Normal Female Hormone Levels by Age for Better Health

Understanding normal female hormone levels by age means knowing how key hormones naturally change across life stages. In women ages 20–30, estradiol (E2) often ranges from 30–400 pg/mL depending on the cycle phase, with progesterone rising to 5–20 ng/mL in the luteal phase. 

By the 40s, levels fluctuate widely during perimenopause, while after 50, postmenopausal women typically see estradiol drop below 30 pg/mL and progesterone below 0.5 ng/mL. SensIQ, under the medical direction of Dr. Luke Barr, provides evidence-based resources to help women interpret these changes with confidence and accuracy.

Key Takeaways

• Normal female hormone levels by age vary across life stages and can be tracked through blood test results.
• Shifts in estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, FSH, and LH explain many symptoms experienced by women in midlife.
• Conditions like PCOS or primary ovarian insufficiency alter typical patterns and require medical evaluation.
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is one option for postmenopausal women, but decisions should be guided by a physician. 
• SensIQ provides women with evidence-based guidance to understand these changes and explore safe, supportive options.

What Is a Normal Hormone Level for a Woman?

Hormones regulate growth, metabolism, reproduction, and mood. For women, even slight shifts in these signals can impact their physical and emotional well-being. 

A blood test measures values like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). These results are compared to reference ranges that show what is considered typical.

The normal range of female hormones

The normal range of female hormones depends on age and reproductive stage, but general reference values exist. Estradiol (E2) usually measures 30–400 pg/mL in premenopausal women and falls below 30 pg/mL after menopause. 

Progesterone rises to 5–20 ng/mL during the luteal phase but remains under 1 ng/mL before ovulation or after menopause. Testosterone circulates in small amounts, typically 15–70 ng/dL, yet plays an important role in energy, mood, and muscle support.

Why are hormones measured in pg/mL and pmol/L

Labs measure female sex hormones in picograms per milliliter (pg/mL) or picomoles per liter (pmol/L). These units allow doctors to track precise changes over time. For example, estradiol levels are often reported in both pg/mL and pmol/L, making international comparisons easier.

Normal vs. abnormal hormone levels

Levels outside the reference ranges may suggest hormone imbalance, and women may notice signs related to low estrogen and low progesterone symptoms. 

For instance, very high levels of estrogen could relate to ovarian cysts, while low progesterone may point to primary ovarian insufficiency. However, results must be interpreted in the context of age, cycle phase, and symptoms.

Hormones do not work in isolation – they interact as part of a system that changes through the menstrual cycle and across life stages. 

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) are released from the brain and signal the ovaries to grow ovarian follicles. These follicles then produce estradiol (E2) and progesterone, which help regulate ovulation and the luteal phase. When estradiol and progesterone decline, FSH and LH rise again, continuing the cycle.

Hormonal interactions also explain why symptoms can feel inconsistent from month to month. For example, during some cycles, estradiol rises higher than expected, which can trigger mood swings or breast tenderness. 

At other times, progesterone may not reach its normal luteal phase peak, leading to shorter cycles or spotting. These variations are normal in many women but become more frequent as menopause approaches.

FSH and LH are also markers that doctors use to confirm hormonal shifts. Elevated FSH, combined with lower estradiol levels, often signals declining ovarian function. In premenopausal women, this pattern may indicate primary ovarian insufficiency, while in midlife it reflects the natural transition toward menopause.

Female Hormone Levels 

Tracking hormone levels across life stages helps explain why symptoms shift at different ages.

Estrogen levels by age

• 20–30 years: ~50–400 pg/mL
• 30–40 years: ~40–350 pg/mL
• 40–50 years: Fluctuates widely, ~30–300 pg/mL (perimenopause)
• 50+ years (postmenopause): Often below 20 pg/mL

Progesterone levels by age

• 20–30 years: Peaks 5–20 ng/mL after ovulation
• 30–40 years: Peaks 4–15 ng/mL
• 40–50 years: Often irregular, 2–10 ng/mL
• 50+ years: Consistently below 0.5 ng/mL

Estradiol levels by age (pg/mL and pmol/L)

• 20–30 years: 30–400 pg/mL (110–1470 pmol/L)
• 30–40 years: 30–350 pg/mL (110–1285 pmol/L)
• 40–50 years: 20–250 pg/mL (73–920 pmol/L)
• 50+ years: Below 30 pg/mL (110 pmol/L)

Estradiol levels change significantly from puberty through menopause, and presenting these values in a chart makes them easier to compare.

