trying to figure out progesterone/estradiol ratios???

by lindsey
(texas)

Hi,

I'm a 26 year old mother of 2, and have had hair loss and PMS problems for a while now. I was on birth control pills for a total of about 4-5 years on and off and have been off of them for about 2 years now due to mood swings, low libido and harmful effects I've read about. I saw an endocrinologist for a blood test to compare my estrogen and progesterone. He couldn't tell me anything about what the ratio should be because he says it's changing all the time. I've heard it mentioned that it should be anywhere from 2:00-1 to 600:1. I took a blood test on the 9th day of my cycle (follicular phase), and my progsesterone was 0.3 ng (normal range being 0.2-1.5) which I thought was a bit low. My estradiol was 54.2 pg which I converted to 0.0542 ng to compare with progesterone(normal range being 12.5-166). When I divided the progesterone by the estradiol, I get 5.5. Does this mean I'm only a 5:1 ratio? I've already bought the natpro cream and am going to try it, but I really need to justify to myself buying this long term. Any help or clarity would be very helpful. thanks!

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trying to figure out progesterone/estradiol ratios???

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Jan 06, 2012
 trying to figure out progesterone/estradiol ratios???
by: Wray

Hi Lindsey The ratio is very rarely looked at. I know ZRT Labs do, but it's most unusual for a doctor to even know about checking for it, or why. Too many women are told their levels are normal, but more often than not their ratio is very low, hence the adverse symptoms they experience. You have correctly worked out your ratio, it is essential to convert the pg to ng, you must be good at maths! But, and it's a big but, the test was done at the wrong time, which astounds me. Surely an endocrinologist would know when?! It should only be done ±7 days after ovulation or before bleeding. This is when progesterone levels peak, it's pointless doing it during the follicular phase, progesterone is very low then. It rises just before ovulation, this is secreted by the brain, and is thought to initiate the LH surge which causes ovulation. It then rises rapidly as the corpus luteum begins secreting it, peaking mid-luteal phase, after which it drops sharply. A normal luteal phase is a 12-14 days long, and always occurs in all women during the 12-14 days before bleeding, irrespective of the length of the cycle. You might like to see a Chart on the rise and fall of the hormones. We have found from Saliva Tests a naturopath runs for us, that the ratio should be 600:1 and over to feel well. But you can't rely on the test you had, can you have another one? I'm relieved you've come off the pill, all drug based Contraceptives have the potential to cause harm. I know you live in Texas which has a sunny climate in summer, but please have a vitamin D test done. Most of us have too low a level, and it's needed by every cell to function normally. A lack reduces the benefits of progesterone, it can cause depression and hair loss amongst many things. For more info on vitamin D levels, testing etc see the Vitamin D Council, GrassrootsHealth, Birmingham Hospital and Vitamin D Links websites. Blood levels should be 70-100ng/ml or 175-250nmol/L and not the 30ng/ml or 75nmol/L most labs and doctors regard as adequate. The minimum daily dose should be 5000iu's per day, although the latest research indicates it should be 10,000iu's per day, see here. Take care Wray
Jan 11, 2012
 question
by: Anonymous

Thanks so much! I don't really know if I can afford a saliva test from ZRT being that I have to have knee surgery next month. Do you have a link of a good one? My vitamin D levels were about 30 I believe and my OBGYN said I need to supplement more but the Endo that I saw said he thought they were good. Very confusing! I am taking extra vitamin D however, and switched to organic hair and body products which has seemed to help mildly with the hair loss. thanks for your comments.
Jan 14, 2012
 question
by: Wray

Hi Lindsey Saliva tests aren't cheap, pity. I suggest you tell your endo to redo the blood test at his expense! After all he did it at the wrong time. Although tests are not essential, symptoms are the best guide. I'm not sure what you mean about a link for a 'good one', if you're referring to the saliva tests I only recommend ZRT. If for knee surgery, I can't help you there. 30ng/ml is the 'adequate' level the FDA use for vitamin D, but if you look at the sites I gave you, they are all saying it should be far higher. But I'm pleased you've increased the dose, please have another test in about 6 months. And very pleased you've switched to organic hair and body products. I forgot to give you a list of nutrients which help hair loss and re-growth, can't imagine why! They are……
5000iu's/day vitamin D
2000mg/day N-actyl cysteine
2000mg/day inositol
2-3mg biotin
100mg thiamine (B1)
Although you didn't mention your testosterone level in your first query, if too high it does cause hair loss and PMS. Progesterone is effective at reducing it, as it increase SHBG. If this is too low, free testosterone rises causing problems, see here. Take care Wray

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