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Blood test results and confused

by Jenn Jones
(Jacksonville, FL)

I got my blood work done for my hormone levels but I can not read them. My insurance got canceled and I am not sure what I am doing.

My progesterone reads as follows...

Progesterone - 1.7
Follicular phase 0.2-1.5
luteal phase 1.7-27.0
ovulation phase 0.8-3.0
Postmenopause 0.1-0.8

I am not sure how to read this at all!!

Comments for Blood test results and confused

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Sep 14, 2011
 My hormone levels
by: Anonymous

Sorry I can't help you. I just got my test results back and am confused also. Mine are as follows.

progesterone: 16.9

Leuteinizing: 49.0

Follical stimulating: 40.2

Estradiol: 102


I had a total hysterectomy and I am on HRT. I use Vivelle .075mg and prometruim 100mg. I am not sure if your using HRT or not but I know these test if not explained can be confusing. Hopefully we can get someone to help us out and let us know if our hormone numbers are ok.
Sep 19, 2011
 Blood test results and confused
by: Wray

Hi Jenn The first figure shows your progesterone level, ie 1.7, the rest are reference ranges. Unfortunately it means nothing unless I know when in your cycle the test was taken. It should always be done ±7 days after ovulation or before bleeding. This is when progesterone levels peak. Taken any other time is has no significance. So if it was taken at the correct time, it means your progesterone is very low, as you can see the luteal phase reference is 1.7-27.0. I would have to know your age too. If you're in Peri-menopause it makes a difference, as we get anovulatory cycles which means progesterone is low that cycle. If you should consider using progesterone we do have more info on our page How to use progesterone cream. But please see our page on Oestrogen Dominance first. Take care Wray
Sep 19, 2011
 My hormone levels
by: Wray

Hi there Your progesterone is within the 'normal' range, see Medline Progesterone. Your FSH is high, the normal range is 3.5-30.0 IU/L, this is explained by the hyst and now being in Menopause
because of the hyst, see Medline FSH. Your oestradiol is very high, it should be 0 - 30 pg/ml, see Medline Oestradiol. The reason of course being the HRT you are using. I don't believe any of us needs more oestrogen. We've found from Saliva Tests we run, that the ratio of progesterone to oestrogen should be 600:1 and over to feel well, yours is 166:1. I'm concerned about the oestrogen you're taking, plus oral progesterone is the least effective Delivery system. I would suggest you change to another system which is absorbed better, ie injections, suppositories or a cream. If you opt for the cream, we do have more info on our page How to use progesterone cream. Take care Wray
Sep 22, 2011
 Hormone levels
by: Anonymous

Wray, Do you think if I cut my vivelle patch in half that I would feel better? I know if I go off of it I have horrible hot flashes. I have tried the creams and gels but all make me feel horrible. Are you saying that my estradiol is too high? Or do I need to add more progestrone? I don't know why this has to be so confusing to me. I just know that I feel very tired all the time (I also have Ebstein Bar virus and cfs) so it could be those two that are making me tired??

Thanks for all your support,
Angel
Sep 25, 2011
 Question Re: High Progesterone Level on Blood Test
by: Virginia

Hi Wray, mind if I ask you a quick question regarding progesterone levels? I recently had blood drawn on Day 25 for progesterone and it showed high:

33.1 (range 3.3 - 25.6 ng/mL luteal phase)

I have been on micronized compounded progesterone 100mg capsule from day 14 - 28 (I realize oral is not the greatest form, but doctor thought capsule would help with sleep, which it does). I have been on it for about five months now.

My Estrogen levels on Day 3 from the bloodwork were within range as follows:

Estradiol 59.9 (follicular phase: 12.5 - 165.5 pg/mL)
Estrone 41 (premenopausal: 17 - 200 pg/mL)

Although I feel great energy wise and periods are light with no cramping, I have been experiencing an increase in breast size, as well as weight gain in the middle and acne breakouts along the jawline and am wondering if the excess progesterone might be causing this. I am not sure how to calculate my ratio or what constitutes an optimal ratio for progesterone/estrogen or what levels I should be at (I am 43 years old). Is it possible that the 100mg oral is too strong and I should consider cutting back a bit to get that progesterone level in range? Or do I need to look on the estrogen side of things(I am not on any type of estrogen? I am also thinking about switching over to the cream form of progesterone, but not sure where to start dosage-wise (especially if the 100mg oral is too high).

