Insight into your oestradiollevel.
Oestradiol (E2) is the most important oestrogen and plays a role in the menstrual cycle, the bones, and the menopause. In women the level fluctuates considerably across the cycle, so the moment of testing partly determines the result.
Also known as: E2, estradiol, oestrogen
Interpreted by BIG-registered doctors
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Background
What is oestradiol?
Oestradiol, often abbreviated as E2, is the most important and most active oestrogen during the reproductive years. In women it is produced mainly in the ovaries, driven by FSH and LH from the pituitary gland. Oestradiol plays a role in the maturation of the follicles, the build-up of the womb lining, bone formation, and the functioning of the heart and blood vessels. Oestradiol is also present in men, in a small amount, formed from testosterone by the enzyme aromatase.
In women with a menstrual cycle, oestradiol fluctuates considerably. The level is low at the start of the cycle, rises towards ovulation, and changes again during the second half of the cycle. A result therefore cannot be interpreted without knowing the moment of the blood draw. Around and after the menopause the pattern changes permanently, because the ovaries produce less oestradiol. When you have your blood drawn, please tell us which day of your cycle you are on, or that you no longer have a cycle, so the doctor can place your value in the right context. The laboratory supplies the reference values that apply to your situation and life stage.
In brief
Main oestrogen
The most active form: E2
Cycle-dependent
The level fluctuates across the cycle
From the ovaries
Driven by FSH and LH
Present in men too
A small amount, formed from testosterone
Common reasons to test
When can insight into your Oestradiol be valuable?
Below are some situations in which measuring Oestradiol can provide insight.
Insight into your oestradiol level
A test gives a snapshot of your oestradiol on the day of the blood draw.
With questions about the cycle
With an irregular or absent cycle, oestradiol is often reviewed together with FSH and LH.
With questions about the menopause
Around the menopause, production in the ovaries changes. A test provides insight, but a single value is not a diagnosis.
As part of a broader hormone check
Oestradiol is rarely reviewed on its own and fits within an overview alongside progesterone, FSH, LH, and prolactin.
Also relevant for men
In men, oestradiol is formed from testosterone. It is sometimes included with questions about the testosterone balance.
For follow-up of a previous test
Those who have tested before can repeat the measurement to track the value over time, preferably at a comparable point in the cycle.
What your result means
How do we read your Oestradiol level?
Oestradiol is usually measured in picomoles per litre (pmol/L). The result can only be interpreted in combination with your cycle day, your life stage, and any hormone use. The laboratory applies reference values for each situation, and our doctor places your value in that context.
A low value
A low oestradiol level can fit with the start of the cycle, with the use of hormonal contraception, or with the period after the menopause. An absent ovulation, considerable weight loss, intensive training load, or a condition of the pituitary gland can also play a role. What a low value means for you depends greatly on your cycle day and your symptoms.
A normal value
An oestradiol level that fits your cycle day and life stage gives a reassuring picture for this marker. Bear in mind that this is a snapshot: oestradiol changes considerably within the same cycle, and a single measurement says little about the course across the whole month.
An elevated value
A higher oestradiol level can fit with the moment around ovulation, with pregnancy, with the use of hormone therapy, or with fertility treatment. In men, a higher value can be related to a higher body fat percentage or to the use of testosterone. Our doctor provides explanation and context for your result.
How we interpret your result
Our doctors interpret your oestradiol against the reference values of the laboratory, your cycle day, your life stage, and your medication use. You receive a report in plain language, as a starting point for your own insight or a conversation with your healthcare provider.
Related tests
Often combined with Oestradiol.
A single marker gives one perspective. For a broader picture you can combine Oestradiol with a theme package or related markers.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you want to know
Do I need to fast for an oestradiol test?
No, you do not need to fast for an oestradiol measurement. The point in your cycle matters more than the time of day.
On which day of my cycle should I have oestradiol tested?
That depends on your question. With questions about the cycle or the menopause, oestradiol is often measured at the start of the cycle, together with FSH and LH. If you want to know whether ovulation has taken place, progesterone during the second half of the cycle is more suitable. Always state your cycle day at the blood draw, so the doctor can place your value in the right context.
What is the difference between oestradiol and oestrogen?
Oestrogen is the collective name for a group of hormones, including oestrone (E1), oestradiol (E2), and oestriol (E3). Oestradiol is the most active of these and is the one routinely measured in the laboratory.
Can I have oestradiol measured if I use hormonal contraception?
You can, but the result is then harder to interpret. Hormonal contraception suppresses the body's own production in the ovaries. In addition, ethinyloestradiol, the synthetic variant found in many pills, is not detected by the standard oestradiol test. Please state your contraception at the blood draw.
Can oestradiol tell me whether I am going through the menopause?
No, a single measurement is not a diagnosis. During the period around the menopause the hormones fluctuate strongly, which means a single value says little. The menopause is assessed mainly on your symptoms and the course of your cycle, with oestradiol and FSH providing supporting information.
Is oestradiol also useful for men?
Yes. In men, oestradiol is formed from testosterone by the enzyme aromatase. The amount is small, but not without significance. With questions about the testosterone balance, oestradiol is therefore sometimes included.
What can influence my oestradiol level?
The most important factor is the point in your cycle. In addition, pregnancy, hormonal contraception, hormone therapy, fertility treatment, body composition, and certain medications play a role. Please state any known medication use at the blood draw.
What do I do with my result?
You will receive a PDF report with your value and an explanation from our doctor. What you do with it, such as discussing it with your GP or taking no action, remains entirely your choice.
Ready for insight into your oestradiol level?
For €69 you receive your oestradiol level including personal explanation from a doctor, typically within a few working days. No referral required.
Order Oestradiol for €69 →Want to test multiple markers at once?
Combine Oestradiol with other markers via Bloodworks Select. Blood draw costs are waived from €225.
69,-
All-in, blood draw included