Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

beginning of content

Oestrogen blood test

4-minute read

Key facts

  • An oestrogen blood test may test for: oestradiol, oestriol or oestrone.
  • There are many reasons why you might need an oestrogen blood test.
  • Your doctor will explain your test results.

What is being tested?

Oestrogen (also known as estrogen) is a group of sex hormones. It’s produced by both females and males, although in much greater amounts in females.

Oestrogen helps the female reproductive organs — the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus (womb) and the vagina — to grow and mature. It also helps with breast development.

Oestrogen levels rise naturally during puberty and fall after menopause.

Many females will have a blood test for oestrogen. This might be during pregnancy, or if you are having difficulty getting pregnant. Other times that oestrogen levels are tested are:

Your doctor might check 3 types of oestrogen in your blood:

  • oestradiol — the main oestrogen hormone important for ovulation (release of eggs) and getting pregnant. Oestradiol supports healthy bones and cholesterol levels in women
  • oestriol — important during pregnancy; oestriol levels usually start to rise after week 8 of pregnancy
  • oestrone — the most important oestrogen after menopause

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

Why would I need this test?

Your doctor might suggest an oestrogen blood test if:

  • your menstrual cycle isn’t regular, or you have heavy bleeding
  • you can’t get pregnant
  • you have symptoms of menopause, like hot flushes
  • you have symptoms that might mean your hormones are unbalanced

If you are pregnant, you might have a blood test for oestriol:

Sometimes young people might have an oestrogen blood tests if their sexual development is unusual.

How should I prepare for the test?

What you need to do before your test will depend on the blood test you’re having. Ask your doctor what you need to do before your blood test.

What does the result mean?

Oestrogen levels change during pregnancy, and as you get older. The levels of each type of oestrogen in your blood can change from day to day.

A result outside the normal range might not mean you have a health problem. You might need several tests over weeks or months to check what is happening with your oestrogen levels.

Your doctor is the best person to talk to about your blood test results. You can ask about what they mean and what comes next.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.

Resources and support

To learn more about blood tests you can read healthdirect's Guide to blood testing.

Pathology Tests Explained also has lots of information on blood tests including oestrogen tests.

For more information on blood tests during pregnancy check out Pregnancy Birth and Baby.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: October 2023


Back To Top

Need more information?

These trusted information partners have more on this topic.

Top results

Oestradiol | Pathology Tests Explained

Oestrogens are a group of hormones primarily responsible for the development of female sex organs and secondary sex characteristics. While oestrogens are the

Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website

Hormone receptor status | Pathology Tests Explained

Oestrogen receptors and progesterone receptors are specialised proteins found within certain cells throughout the body. These receptors bind to oestrogen and

Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website

Obesity and hormones - Better Health Channel

The hormones leptin, insulin, oestrogens, androgens and growth hormone are factors in obesity.

Read more on Better Health Channel website

Antithrombin | Pathology Tests Explained

Antithrombin testing measures the function and quantity of antithrombin. Antithrombin is a protein produced by the liver to help control blood clotting. Norm

Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website

Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) | Pathology Tests Explained

Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) is a protein that is produced by the liver. It binds tightly to testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and oestradiol (

Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website

Hormones and heart health: When to get a heart check | Jean Hailes

To the heart of the matter! Most of us know that good eating habits and plenty of exercise are great for our heart. But what you mightn’t know is that the…

Read more on Jean Hailes for Women's Health website

Fibrinogen | Pathology Tests Explained

What happens when an injury occurs? Fibrinogen is a coagulation factor, a protein that is essential for blood clot formation. It is produced by the li

Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website

Caeruloplasmin | Pathology Tests Explained

This test measures the amount of caeruloplasmin in the blood. Caeruloplasmin is a copper-containing enzyme that plays a role in the body's iron metabolism. C

Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website

Prealbumin | Pathology Tests Explained

The test measures levels of prealbumin, an important protein found in the blood. Prealbumin is produced primarily by the liver. It serves as a source for the

Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website

Homocysteine | Pathology Tests Explained

This test determines the level of homocysteine in the blood. Homocysteine is a sulphur-containing amino acid that is normally present in very small amounts i

Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Queensland Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.