Estradiol
The main and most potent form of estrogen.
| Typical reference range (male) | 10–40 pg/mL |
Ranges vary by laboratory, method, age and sex: always use the range printed on your own report. Why labs differ.
What it measures
Estradiol is produced mainly by the ovaries in premenopausal women, and in men and postmenopausal women mostly by conversion of testosterone through the aromatase enzyme in fat and other tissues.
Why it matters
In women, estradiol drives the menstrual cycle and supports bone, brain and cardiovascular health; levels help assess ovarian function and menopause. In men, estradiol is essential for bone, libido and brain function, and is monitored during testosterone therapy.
What a high result can mean
In women, high levels occur normally before ovulation and in pregnancy, and with estrogen therapy, ovarian cysts or tumors. In men, high estradiol occurs with testosterone therapy, obesity, liver disease and, rarely, tumors.
What a low result can mean
Low levels occur in menopause, with low body weight, excessive exercise, hypothalamic amenorrhea, primary ovarian insufficiency, and in men with low testosterone or aromatase inhibitor use.
What affects the result
Female levels vary widely through the cycle (roughly 20-150 pg/mL follicular, 100-400 at ovulation, 50-250 luteal, below ~30 after menopause), so no single female range is meaningful; record cycle day. Standard immunoassays are inaccurate at low levels; a sensitive LC/MS/MS assay is preferred for men and postmenopausal women.
Units and conversion
Usually reported in pg/mL.
- From pmol/L: multiply by 0.272 to get pg/mL
- From ng/dL: multiply by 10 to get pg/mL
- From ng/L: multiply by 1 to get pg/mL
Also called on lab reports
E2, Estradiol, Sensitive, Estradiol, Ultrasensitive, LC/MS, Estradiol (E2), Estradiol, Serum, Estradiol, Ultrasensitive
Related tests: Sex Hormones
This page is educational and does not replace advice from a healthcare professional.