Estradiol is one of three estrogen hormones naturally produced in the body. While men and women have estradiol, and it has a role in both of their bodies, women have much higher levels of the hormone than men.
Estradiol has several functions in the female body. Its main function is to mature and then maintain the reproductive system. During the menstrual cycle, increased estradiol levels cause the maturation and release of the egg, as well as the thickening of the uterus lining to allow a fertilized egg to implant. The hormone is made primarily in the ovaries, so levels decline as women age and decrease significantly during menopause.
In men, proper estradiol levels help with bone maintenance, nitric oxide production, and brain function. While men need lower levels than women, they still require this important hormone to function well.
- CPT CODE:
- 82670
- COLLECTION CONTAINER:
- SST or red-stopper tube
- COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS:
- LESTR-Estradiol.pdf
- STATE & SHIPPING RESTRICTIONS:
- We cannot ship lab kits to NY, AK, HI, or international
- MINIMUM VOLUME:
- 0.3 mL
- PATIENT PREP:
- None
- PROCESS TIME:
- 5 to 7 business days
- REJECTION CAUSES:
- plasma specimen
- SPECIMEN VOLUME:
- 0.8 mL
- TRANSPORT CONTAINER:
- Plastic transport tube
- TRANSPORT INSTRUCTIONS:
- Refrigerate