Progesterone levels must consistently be assessed during the mid-luteal phase when they peak, typically around 7 days post-ovulation or just prior to menstruation, in all women. Throughout the remainder of the month, levels tend to be low, or they may rise during the early luteal phase or decline in the late luteal phase. Consequently, testing at any other time is generally ineffective.

It doesn’t matter when men undergo testing for their levels.

Two key factors are essential when evaluating progesterone levels.

• the unit measured - SI or conventional. They cannot be compared, a conversion is needed
• blood (serum) or saliva test. These cannot be compared

Frequently, women using progesterone cream are informed that their hormone levels are excessively high, leading to anxiety for some. However, this concern is unwarranted; the primary focus should be on whether the unpleasant symptoms associated with excess estrogen have resolved. If there are no adverse symptoms present, you can gradually reduce the amount of progesterone cream until you find the optimal dosage for your needs. For more information, please refer to How to use NATPRO Progesterone Cream.

The fluctuations in progesterone levels, along with the variations in estrogen levels, lead to:

• mood changes
• change in sleep patterns
• cravings/appetite
• PMS
• etc etc

The balance between progesterone and estrogen is crucial; any fluctuations can lead to significant issues. An excess of estrogen in comparison to progesterone can cause serious problems. Ideally, the progesterone to estrogen (E2) ratio should be approximately 600:1.

Most laboratories report a progesterone to estrogen ratio of 10-100. However, for optimal well-being, this ratio should ideally be 600:1 or higher. For further details, please visit the Hormone Testing page.

Please read the Estrogen Dominance, HRT and Contraceptive pages for more information.

Progesterone is a soothing, anti-inflammatory hormone that alleviates the symptoms mentioned above.

Unfortunately, there are more than 100 estrogen mimics present in our environment today. These substances can be found in our food, air, water, and plastics, as well as in skin care products, particularly sunscreens, to name just a few. All of these factors impact our health and well-being, affecting everyone, including men. For further details, please refer to Our Stolen Future and Skin Deep.

Ensuring the proper balance between progesterone and estrogen is crucial.

Please read this important page - Saliva Hormone Testing by Dr David Zava.

Salivary hormone levels frequently exceed serum (blood) levels when employing a transdermal cream.

Many individuals find saliva testing perplexing, especially since transdermal administration of progesterone significantly elevates salivary hormone levels, unlike serum concentrations. For instance, applying 30mg of progesterone cream leads to an average increase in salivary levels from approximately 50pg/ml (0.05ng/ml) to a staggering 500-3000pg/ml (0.5 - 3ng/ml), representing a 10-60 fold rise. This increase is even more pronounced with dosages of 100-200mg daily, pushing salivary progesterone levels to soaring heights of 10,000-100,000pg/ml (10-100ng/ml). In contrast, serum progesterone levels show only about a fourfold increase, rising from roughly 0.5 to 2-3ng/ml. This unequal surge in salivary hormone levels is also observed with the transdermal delivery of other hormones, such as estradiol, testosterone, DHEA, and more. For further details, refer to ZRT Saliva test kits.

Depending on how severe symptoms are, women should use between 100-200mg per day, more if symptoms are extreme. Men should use between 10-100mg per day. Please read How to use Progesterone Cream for more information.

Please read the following pages:

Estrogen Dominance
Peri-Menopause
Menopause

What causes progesterone levels to drop?

I regularly receive messages from women who have been using progesterone for some time, stating that their symptoms have returned. A lack of or a drop in vitamin D3 levels, even if a missed dose has taken place, or if lots of time has been spent indoors and not getting enough sun, affects our vitamin D3 levels, which in turn, affects progesterone levels. Stress destroys both progesterone and vitamin D3, amongst many other vital nutrients.

Some Main Reasons that could cause Progesterone levels to drop:

• lack of or drop in Vitamin D3 levels
• high estrogen
• high testosterone
• high LH
• high FSH sugars of any kind
• large meals
• alcohol
• stress
• insulin resistance
• high level of phytoestrogens in the diet

Diet is so very important.  Wheat is particularly bad as is sugar, in fact, all carbs should be avoided as much as possible.