Educational information from Her Form — reviewed for accuracy by our health specialists.
Not a substitute for personal medical advice. Optional 1:1 consults with Robyn, our consulting women's-health specialist, are available on request.
What it is
Estradiol is the most active form of estrogen, produced mainly by the ovaries. Levels rise and fall through the menstrual cycle, peak in pregnancy, and decline through perimenopause and menopause.
Why it matters for women
Estradiol shapes mood, energy, libido, vaginal and skin health, cardiovascular protection and bone density. Imbalance — too high or too low — is one of the most common drivers of perimenopausal symptoms.
Optimal range
Cycle-dependent. Follicular: 30–120 pg/mL · Ovulation: 130–370 · Luteal: 70–250 · Postmenopausal: <30
Standard lab range
Labs report < 350 pg/mL as normal regardless of cycle phase, which often misses subtle imbalance.
When it's high
- ↑Breast tenderness
- ↑Heavy or painful periods
- ↑Mood swings, irritability
- ↑Fluid retention
- ↑Stubborn weight on hips/thighs
When it's low
- ↓Hot flushes, night sweats
- ↓Vaginal dryness
- ↓Brain fog
- ↓Low libido
- ↓Joint aches
- ↓Sleep disruption
References
- Endocrine Society — Female hormone health— Sex hormone assessment and interpretation in women
- Jean Hailes for Women's Health— Comprehensive women's hormone health guidance
- RANZCOG — Women's health guidelines— ANZ clinical standards for reproductive-age women
- NICE — Women's health guidelines— Evidence-based hormone and reproductive health guidance
References are provided for educational context only. Always interpret results with a qualified healthcare professional.
A note on interpretation. Ranges above are what our health specialists works to in healthy women. They are not a diagnosis — a single result always needs context from your symptoms, cycle phase and other markers.