What does the Estradiol (LC-MS dried blood spot) test measure?

Why is Estradiol (LC-MS dried blood spot) measured?

Estradiol is measured to confirm ovarian function or failure, assess menstrual irregularities, investigate infertility, monitor ovulation-induction or hormone-replacement therapy, and evaluate gynaecomastia or suspected aromatase-excess states in males. The dried blood spot matrix permits at-home collection but requires platform-specific reference data.

Reference ranges

Standard reference

Sex-, age-, and menstrual-phase-specific; adult female follicular approximately 20–150 pg/mL, mid-cycle 100–400 pg/mL, luteal 60–250 pg/mL; postmenopausal and male typically <50 pg/mL. ZRT platform-specific intervals apply.

Functional medicine optimal

Premenopausal optimal estradiol is cycle-dependent; functional practitioners sometimes target higher-normal ranges for symptom relief in perimenopause, but evidence for symptom thresholds is limited.

Units

pg/mL, pmol/L

Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform. Interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.