ranges
| Group | Range, pmol/l | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men Equivalent to 10–50 pg/ml (MedlinePlus) | 36.7–183.6 | MedlinePlus Reviewed 2025-08-18 | |
| Women before menopause Equivalent to 30–400 pg/ml (MedlinePlus); the value swings widely across the menstrual cycle | 110–1,468.4 | MedlinePlus Reviewed 2025-08-18 | |
| Women after menopause Equivalent to 0–30 pg/ml (MedlinePlus) | 0–110 | MedlinePlus Reviewed 2025-08-18 | |
In women the estradiol range depends on whether the menstrual cycle is still present: for women of fertile age the interval is 110–1,468.4 pmol/l, while after menopause it is only 0–110 pmol/l; for comparison, the range in men is 36.7–183.6 pmol/l. According to MedlinePlus, in women estradiol is produced mainly by the ovaries and the adrenal glands, so during the fertile years the amount is far greater than in men and it fluctuates depending on the time of the month (the day of the cycle). Why the limit specifically falls to the male level or below after menopause is not explained separately by the source — only the intervals themselves are given. A result therefore has to be compared with the group matching your own age and menopausal status, not with a general “women’s” range, and the interval used by the particular laboratory has to be taken into account.
In men the estradiol range is 36.7–183.6 pmol/l — considerably narrower and lower than in women of fertile age (110–1,468.4 pmol/l), but similar to the range for women after menopause (0–110 pmol/l). According to MedlinePlus, in men a small amount of estradiol is produced by the testes, while in women most of the hormone is formed in the ovaries and the adrenal glands — it is precisely this different source of production that is why the table gives the intervals separately for men and for women. The source gives no further explanation of why the men’s interval reaches exactly these limits. When a man’s result is assessed, it matters to compare it with the men’s interval and not with the women’s ranges, and to take into account the units of measurement and the limits used by the particular laboratory.
When estradiol is tested
- To assess the function of the ovaries, the placenta or the adrenal glands
- When looking for the causes of ovarian tumours
- To assess atypical sexual development — for example, early (precocious) puberty
- To monitor how well hormone therapy is working
- To assess the response to fertility treatment
- When a woman has no periods (amenorrhoea) or reduced ovarian function is suspected
How to prepare
- You must tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including hormonal contraceptive pills, antibiotics, corticosteroids, DHEA, oestrogen or testosterone preparations and some psychiatric medicines — they can affect the result
- Do not stop taking a medicine without your doctor's instruction
- In women the timing of the test often depends on the day of the menstrual cycle — your doctor will give the exact date
A raised estradiol level
A raised estradiol level counts as a deviation in the light of the conditions MedlinePlus describes: in girls it is linked with early (precocious) puberty, and in men with breast enlargement (gynaecomastia). The cause of a raised level can often be an oestrogen-producing tumour of the ovary or of the adrenal gland, or treatment with hormonal medicines. The result should be discussed with a doctor together with other hormone tests.
- Early (precocious) puberty in girls
- An oestrogen-producing tumour of the ovary or of the adrenal gland
- Hormonal contraception or hormone replacement therapy
- Liver disorders that slow down the breakdown of oestrogens
Symptoms that can go with a raised level
- Breast enlargement in men (gynaecomastia)
- Early signs of puberty in girls
What to discuss with a doctor
- Assessing FSH, LH and progesterone alongside it, for the overall hormonal picture
- Imaging of the ovaries or the adrenal glands, if a tumour is suspected
- Reviewing the hormonal medicines you take with your doctor
- In children — a consultation with an endocrinologist about the timing of puberty
A low estradiol level
A low estradiol level counts as a deviation in the light of the conditions MedlinePlus describes: it is linked with absent periods (amenorrhoea), reduced ovarian function, genetic conditions such as Turner syndrome, and also with sudden weight loss or a low amount of body fat. In women after menopause a low estradiol level is natural. The result is worth discussing with a doctor together with FSH and LH.
- Reduced ovarian function (ovarian hypofunction)
- Absent periods (amenorrhoea)
- Genetic conditions, for example Turner syndrome
- Sudden weight loss or a low amount of body fat
- A natural change in women after menopause
Symptoms that can go with a low level
- Absent periods or an irregular cycle
- Hot flushes and sweating at night
What is usually assessed after a low result
- Assessing FSH and LH alongside it — their ratio helps to distinguish menopause from other causes
- Discussing diet and changes in body weight, if these were sudden
- Genetic testing, if the deviation is noticed at a young age
- Assessment of bone density, if the reduction is long-standing
Units, laboratory intervals and related pages
Laboratories use their own units of measurement and their own reference limits, so compare your result with the interval printed on your own report — and with the group that matches your age and menopausal status rather than with a general range. Related pages: FSH, LH, progesterone, prolactin, SHBG, and how to read blood test results.
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Frequently asked questions
›What is the normal estradiol range?
According to MedlinePlus, the range in men is 36.7–183.6 pmol/l, in women of fertile age 110–1,468.4 pmol/l (depending on the day of the cycle), and in women after menopause 0–110 pmol/l. You will find your laboratory’s exact interval on your own report, because it can differ with the method used.
›Why does the estradiol level in women fluctuate so much?
Estradiol is produced by the ovarian follicles, so the amount changes throughout the menstrual cycle — it is highest before ovulation. Because of this, a doctor always takes the day of the cycle into account when assessing the result.
›When is an estradiol test done in men?
In men the test is used to assess adrenal function, the causes of breast enlargement (gynaecomastia) or hormonal balance together with testosterone.
›What does a low estradiol level mean after menopause?
In women after menopause a low estradiol level (up to 110 pmol/l) is natural, because the ovaries no longer produce the hormone as they did during the fertile years. This is not counted as a deviation if it matches the range for that age.
›Do I need to avoid eating before an estradiol test?
This test does not require any special fasting, but you must tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including hormonal contraception, corticosteroids or testosterone preparations — they can affect the result.
›Which other tests is estradiol assessed with?
Estradiol is most often assessed together with FSH, LH and progesterone — together they show overall hormonal balance, ovulation or menopausal changes.
›Why can estradiol be raised in men?
Cleveland Clinic names three main mechanisms: the body produces too much oestrogen, oestrogen comes from medicines, or it is broken down and cleared too slowly (for example, with impaired liver function or with alcohol use). Fatty tissue itself produces oestrogens, so a higher amount of body fat can increase estradiol. In men, raised oestrogens can show up as breast enlargement, reduced sex drive, erection problems or infertility. The cause is assessed by a doctor together with testosterone and other hormones.
Sources
- MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine): Estradiol Blood Test — 2026-09-07
- Cleveland Clinic: High Estrogen — 2026-09-29
Related markers
This site is not an emergency service. If severe chest or head pain, breathlessness, confusion, difficulty speaking, heavy bleeding or another acute problem has come on suddenly — do not wait for tests, call 112.
This information is not a diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. Reference ranges depend on the laboratory, your age and sex — always compare your result with the range printed on your own report.