THANKS SO MUCH for your comments, Wray. I plan on discussing with my doctor, but just wanted to get your ideas in the interim as I consider you very knowledgeable when it comes to this stuff!
Oct 03, 2011
 Question Re: High Progesterone Level on Blood Test
by: Wray

Hi Virginia Your progesterone results do show higher than 'normal', but from Saliva Tests we run, we've found the ratio of progesterone to oestrogen should be 600:1 and over to feel well. Yours is not bad, it's 523:1. Levels can go far, far higher, see here. The increase in breast size is due to oestrogen, it's a mitogen causing cells to multiply, plus it causes water retention. Progesterone inhibits mitosis, and it's an excellent diuretic and anti-inflammatory. Now given to TBI victims to prevent the oedema and inflammation which occur, see here, here and here. Although amounts in excess of 1200mg/day are given via IV transfusion to achieve this. Which is why I believe you need more, not less progesterone. For instance progesterone is helpful for the breasts, see here, here, here, here, here and here. It can help Acne too. As you are now in the beginning stages of Peri-menopause, please read this page which explains how to use progesterone. Thanks for the kind words! Take care Wray
Oct 03, 2011
 Hormone levels
by: Wray

Hi Angel I should have given you our page on Coming off HRT. Cutting the patch in half is too quick, you will get hot flushes. If you follow the guidelines given on the link you should find the transition is much more gentle. The reason the creams and gels make you feel horrible, is because you are full of oestrogen, your level is too high. When first using progesterone it stimulates oestrogen, hence the symptoms. This is explained on our Oestrogen Dominance page. The amount of progesterone you're using is too low too, as most gets destroyed in the gut and liver. Please change to another Delivery system. The EB and CFS will make you tired, please have a vitamin D test done. There's evidence it's too low in inflammatory disorders, see here and here. For more info on testing, please see the Vitamin D Council, GrassrootsHealth Birmingham Hospital and Vitamin D Links websites. This is an excellent video to watch too, see here. You could have Insulin Resistance, as this also makes one tired. But I suspect it's more probably caused by the EB and CFS. Take care Wray
Oct 04, 2011
 Hormone Level
by: Anonymous

I am a 22 year old female and I had blood tests done by my gynecologist and she said they were low so she sent me to a endocrinologist. That doctor said everything was fine though. I'm just wondering if they are normal or not, I have not been able to get a straight answer. I did two different blood tests.

The results during the week of my menstrual cycle were:
Progesterone - <0.20 ng/ml
Estrogen - <50 pg/ml
Testosterone - 31 ng/dl
And the results the week after my mentrual cycle were:
Progesterone - 0.38 ng/ml
Estrogen <50 pg/ml
FSH - 5.9 miu/ml

Please help me understand whether or not my levels are normal.
Oct 06, 2011
 Hormone Level
by: Wray

Hi there The tests were done at the wrong time, progesterone will always show low in the follicular phase. This runs from the first day of bleeding to ovulation. Follicular progesterone is always less than 1 ng/ml, whereas luteal progesterone is anything from 5 to 20 ng/ml, see Medline Progesterone. Oestradiol ranges from 30 - 400 pg/ml, so yours is within range, see Medline Oestradiol. If you have another test done, I suggest you get a saliva test, they tend to be more accurate. And please make sure it's done mid-luteal phase when progesterone peaks. Are you having problems that you needed to have these tests done? Take care Wray
Oct 06, 2011
 Thoughts on DIM & Cal D-Glucarate
by: Virginia

Hi again Wray...

Thanks for your response. Just wanted to get your thoughts on the supplements DIM and Calcium D-Glucarate. Are you a believer in them? As you can see from my prior email, my Estradiol is 59.9 and Estrone is 41 (tested Day 3 - and I am not on any type of estrogen). Would these estrogen levels warrant consideration of using one, or both, of these supplements? Or are they used when women have much higher levels of estrogen? I also ask because in the past, I have had high beta-glucuronidase levels and I have read Calcium D-Glucarate helps lower these levels.

