Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw (0.8 mL serum)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 3–5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Comprehensive hormone assessment — measures all three primary estrogens (E1, E2, E3) in one test
- Direct access without referrals — order confidentially and get results fast
- Fertility and menopause insights — track ovulation timing and hormonal changes
- Cost-effective monitoring — more affordable than traditional healthcare channels
- Convenient collection — available at thousands of patient service centers nationwide
- Reliable ELISA technology — sensitive detection down to 12.4 pg/mL
Who Is This Test For?
- Women tracking fertility, ovulation timing, or investigating irregular cycles
- Individuals experiencing menopausal symptoms or monitoring hormone therapy
- Men with symptoms of estrogen excess, including gynecomastia
- People assessing fracture risk or bone health concerns
- Patients monitoring antiestrogen therapy effectiveness
- Anyone investigating potential hormonal imbalances
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online — no doctor's visit required, choose your convenient location
- Visit lab — quick blood draw at a patient service center near you
- Get results — secure electronic delivery within 1-5 business days
FAQ
What does this test measure? This test measures the combined levels of estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3) — the three primary estrogen hormones in your body.
Do I need to fast before the test? No fasting is required. Simply avoid radioisotope scans prior to your blood draw.
How is this different from an estradiol-only test? Unlike single-hormone tests, this measures all three estrogens together, providing a more complete picture of your overall estrogenic activity.
When in my cycle should I test? For menstruating women, note your cycle day when testing. Levels vary throughout the cycle — lowest after menstruation (15 pg/mL) and highest before ovulation (300+ pg/mL).
Can men take this test? Yes, men can use this test to evaluate estrogen excess, particularly when experiencing gynecomastia or other symptoms of hormonal imbalance.
What if my results are abnormal? Discuss results with your healthcare provider. You may need serial testing over several days or additional hormone tests based on your initial results.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Estrogens Blood Test, Total evaluates your combined estrogen levels to identify hormonal imbalances, aid in fertility assessment, and monitor various health conditions. This comprehensive test measures estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3) using sensitive enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) methodology with a detection range of 20–2,500 pg/mL (Eagle Biosciences 2025).
Healthcare providers use this test to establish ovulation timing, monitor hormone replacement therapy effectiveness, evaluate for estrogen-producing tumors, and assess fracture risk in postmenopausal women. The test also helps evaluate estrogen excess in males and monitor antiestrogen therapy progress (Mayo Clinic 2019).
Who would benefit from this test?
This test benefits women with irregular menstrual cycles, individuals experiencing infertility, and menopausal women monitoring their hormonal status. It's particularly valuable for those on hormone replacement therapy, men with symptoms of estrogen excess like gynecomastia, and patients undergoing antiestrogen therapy (LabCorp 2024).
The test is also recommended for evaluating estrogen-producing tumors in pre-menarcheal and postmenopausal women, establishing optimal conception windows, and assessing bone health risks associated with estrogen deficiency.
When should I order Estrogens Blood Test, Total?
Consider ordering this test when evaluating fertility issues, investigating menopause symptoms, or monitoring hormone replacement therapy effectiveness. It's also appropriate when assessing fracture risk in postmenopausal women, evaluating estrogen excess in males, or tracking antiestrogen therapy progress (CDC 2024).
Common symptoms that may warrant testing include irregular menstrual cycles, hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, decreased libido, bone density concerns, or breast tenderness. For fertility planning, timing around ovulation can provide optimal insights into reproductive hormone status.
How do I interpret the results?
Results should be evaluated against age- and sex-specific reference ranges, as normal levels vary significantly based on reproductive status and gender. Your healthcare provider will interpret results in context of your symptoms and medical history.
Elevated estrogen levels
- What it means: May indicate estrogen-producing tumors, effects of hormone therapy, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Typical action: Additional testing, imaging studies, or therapy adjustment
Normal estrogen levels
- What it means: Appropriate for age, gender, and reproductive status
- Typical action: Continue routine monitoring as needed
Low estrogen levels
- What it means: May suggest ovarian insufficiency, menopause, or medication effects
- Typical action: Consider hormone therapy and assess bone health
For cycling women, estrogen levels naturally fluctuate from as low as 15 pg/mL post-menstruation to over 300 pg/mL before ovulation.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
No special preparation is required for this test. You don't need to fast, but avoid radioisotope scans prior to specimen collection. Continue taking your regular medications unless specifically instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider.
For menstruating women, noting the day of your menstrual cycle can help with result interpretation. The test requires a simple blood draw collected in a standard tube, with results remaining stable for up to 14 days when properly stored.
How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency depends on your specific health goals and conditions being monitored.
- Fertility tracking: Monthly during the fertile window
- Hormone therapy monitoring: Every 3–6 months initially, then annually
- Menopause transition: Every 6–12 months
- Antiestrogen therapy: As directed by oncologist, typically every 3–6 months
- General health monitoring: Annually after age 40
Why early detection matters
Early detection of estrogen imbalances can prevent serious health complications and optimize treatment outcomes. Polycystic ovary syndrome, involving estrogen imbalances, affects approximately 5.2% of US women — nearly double previous estimates (2023). Osteoporosis, associated with estrogen deficiency, affects over 10.2 million US adults, with more than 80% being women (International Osteoporosis Foundation).
Women ages 40-44 are approximately 11 times more likely to experience infertility compared to younger women, making early hormone assessment crucial for fertility planning (Johns Hopkins Medicine 2022). Identifying imbalances early allows for timely intervention through lifestyle modifications, hormone therapy, or other treatments.
Related tests you may consider
Estradiol, Sensitive, LC/MS — provides higher sensitivity for measuring estradiol specifically, particularly valuable for postmenopausal women, men, and adolescents where lower detection limits are needed.
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) & Luteinizing Hormone (LH) — these pituitary hormones work with estrogens to regulate reproductive function, providing a complete picture of hormonal balance.
Testosterone, Total and Free — important for evaluating overall hormonal balance, particularly in PCOS cases or men with gynecomastia, as testosterone-to-estrogen ratios are clinically significant.
