Often referred to as the ‘pregnancy hormone’, progesterone plays a crucial role in every woman’s menstrual cycle, emotional wellbeing, sexual desire, and fertility. And while levels of progesterone naturally fluctuate through a woman’s cycle, your body can sometimes make too much or too little which is why testing your progesterone levels is one of the most reliable ways of monitoring ovulation and checking in on your hormonal health.
If you want to get an idea of your progesterone levels, one of the best ways to do so is with a progesterone test. This is usually a blood test and it works by examining the amount of progesterone in the blood to decipher whether you are ovulating normally. This test can be taken from home with an at-home progesterone test such as LetsGetChecked’s at-home Progesterone Test.
Can you test progesterone levels at home?
Levels of hormones naturally rise and fall for various reasons in women; during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause, or older age. However, if you are trying to conceive, would simply like to know more about your hormone health, or have a condition that may cause a hormonal imbalance such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis, one of the most reliable ways to know more is with a progesterone blood test.
The most common form of progesterone testing is a blood test. This test can be used to check if you are ovulating normally and can also give an idea of any potential imbalances. If you would prefer to take a test from home, you can do so with an at-home lab test.
LetsGetChecked’s at-home Progesterone Test is a simple blood test that tests for the progesterone hormone. The progesterone-ovulation sample must be collect 7 days before an expected period, if you have a 28 day period, take the test on day 21 to confirm that ovulation has occurred.
The test will arrive in discreet packaging with a return envelope and clear instructions inside. Online results will be available within 2-5 days and our dedicated clinical team will be available throughout the process to answer any questions you may have. If you need more information about taking the sample, find out more here.
How do I know I have low progesterone?
The symptoms associated with low progesterone are magnified by high levels of estrogen; this often occurs in the absence of sufficient progesterone levels.
Low progesterone levels coupled with higher estrogen levels may lead to:
- Headaches
- Bloating
- Hot flashes
- Breast tenderness
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Insomnia
- Decreased sex drive/libido
- Increased intensity of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) symptoms
LetsGetChecked’s range of at-home Female Fertility tests will help you understand your hormonal health. The process is simple:
- The test is shipped directly to you by next day delivery
- Activate your test and answer a few health-related questions
- Your health record will be reviewed by a medical team member and should you need any support services, they will be provided
- Collect your sample at a time that suits you
- Send your sample back to our laboratory using the pre-paid shipping label provided
- Your sample will be processed in an anonymous and timely manner
- Your results will be reviewed by our team of doctors. A member of our nursing team will contact you to deliver your results, discuss any next steps and offer prescriptions in some cases
The Progesterone Test must be taken 7 days before an expected period. If you have a 28 day period, you take the test on day 21 to confirm that ovulation has occurred. The test must be taken on this day of the menstrual cycle as progesterone levels rise following ovulation or the release of eggs from the ovaries.
It’s recommended that you check your hormone levels if:
- You’re looking to start a family
- You’re thinking about pregnancy down the line
- You’re interested in knowing more about your hormone levels
- You’re experiencing low progesterone symptoms
