Progesterone Blood Test

Progesterone is one of 4 key female hormones. It is produced primarily in the ovaries, and is responsible for a host of functions, including the regulation of your menstrual cycle, supporting pregnancy, breast development, bone health and mood regulation.

Although progesterone is associated with the female reproductive system, small amounts are also produced in men, where it is involved in the production of other hormones, including testosterone and corticosteroids.

Synthetic forms of progesterone, called progestins, are often used in hormonal contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy to mimic the actions of progesterone in the body.

Low progesterone levels can manifest with various symptoms, and these symptoms can overlap with other health conditions. Symptoms of low progesterone include^[1]:

• Irregular Menstrual Cycles
• Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
• Difficulty Getting Pregnant
• Recurrent Miscarriages
• Low Libido
• Mood Swings and Anxiety
• Insomnia or Poor Sleep
• Fatigue
• Headaches or Migraines

[1]https://www.aspenmedicalpractice.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Symptoms-of-Early-Menopause.pdf

Low progesterone levels in women can be caused by various factors, and it’s often a complex interplay of physiological and lifestyle elements. Common causes of low progesterone are:

• Anovulation
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• Stress
• Excessive Exercise
• Underweight or Low Body Fat
• Perimenopause and Menopause
• Hypothyroidism
• Chronic Illness or Inflammatory Conditions
• Ovarian Cysts or Tumours
• Medications
• Endocrine Disruptors

There are a few things you can do to increase your progesterone levels if they’re are outside of their optimal range:

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): In some cases, your doctor may prescribe hormone replacement therapy. This can be administered in various forms, including pills, creams, or injections.

Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help support hormonal balance. This includes getting regular exercise, managing stress levels, and getting enough sleep.

Diet: Certain foods may help support hormone balance. Foods rich in vitamin B6, zinc, and magnesium, such as nuts, seeds, and leafy green vegetables, may be beneficial. Enjoying an overall balanced diet can contribute to hormonal health.

Avoiding Endocrine Disruptors: Endocrine disruptors are substances that can interfere with hormone production and regulation. These may include certain chemicals found in plastics, pesticides, and some personal care products. Minimising exposure to these substances can be beneficial.

Identifying and Treating Underlying Conditions: Low progesterone levels can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying health issue. Identifying and addressing the root cause, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders, may help improve hormonal balance.

The menstrual cycle can be split into two main phases – the follicular phase and luteal phase. During the luteal phase, progesterone prepares the body for pregnancy and supports early pregnancy. It helps thicken the uterine lining, creating a more hospitable environment for a fertilised egg to implant and supporting early embryonic development.

Making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle, especially if you suspect a hormonal imbalance, can help return your progesterone to optimal levels. Start by making sure you’re enjoying a balanced diet with healthy fats, limited processed foods and sugar.

Maintaining a healthy weight can also help keep your hormones working as they should be, making exercise a key component to your overall hormone health. Reducing stress and getting lots of sleep can also help.

If your levels are still low after these changes, speak to your doctor about what the next steps are that could help you.

If you order your test before midday on a Monday to Friday then your kit will be dispatched the same day.

All our kits are sent out via Royal Mail Tracked24, so it should be with you within 1-2 working days.

We have strict processes in place to ensure the protection of your data. Following GDPR the company also operates under tight legal rules about the sharing of data which ensures that data is only shared if it is crucial to the delivery of our service. For example, our doctors see customer results at the time of review, however, after review, access to results is withdrawn.

Learn more about your data security.

Yes. We offer two options if you do not want to do our finger prick test. The first is a home appointment where a nurse comes to your home to take a blood sample. The second is to visit a Phlebotomy clinic near you that offers a blood sample service.

A blood sample will be taken from your vein and we will provide you with everything you need to give to the nurse to allow them to take the sample.

The nurse will give you the blood sample to return to us using the pre-paid envelope provided.

We have a team of doctors and nurses who look at all results and will comment on any results that are outside of the normal range for your age.

Yes, you can download your results from your health dashboard as a PDF to share with your GP.

Learn how to export your results.