🌸 Oestrogen & Progesterone

Key female sex hormones that influence the menstrual cycle, fertility, mood, energy, and body weight.

🔍 What is it?

Oestrogen and progesterone are essential reproductive hormones that work together to regulate the menstrual cycle and support fertility and pregnancy. They also affect metabolism, bone health, and brain function.

• Oestrogen (mainly oestradiol) helps build the uterine lining, influences mood, and supports bone and cardiovascular health.
• Progesterone prepares the uterus for pregnancy and balances oestrogen. It also has calming effects on the brain.

Imbalances in these hormones can lead to irregular periods, PMS, fertility issues, mood swings, and weight fluctuations.

🧪 What does it measure?

• Oestradiol (E2) – the most active form of oestrogen
• Progesterone – measured to evaluate ovulation and luteal phase function

These may be tested at specific times in the menstrual cycle:

• Day 3 – for baseline oestrogen
• Day 21 (or 7 days before next period) – for peak progesterone

❓ Why might I need it?

You may be advised to take this test if you:

• 📉 Experience irregular or missed periods
• 😣 Have PMS, mood swings, or low libido
• 🤰 Are trying to conceive or monitor ovulation
• 😓 Suffer from fatigue, brain fog, or anxiety
• 🩸 Have heavy or painful periods
• 🧠 Suspect hormonal imbalance or perimenopause
• 🧬 Are undergoing fertility treatment or hormone therapy
• 📊 Are tracking hormone-related weight changes

🧬 Conditions it can help detect:

• Hormonal imbalance (oestrogen dominance or low progesterone)
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Anovulation (lack of ovulation)
• Infertility
• Perimenopause or menopause
• Oestrogen/progesterone-related weight gain

🩺 How is it done?

• 💉 A blood sample is taken, often timed according to the menstrual cycle
• 📅 Hormone levels fluctuate, so cycle tracking is important for interpretation
• ⏱️ Results available within 1–3 working days

💷 Typical Private Cost in the UK:

£45–£100 depending on whether one or both hormones are tested

Often included in women’s hormone panels or fertility workups

✅ Commonly Combined With:

• LH & FSH – to assess pituitary signalling
• AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) – for ovarian reserve
• Testosterone – for hormonal balance (esp. in PCOS)
• Prolactin – if periods are absent or irregular
• Thyroid Function Tests (TFTs) – as thyroid hormones affect cycles

📚 References:

• NHS – Female hormone tests
• NICE – [Diagnosis of menstrual and ovulatory disorders]
• Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) – [Hormone health guidance]
• British Fertility Society – [Hormone monitoring in fertility]