In postmenopausal women, estradiol values remain low, but even small amounts produced by the adrenal glands and fat tissue still play a role in bone health and cognition. Understanding these numbers with the help of a blood test can provide reassurance to women that their experiences align with known biological patterns.

Normal testosterone levels in women 

Women produce testosterone in small amounts, usually 15–70 ng/dL. While far lower than in men, this hormone helps maintain libido, energy, and muscle mass. Deviations may appear in conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Hormone Changes in Midlife

During perimenopause and menopause, hormone interactions change in predictable ways. As ovarian follicles decline, estradiol (E2) production becomes irregular and eventually drops to low levels. Without strong estradiol feedback, FSH and LH levels rise, often remaining elevated in postmenopausal women.

This shift explains why symptoms such as hot flashes, irregular cycles, and mood changes are common. The body is adapting to a new balance where estrogen and progesterone are consistently low, and FSH and LH are consistently high.

Female hormone levels in menopause

In menopause, ovarian follicles stop releasing eggs, and estrogen and progesterone fall sharply. Understanding postmenopausal hormone balance is important because FSH and LH show compensatory increases, often exceeding 30 mIU/mL.

Estradiol levels in perimenopause

Estradiol levels in perimenopause can swing unpredictably – sometimes mimicking  mimicking hormone changes in 30s, other times dropping to postmenopausal levels. These shifts explain hormone imbalance symptoms like irregular periods, mood changes, and hot flashes.

Estrogen levels at age 50

At 50, many women transition fully into menopause. Estradiol E2 often stabilizes below 20 pg/mL, while progesterone remains consistently low. Some consider hormone replacement therapy (HRT) if symptoms are disruptive, though decisions must be individualized with medical supervision.

Hormone Levels in Special Life Stages

Normal estradiol levels in pregnancy

Estradiol levels in pregnancy are significantly higher than at any other life stage. In the first trimester, estradiol often measures 1,000–5,000 pg/mL. By the second trimester, levels rise to 5,000–15,000 pg/mL, and in the third trimester they may exceed 10,000 pg/mL. These high levels support uterine growth, blood flow, and fetal development.

Hormone changes during puberty

During puberty, estradiol begins to rise steadily, typically reaching 15–350 pg/mL as menstrual cycles establish. Progesterone stays low until ovulation begins regularly, while prolactin and other female sex hormones remain within early adult ranges. These hormonal shifts drive breast development, menstruation, and reproductive maturity.

Hormone levels during breastfeeding

In breastfeeding women, prolactin is significantly elevated, often ranging from 100–300 ng/mL immediately after birth and remaining higher than in non-lactating women. Estrogen and progesterone stay relatively low during this stage, which helps sustain milk production and may delay the return of regular menstrual cycles.

Factors That Affect Hormone Balance

Lifestyle and stress

Chronic stress influences cortisol, which may disrupt female hormonal balance. Poor sleep, irregular eating, or extreme exercise can suppress ovarian function and alter FSH and LH release.

Medications and health conditions

Medications and health conditions can significantly affect hormone levels in women. Birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and some antidepressants may raise or suppress estrogen and progesterone. Thyroid disorders often disrupt menstrual cycles and alter estrogen balance. 

Conditions like primary ovarian insufficiency cause low estradiol and progesterone, while polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is linked to high levels of testosterone and elevated LH compared to FSH.

Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance

Cognitive and mood changes

Low estradiol can contribute to memory lapses or low mood. Many women describe brain fog during perimenopause, which relates to changes in female sex hormones.

Sleep and energy issues

Estrogen and progesterone influence sleep quality. Drops in these hormones may cause night sweats, insomnia, or fatigue. Identifying patterns in blood test results helps guide supportive care.

When to Seek Medical Guidance

Women experiencing persistent irregular cycles, severe hot flashes, or infertility should consult a doctor. A clinician can order hormone panels to check FSH, LH, estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone. 

These findings, paired with symptoms, guide safe treatment options. Dr. Ross Kopelman emphasizes the importance of medically supervised testing before considering therapies like hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

FAQs About Female Hormone Levels