Progesterone ratio help?

[ColdTofuSandwich]

I’ve just got some results back around my progesterone and estrogen and I’m not sure what they mean.

my Estradiol is 5.29
progesterone is 69.59

which gives me a ratio of 13. Google tells me it should be at least 100.

i have had a dreadful time with my mental health and wondering if this is why. I’m also on hrt so not sure what the levels would have been before! Only three months in though.

I am seeing a doc but wondered if anyone had been in a similar position. All comments hugely welcomed

Hopeful bump

Bump

@Lizzbear Sorry to jump on your post. @EmilyDocMap Please could you message me about DocMap

I am following this as I have similar concerns and don't know anything about it.

I am sending lots of solidarity but can't give any help or advice at all. I am so sorry.

hi there. I’m at the docs next week so will
let you know what they say.

What was the test for and who did it?

It was to measure progesterone and Estradiol levels. Testing company was CeraScreen.

Why did you take the test?
Tests for peri menopause aren't done as they are too unreliable.
They are also more unreliable if you're also on HRT.

Estrogen tests( if ever done ) have to be done constantly over 24 hours as the level varies over the day.

I'm sorry but these companies offer tests that are often worthless.

If you feel you HRT isn't working, your GP will offer a different dose or type. Talk to your GP about it.

I’ve struggled significantly with mental health over the last 6 months or so and am being treated for perimenopause.

im interested to understand what my hormones are doing and what I can do if possible to reduce the depression.

I am talking to my GP, the local mental health team, and I am seeing a menopause specialist next week where I will discuss this with them.

I was asking if anyone has been in a similar position in the meantime.

I understand that and I'm sorry you're suffering so much but that test won't tell you anything. I wish these companies would stop offering these tests as they are useless. Estrogen levels can't be diagnosed by a finger prick test and consultants don't use tests like this anyway.

If you're struggling, the best thing is to look at the dose of estrogen you're on. Are you using gel or a patch?

NICE guidance is to first review your dose and perhaps increase the estrogen after a 3-month trial on a dose, and see if that helps.

Are you a doctor Jingling? The reason I want to see a specialist is because I’m not sure if increasing my estrogen is doing any good or making the issue worse.

I think the default is as you suggest. But I know of two friends whose issues have got worse on regular HRT.

I’ll be looking at what the best treatment is for me, I’m on a patch and it might be helping - or it might be doubling my anti depressants which has helped and I’m taking the HRT for no reason.

I appreciate there are many variables which makes it so tricky

The reason I want to see a specialist is because I’m not sure if increasing my estrogen is doing any good or making the issue worse.

I'm just posting medical guidance from specialists that is in NICE which is that a review after 3 months is necessary for all women on HRT. If your symptoms are persisting it is usual to increase the estrogen. This is standard procedure but no one here can tell you if that's right for you.

It is a case of trial and error for all women using HRT.

This is the link and at 1.3.4 advises not to use any tests for estrogen.

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23/chapter/Recommendations#managing-symptoms-associated-with-menopause-in-people-aged-40-or-over

NICE also advises against using SSRIs unless it's clinical depression that has existed prior to peri menopause. They suggest getting the HRT right as a first step. There is info on other medical sites that ADs don't work for depression that's hormonal.

The BMS has produced a summary of this and the final page (5) discusses some points like a 3-monthly review.

https://thebms.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/09-BMS-TfC-NICE-Menopause-Menopause-identification-and-management-%E2%80%93-from-guideline-to-practice-MARCH2025-D.pdf

Hope you get some answers with your appt next week.

Thank you for the info.

If anyone has been in a similar situation I’d appreciate your input.