Fertility & hormones
Oestradiol blood test
An oestradiol (E2) blood test measures the main and most active form of oestrogen. In menstruating women it changes markedly across the cycle, so it's interpreted against the day it was taken; it's also used to assess menopause, fertility, and, in men, the balance with testosterone.
- What it measures
- Oestradiol, the main, most active form of oestrogen
- Sample
- Venous blood sample
- Fasting
- Not required (cycle timing matters, see note)
- Also known as
- estradiol, E2, oestrogen
- Included in 57 Health tests
- 8 panels, from £60
Oestradiol reference range
Guide only| Category | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Men | < ~160 pmol/L |
| Women (postmenopausal) | < ~100 pmol/L |
In menstruating women, oestradiol swings widely across the cycle (lowest early, peaking around ovulation), so there is no single “normal”: it's interpreted against the day of your cycle. The stabler reference points are men and postmenopausal women. Ranges vary by laboratory and assay.
These are general UK adult guide ranges from public health sources, shown for orientation only. Reference ranges vary by laboratory, assay, age and sex, so your result is always interpreted against the range quoted by the analysing laboratory on your report.
What does a high oestradiol level mean?
In women, a high oestradiol is a normal part of the mid-cycle surge around ovulation, or can reflect ovarian stimulation during fertility treatment.
In men, a raised oestradiol (often relative to testosterone) can contribute to breast tenderness or enlargement and is sometimes seen with higher body fat or on testosterone therapy.
What does a low oestradiol level mean?
In women, a low oestradiol is expected after menopause and can contribute to hot flushes, low mood, vaginal dryness and bone loss; before menopause it can relate to absent periods or ovarian issues.
It's interpreted alongside FSH, LH and your cycle history rather than on its own.
When to consider an oestradiol test
- Menopause or perimenopause assessment
- Irregular or absent periods
- Fertility investigation (with FSH, LH)
- Monitoring during fertility treatment
- In men, breast tenderness or hormone-balance questions
Frequently asked questions
This page is general information about a blood marker and is not medical advice or a diagnosis. An oestradiol test screens and gives context; results are interpreted by a clinician alongside your symptoms, history and other markers. Always follow the guidance on your own report.