As always, thanks for being a great teacher...I am learning alot!
Oct 08, 2011
 Hormone Level
by: Anonymous

I will have to get a saliva test done, thanks. I have been having a problem with no sex drive, my hair is thinning, and I get emotional easily. I am on birth control also so I don't know if that would have anything to do with it.
Oct 10, 2011
 Thoughts on DIM & Cal D-Glucarate
by: Wray

Hi Virginia It's so interesting you ask about Ca D-glucarate, as no one has asked me about it. But I often recommend taking it. It's also interesting to me that you've had your beta-glucuronidase checked, I've never heard of that being done before. Many ask me about DIM. Oestrogen is metabolised in the liver by glucuronic acid, the process is known as glucuronidation. The process also removes other substances, including toxins, drugs, bilirubin, androgens, mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids. It's then excreted in the bile, but an enzyme in the intestine called beta-glucuronidase breaks the oestrogen/glucuronide bond, which allows oestrogen to be reabsorbed. Calcium D-glucarate inhibits beta-glucuronidase, see here and here. Incidentally this enzyme is produced by undesirable gut bacteria, supplementing with probiotics suppresses the bacteria, and subsequently the beta-glucuronidase. There's evidence beta-glucuronidase activity is increased in breast and prostate cancer, see here, here and here. Some fruits and vegetables contain calcium D-glucarate, see here. Another study found that a diet containing fruits and vegetables didn't reduce beta-glucuronidase activity, in fact increased it, see here. Although there's no doubt supplementing with calcium D-glucarate does reduce beta-glucuronidase. As for DIM? oestrogen is broken down into 2 principle metabolites, 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE1) and 16-alpha hydroxyestrone (16alpha-OHE1). 16alpha-OHE1 is regarded as a potent oestrogen, whereas 2-OHE1 is a weak oestrogen. DIM increases levels of 2-OHE1, by doing so it also increases the ratio of 2-OHE1:16alpha-OHE1. This increased ratio is associated with a lower risk for breast cancer, see here. Other studies have found a protective role too. So any natural substance which reduces the potency of oestrogen is to my mind worth taking. It would be interesting to know whether your oestrone was higher in 2-hydroxyestrone or 16-alpha hydroxyestrone, but that's asking too much of the doctor and lab! Thanks for the kind words, I've never regarded myself as a teacher! You evidently appreciate the papers I give to support any argument I have. This is a blessing to me, as I don't think many read them, as they ask the same questions over and over! Take care Wray
Oct 10, 2011
 Hormone Level
by: Wray

Hi there Progesterone does help libido, in fact we have many men using it for that. All Contraceptives have the potential to cause adverse side effects. Please consider coming off it, it lowers progesterone levels, not what any woman needs. Yo might like to read these comments by Annette, who was on it for 15 years, see here and here. You have sufficient symptoms to warrant trying progesterone, please see our page on How to use progesterone cream. But before you do, please see our page on Oestrogen Dominance as this can occur. Take care Wray
Oct 19, 2011
 Serum Progesterone results confused
by: Akila

My Serum Progesterone test on 26th day 54.8 ng/mL. But 34th Day Bleeding start are me Pregnant?
Oct 21, 2011
 Serum Progesterone results confused
by: Wray

Hi Akila Normal luteal phase progesterone levels range from 5 to 20 ng/ml. First trimester levels range from 11.2 - 90.0 ng/ml, so it seems you could have been pregnant. But as you say you have started bleeding, then no you are not pregnant. We do have a page on Pregnancy you might like to look through. Progesterone is essential for a successful pregnancy, it appears yours dropped causing what might have been a miscarriage. I suggest you try using progesterone before attempting to conceive again, this will prevent a further loss. Take care Wray
Nov 23, 2011
 Stomach Bloat/Enlarged Breasts
by: Anonymous

