Estrogen & progesterone test

About our Estrogen & progesterone test

Our Estrogen & progesterone test is a saliva test that measures active hormones that reach receptor sites, showing clearer variations than blood tests. It is a two-in-one test that functions as an Estrogen test and progesterone test. After ordering our test kit, you can easily perform our Estrogen and Progesterone test at home. Simply collect your saliva sample and send it over to our lab for analysis.

The test suits menstruating women, menopausal women, and men, as hormonal imbalances can occur in all groups. Different reference values are provided based on the category you belong to.

Many opt to test estrogen/progesterone alongside our Cortisol test, as cortisol production can impact progesterone levels. We also offer a comprehensive Women's Hormone Test, analyzing estrogen, progesterone, their ratio, DHEA, testosterone, and cortisol.

The Function of Estrogen (Oestrogen)

Estrogen, primarily produced in the ovaries, plays numerous vital roles in the body. This test measures estradiol (E2), considered the most important and potent of the three estrogen hormones.

Besides its crucial role in maintaining bone mass in women, estrogen increases HDL particle levels in the blood, protecting blood vessels. It also enhances the body's conversion of omega-3 fats from vegetable sources into the DHA fatty acid, essential for brain function.

Estrogen stimulates growth, particularly in the uterus and mammary glands, increasing the rate of cell division in these tissues and thus the risk of cancer. The duration of estrogen exposure (marked by early menstrual onset and late menopause) correlates with an increased cancer risk. Estrogen also controls typical fat distribution in women, such as around the hips, breasts, and thighs. Being overweight can elevate estrogen levels, partly because testosterone converts to estrogen in adipose tissue. Consequently, the more fat you have, the higher your estrogen content.

Estrogen is vital for the immune system and memory in both men and women. It counteracts osteoporosis and protects against cardiovascular disease. Like testosterone, estrogen also has fat-burning and muscle-building effects. Postmenopausal women with low estrogen levels are at high risk of losing bone mass and developing osteoporosis.

Estrogen Deficiency symptoms

Estrogen levels typically decrease during menopause but can also drop due to factors like stress, poor nutrition, and intense training. 

Symptoms specific to estrogen deficiency include low libido, pain during sex, urinary tract infections, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irregular or absent periods, mood swings or depression, weakened bone structure, and hair loss.

The Function of Progesterone

Progesterone is a key hormone in the body that plays a crucial role in regulating menstruation and supporting the early stages of a pregnancy. It is produced by the ovaries, adrenal glands, and during pregnancy, by the placenta. 

The main function of progesterone is to help make the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) ready for a fertilised egg to implant and grow into a foetus. When conception occurs, Progesterone levels rise and they decrease when conception does not occur, resulting in menstruation. 

Progesterone is very similar to oestrogen, but the main difference is that progesterone is more important in regulating pregnancy, whereas oestrogen is more important in regulating the menstrual cycle.  

Progesterone deficiency symptoms

Balanced progesterone levels are essential for overall hormonal health. Depending on whether you are pregnant or not, the impact of low progesterone levels differs. 

Symptoms for people who are not pregnant include irregular menstrual cycles, hot flashes, mood swings. It’s also more difficult to become pregnant with low progesterone levels. 

Once you do get pregnant, it is crucial for a successful pregnancy to sustain high levels of progesterone. Low levels of progesterone can cause pregnancy complications such as miscarriage or preterm labour. 

Symptoms of a Hormonal Imbalance

However, hormonal imbalances can manifest in various ways. Common symptoms that may overlap with estrogen deficiency include menstrual irregularities, PMS, tender breasts, infertility, headaches or migraines, weight gain, endometriosis, and mood swings. Conversely, high estrogen levels can cause symptoms like swelling or water retention, swollen and tender breasts, irregular menstrual cycles, and fibrocystic breasts.

Given the potential overlap in symptoms, accurately diagnosing hormonal imbalances requires measuring hormone levels to provide the most effective support and treatment.

When to collect a sample

Menstruating women should collect the sample one week after ovulation, usually between days 19-23 of a normal cycle. If collection falls on a weekend, store the saliva sample in the fridge and send it to the lab on Monday. Women in menopause can collect the sample at any time of the month.