What does the Estradiol (Sensitive LC-MS/MS) test measure?

Why is Estradiol (Sensitive LC-MS/MS) measured?

Oestradiol drives endometrial proliferation, secondary sexual characteristics, and bone mineralisation, and modulates cardiovascular, metabolic, and central nervous system function. Measurement is central to the evaluation of menstrual irregularities, ovarian reserve, hypogonadism, precocious or delayed puberty, and monitoring of aromatase-inhibitor therapy or gender-affirming hormone treatment. The sensitive assay is essential when concentrations are expected to be low — postmenopausal states, male hypogonadism, paediatric disorders, or aromatase-inhibitor efficacy — because conventional immunoassays produce unreliable results below approximately 20–30 pg/mL.

Reference ranges

Standard reference

Varies widely by sex, age, and menstrual phase; premenopausal follicular 19–144 pg/mL, mid-cycle peak 63–356 pg/mL, luteal 55–214 pg/mL; postmenopausal <32 pg/mL; adult males 10–40 pg/mL.

Functional medicine optimal

Optimal oestradiol levels are context-dependent: mid-follicular levels above 50 pg/mL predict adequate ovarian reserve in assisted reproduction; postmenopausal women on aromatase inhibitors should have undetectable or very low oestradiol (<10 pg/mL); men require a balance that supports bone and libido (typically 20–30 pg/mL) without feminisation.

Units

pg/mL, pmol/L

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