Oestrogens . Patient guide
Oestradiol (E2) Blood Test
Also known as: Estradiol
What is E2
Oestradiol (E2) is the principal oestrogen of the reproductive years, produced mainly by the ovaries and varying markedly across the menstrual cycle. According to the Roche Elecsys assay widely used in UK labs, follicular phase (days 1-14) ranges approximately 46 to 607 pmol/L, mid-cycle 315 to 1828 pmol/L, luteal phase 161 to 774 pmol/L, and postmenopausal women under 184 pmol/L. NICE NG23 menopause guidance notes that oestradiol is supportive but not confirmatory for the menopausal transition; in women over 45 with typical symptoms the diagnosis is clinical, not biochemical.
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.
Symptoms often investigated with Oestradiol
Oestradiol is commonly tested when patients present with the following symptoms. If any of these resonate with you, the linked guides explain what to look for and which test pathway is appropriate.
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.
Common questions about E2
What is a normal E2 range?
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. Always interpret your own results against the laboratory range printed on your report, since assay-specific reference ranges vary.
What does a low E2 result mean?
Perimenopause or menopause, premature ovarian insufficiency, hypothalamic amenorrhoea (low body weight, stress), post-oophorectomy, pituitary disease.
What does a high E2 result mean?
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.
Do I need to fast or prepare for the E2 blood test?
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.
Can I order a E2 blood test privately in London?
Yes. WMG Health offers E2 as part of bespoke panels and several pre-built panels at our 134 Harley Street clinic. Results are clinician-reviewed by a GMC-registered doctor within 4 hours for the most common assays. All panels are custom-built around your specific question; bookings via /contact/ or 020 3239 3378.