Do these symptoms sound familiar?
  • Concentration difficulties
  • Fatigue, listlessness
  • Anxiety, depressive moods
  • Nausea
  • Water retention
  • Weight gain
  • Sensitive breasts (aches, swelling)
  • Cysts, myomas
  • Painful menstruation

These symptoms are often associated with an Estrogen dominance.

Verisana measures your Estrogen and progesterone levels and determines whether your levels are within the reference range and explains how the hormones interact with each other.

The interaction of Estrogen and Progesterone

The concentration of the female sex hormones (Estrogen and progesterone) is essential for a problem free menstrual cycle. There is a sensitive balance between Estrogen and progesterone: the hormones possess both counteractive and complementary effects, working together to keep the body in balance. Thereby, the Estrogen levels determine how much progesterone is needed.

Estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate during the female monthly cycle, staying within a certain ratio to one another – although, depending on the stage of the cycle, other ratios can also be seen as ‘normal.’ If the ratio between Estrogen and progesterone is shifted so that too much Estrogen is produced in comparison to progesterone, an Estrogen dominance, or progesterone deficiency, occurs. Surprisingly, this can also be the case if not enough Estrogen is being produced (Estrogen deficiency) for the body’s requirements because the body may also be deficient in progesterone – it is the ratio between the two hormones that is important.

Estrogen dominance involves a number of unpleasant symptoms for the woman affected (see list above). The intensity of the symptoms varies from woman to woman, from mild to unbearable.

As a healthy balance between Estrogen and progesterone is so important for female well-being, it is crucial to determine not only the absolute values of each hormone, but also the ratio of Estrogen to progesterone, when dealing with Estrogen dominance. Under medical supervision, an imbalance can be treated with herbal medicine or bio-identical progesterone creams, or capsules.

The positive effect of progesterone

A progesterone deficiency involves a number of unpleasant complaints for the women affected because progesterone has many positive, health-enhancing characteristics. Studies show that progesterone is a natural antidepressant, has a calming effect, and can help counteract fears. Additionally, it has a positive influence on the distribution of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) that, when lacking, can cause depression. Accordingly, a low progesterone level is often accompanied by depressive moods, fatigue, listlessness and anxiety attacks. Progesterone also has a natural dehydrating effect and counteracts breast tenderness, it strengthens the immune system, protects our bones, and reduces cravings for sweets.

As a healthy balance between Estrogen and progesterone is important for female well-being, when suffering from a progesterone deficiency, it is essential to determine not only the absolute values but also the ratio between Estrogen and progesterone. Under medical supervision, an imbalance can be treated with herbal medicines or bio-identical progesterone creams or capsules.

How Verisana can help

If you are suffering from one or more of the symptoms stated above, we recommend a Verisana saliva test on the 19th , 20th or 21st day of your cycle (in the case of a 28 day cycle), to determine the progesterone and Estrogen values.* The sample needed can be easily obtained by yourself at home. The evaluation report is then sent in the post along with:

  • Your hormone values in graphical form – this makes it possible to decipher whether your Estrogen and progesterone values are within the reference range, and the ratio between them.
  • An easy to understand explanation regarding the functions of the tested hormones.
  • A summary of the complaints that can come from a deficiency or excess.

*for the Estrogen determination Estradiol is measured; Estradiol is a hormone belonging to the Estrogen family.