| Progesterone | 15 | nmol/L |
| Estrogen | 917 | pmol/L |
| Ratio | 19.0567 | |
In healthy women, the progesterone/estradiol ratio should be between 100 and 500.
If it’s higher than that, it may indicate progesterone domination.
If it’s lower, then estrogen domination is more likely.
If you are menstruating then it’s important to check your progesterone and estradiol levels during days 19-21 of your cycle.
There is one exception: That is after menopause.
Because you are not ovulating it’s okay to check your progesterone and estradiol levels at pretty much any time.
Remember when we said that it’s the relative BALANCE of estrogen and progesterone that matters more than the absolute value:
That means you must check your estradiol levels in addition to your progesterone levels AT THE SAME TIME.
Look for a ratio that is about 10:1 that is, if your estradiol level is 50, then your progesterone level should be at least 5.
*Note: This ratio is only true for serum testing.
#2. The time of the month matters (if you are still menstruating).
Another point:
Progesterone levels change as you age.
Remember that age (in addition to your menstrual cycle) will alter your progesterone levels and progesterone metabolism.
As women age progesterone levels tend to fall more rapidly than estrogen levels which can set the stage for estrogen dominance.
This trend tends to occur right around age 35.
Estrogen domination symptoms
- Hot flashes(due to an overload of estrogen receptors)
- Insomnia
- Increased appetite
- Overt anxiety or panic attacks
- Depression
- Significant weight gain
Progesterone domination symptoms
- Weight fluctuations(usually mild weight gain of 5-10 pounds)
- Drowsiness / dizziness
- Depressed feelings but not overt depression
- Waking up groggy or “on edge”
- Sense of physical instability
- Discomfort or pain in the legs
- Anxiety or just feeling “tense”
- Changes to libido(usually decreased sex drive)
- Not feeling like yourself