Why is it that no matter how good my progesterone levels/ratio are to estrogen, do I always feel fatter in the midsection in addition to my breasts ballooning up? I have been using natural progesterone cream for over two years now (keeping in mind you need a ratio of 600:1 to feel well) and when I use it, I notice my breasts get swollen and my stomach feels heavy and bloated. When I stop the progesterone, my breasts "deflate" and my stomach gets flatter.Not sure why this happens when I have a good ratio of over 600:1. I also wonder if the midsection weight/bloat is caused by the progesterone increasing cortisol levels??? The progesterone helps me in that I get a consistent menstrual cycle (without cramping, which is a huge plus) and I love its protective benefits, but the larger breasts and stomach bother me to no end!
Nov 30, 2011
 Stomach Bloat/Enlarged Breasts
by: Wray

Hi there Your ratio is good and from what you say, it's evident the progesterone is helping in many ways. But it appears you could increase the amount you're using. Oestrogen causes water retention and bloating, progesterone doesn't. In fact it's such a good diuretic, it's now given via IV transfusion to brain trauma victims to prevent the oedema which occurs after the injury, see here, here and here. I recommend 100-200mg/day or more. If you should consider increasing the amount you use, please see our page on Oestrogen Dominance first as this can occur. I also suggest rubbing it directly on your tummy and breasts. Although progesterone travels rapidly round the body, I've found using it directly on the areas causing problems it works quicker. Take care Wray
May 14, 2012
 pls help with explanation
by: Anonymous

my result came out this way:
1. progesterone(P4) 15.53
follicular phase: 0.2-1.5
2. prolactin 336.10
woman(non-pregnant):102-496
3. TSH Ultrasensitive, serium 4.060, 0.45-4.5
May 15, 2012
 pls help with explanation
by: Wray

Hi there I'm not sure what it is you want explaining. I also don't know what measurements were used, was it ng/ml or nmol/L? Although it does seem like nmol/L. Your progesterone is normal for the luteal phase, not the follicular phase if in ng/ml, low if in nmol/L. Prolactin levels range from 2 - 29 ng/mL or 86.96 - 1260.86 pmol/L, so yours is in the normal range if in nmol/L. TSH ranges from 0.4 to 4.0 mIU/L, so it's only very slightly high. They haven't given you oestrogen, which is needed if you want to find the ratio. And they haven't done T3 which is the active thyroid hormone. TSH only stimulates the thyroid to secrete more T4. We do have a page on Hormone Testing which gives you all the hormones. Take care Wray
Jul 07, 2012
 trying to conceive help please!!
by: Anonymous

Hi i am 28 years old and have been trying to conceive for about 9 years and have had my blood tested on the third day of my cycle. And my tst came back 91 and fsh 5.9 that normal? If not do you have any suggestions please help thank you
Jul 07, 2012
 trying to conceive help please!!
by: Wray

Hi there I'm not sure what was tested on day 3, as you just say '91', maybe you could let me know what this was for. Possibly it was oestrogen, but progesterone needs to be taken too. And this should only be done ±7 days after ovulation or before bleeding. And unless I have the LH results I can't help you with the FSH either. Your FSH does fall into the normal range which is 3.5-30.0 IU/L, please see our page on Hormone Testing. But if your LH is higher than the FHS it could mean you have PCOS. Please look through this page and see if there are any other clues. If your progesterone is low it would have a huge bearing on conception, likewise low vitamin D. We do have a page on Pregnancy you could look through. We also have a page on Infertility too. Take care Wray
Oct 23, 2012
 Help!
by: Anonymous

I am confused. I had my Day 21 test and my Progestrone was 4.8. My test results show that Ovulation: 0.8-3.0 ng/mL. However, everything I read says I should be over ten! Should I be really concern. All of my day 3 test were good! my FSH was also 4.8.. Any advice?
Oct 24, 2012
 Help!
by: Wray

Hi there A test mid-luteal phase, which is 6-7 days after ovulation and before bleeding, should range from 5-20ng/ml, some say up to 40ng/ml. So yours is slightly low. I take it you have a 28 day cycle? I'm not sure what you mean by the ovulation results, as you've given a range, and not a single figure. Tests are not normally done at ovulation. We do have a page on Hormone Testing you could look through. Take care Wray
Apr 22, 2013
 Can I be pregnant
by: Adamma

