Oestrogens . Patient guide
Oestradiol (E2)
Also known as: Estradiol
Oestradiol (E2) is the principal oestrogen of the reproductive years. It varies through the menstrual cycle in pre-menopausal women, falls during the menopausal transition, and is present in low concentrations in men.
This biomarker entry is being clinically reviewed by our team. The factual content draws on UK guidance (NICE, NHS, Royal Colleges and the relevant speciality society where cited).
Reference range
Reported in pmol/L. Final reports always carry the issuing laboratory's range, which is what your clinician will interpret against.
| Group | Range | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-menopausal women, follicular phase (days 1 to 14) | 46 to 607 | pmol/L |
| Pre-menopausal women, mid-cycle peak | 315 to 1828 | |
| Pre-menopausal women, luteal phase | 161 to 774 | |
| Post-menopausal women | under 184 | |
| Adult men | under 191 |
What it is
In pre-menopausal women, oestradiol is produced mainly by developing ovarian follicles, with peaks before ovulation and during the luteal phase. After menopause, levels fall sharply. In men, oestradiol is mostly produced by aromatisation of testosterone, and acts on bone and the brain.
Why a clinician would order it
In women: perimenopausal symptoms, irregular cycles, suspected hypogonadism, fertility work-up, hair shedding (oestrogen withdrawal can unmask androgen effects). In men: gynaecomastia, breast tenderness, infertility, monitoring patients on anabolic steroids or aromatase inhibitors.
If your level is outside the range
Symptoms of low E2
- Hot flushes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Reduced libido
- Mood changes
- Hair thinning
What low can indicate. Perimenopause or menopause, premature ovarian insufficiency, hypothalamic amenorrhoea (low body weight, stress), post-oophorectomy, pituitary disease.
Symptoms of high E2
- In women: breast tenderness, bloating. In men: gynaecomastia, reduced libido.
What high can indicate. In women: cycle stage variation (interpret with cycle context), pregnancy, ovarian tumour (rare). In men: aromatisation from testosterone or anabolic-steroid use, obesity, liver disease.
Testing tips
For pre-menopausal women, day 2 to 5 of the menstrual cycle gives the cleanest baseline. Post-menopausal women can test any day. Morning sample is preferable. Tell us about any HRT or hormonal contraception so the clinical review accounts for it.
Where you can get this tested
Oestradiol is included in the following WMG Health panels. Same-day appointments at our Harley Street clinic, with results clinician-reviewed.
Want a specific combination of markers we do not have a panel for? Build a custom panel and our clinicians will design one for you.
Related markers
Sources
UK guidance our clinicians use when interpreting this marker.
This page is general patient information, not personal medical advice. A GMC-registered clinician will review your results and tailor any interpretation to you. See our Editorial Policy for how we write and review content.