I am 39 years. I have a 28 day cycle. I had a progesterone test on my 21day and these were the result:
Progesterone: 3.19ng/ml Reference Ranges
Follicular phase:0.2-1.5
Ovulation phase:0.8-3.0
Luteal Phase:1.7-27.0
Post menopause: 0.1-0.8
Apr 22, 2013
 Can I be pregnant
by: Wray

Hi Adamma No I very much doubt it, but only a test would show this. Your progesterone is only 3.19ng/ml, and the range you've given for the luteal phase varies from 1.7 to 27.0. We do have a page on Hormone Testing you could look through. 1st trimester levels vary from 11.2 to 90.0 ng/ml. Take care Wray
Jul 06, 2014
 Progesterone level
by: Stephleigh

I'm a 23 year old female I haven't been feeling well, I had my hormones tested it was 4 days after ovulation, this was June 18th I had my nexplanon removed may 22, family doctor said my progesterone was high but not sure if that's from me having the nexplanon (progestin) or what just trying to get my mind around what's going on so I can feel better
Progesterone-6.28 scale of 0.2-1.5
Lh hormone -1.7 scale of 0.5-1.2
Testosterone and estrogen showed normal
I have been weak, fatigued, lethargic, anxiety, slight depression (feeling as tho my daughter is negatively affected bc I don't feel good) even tho I still take care of her, mental fog, headaches, tightness and tingling in head, feel like I have restless leg syndrome some nights. So tired but hard to fall asleep and stay asleep
Feb 28, 2015
 HELP
by: Lauren

So I got tested the day after ovulation and my progesterone levels were 0.8, estradiol 237. What does this mean??
Jun 24, 2015
 help with blood work results
by: Anonymous

Hello im 29 yrs old.. I had my blood test done on 06/23/2015... my first day of my period it was 05/31/2015 and it last for 4 days..(29 days)... I don't understand my results :(..

Estradiol result are 232
progesterone: 6.1
Testosterone: 22

is everything fine?? thank you so much
Oct 02, 2015
 Help!!!
by: Nebiyathussen

Hi.I have PCO.Have 2Kids.I have been TTC for z last 7yrs.I have low Progestrone and high prolactin.Am on bromocriptine 2.5mg and Primolut 5mg twice a day from day 14-25.My latest result are Prolactin 26 and progestron 0.4.The test was done on day 21.Please help me.
Dec 19, 2016
 Blood test
by: Anonymous

I did a blood test and I'm confused and can't read it can you tell me what it means? The results show...

Progesterone 0.38
Reference Values- Adult males 0.27-0.9 ng/ml
Foil. Phase 0.32-2.0 ng/ml
Mid Cycle 0.77-2.3 ng/ml
Literal phase 1.1-21.6ng/ml
First Trime. 9.3-33.2ng/ml
Second Trime. 29.5-50.0 ng/ml
Third Trime. 83.1-160 ng/ml
Jan 11, 2017
 ms
by: Anonymous

<0.1 progesterone level means what?
post menopause
Feb 03, 2017
 Help
by: Christina

Not sure if I have high estrogen and am totally confused. The only test that was ran so far was my estradiol (blood).

Day 9 on my cycle
Results 210pg
(Follicular phase range 27-122pg)

This is so confusing to me and I have been trying to research online for answers, but am not having the greatest of luck. Any feedback would be GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!
Thanks so much!
Jul 14, 2018
 Plz help
by: Anonymous

Hi there im 34 yrs old and did the progesterone level test and it says
Progesterone ng/ml 143.4
Follicular phase 0.2-1.5
Ovulation phase 0.8-3.0
Luteal phase 1.7-27.0
Postmenopause 0.1-0.8
Males 0.2-1.4

Plz help what does this mean??
Oct 24, 2018
 progesterone levels
by: Anonymous

Hi I'm 33 and I had the same test done.

Follicular phase 0.1-0.9
Luteal phase 1.8-23.9
Ovulation phase 0.1-12.0

I'm not sure how to read this, me and my husband have been trying to get pregnant for the past 8 years.

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