The function of estrogen (also known as oestrogen)
Estrogen is produced in the ovaries. This test measures estradiol (E2), which is considered to be the most important and potent of the three estrogen hormones.
Estrogen has many significant functions for the body. In addition to its importance for bone mass in women, it also increases the levels of HDL particles in the blood, which have a protective effect on blood vessels. Estrogen also increases the body’s conversion of omega 3 fats from vegetable sources to the DHA fatty acid which is important for brain function.
Estrogen also stimulates growth, especially in the uterus and mammary glands. This means that the hormone can increase the rate of cell division in these tissues, which can thus increase the risk of cancer. The longer you are exposed to estrogen (early menstrual onset and late menopause), the greater the risk of developing cancer. It is also estrogen that controls the typical fat distribution in women with more fat around the hips, breasts and thighs. When you are overweight, the levels of estrogen in the body increase and one reason for this is that testosterone is converted to estrogen in the adipose tissue. The more fat you have, the higher the estrogen content.
Estrogen is vital both for the immune system and our memory in both men and women as it counteracts osteoporosis and protects against cardiovascular disease. Like testosterone, estrogen also has fat burning and muscle building effects. Menopausal women with low estrogen levels are at high risk of losing bone mass and suffering from osteoporosis.
Estrogen deficiency
The amount of estrogen decreases during menopause, but can also decrease due to stress, lack of nutrition and intense training. Estrogen deficiency can affect the body in many ways and the symptoms can be mood swings, dry mucous membranes and weight gain. If you suspect that you are suffering from estrogen deficiency, it is important to find out if it is the estrogen that is low or if your symptoms are due to something else.
Common symptoms of hormonal imbalances:
- Low progesterone
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- PMS & tender breasts
- Infertility
- Headache / migraine
- Mood swings / depression
- Weight gain
- Endometriosis
Low estrogen:
- Low libido
- Pain during sex
- Urinary tract infections
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irregular or absent periods
- Mood swings / depression
- Weaker bone structure
- Hair loss
High estrogen:
- Swelling / water retention
- Swollen and tender breasts
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Weight gain
- PMS
- Fibrocystic breasts
In the case of hormonal imbalances, the symptoms can sometimes be similar to each other so it is good to first measure the hormones so that you can support the body in the right way.
When should you collect the sample ?
Menstruating women should collect the sample one week after ovulation, which means that in a normal cycle, the sample should be collected between day 19-23. If this happens during a weekend, we ask that you store your test tube with the saliva in the fridge until you send the sample to the lab on a Monday. Women who have reached menopause can collect the sample at any time during the month.
Other
Saliva tests measure the active hormones that reach the recipient receptors and there are clearer variations when measured in saliva than in blood. The test is suitable for both menstruating women, women who have reached menopause and also men, as men also can be out of balance on these hormones. You get different reference values depending on which category you belong to.
Many choose to test estrogen / progesterone in combination with our Cortisol test. Cortisol is a stress hormone and there is a hypothesis that because cortisol is produced from progesterone, a body under stress will prioritise the production of cortisol, whereupon progesterone levels may decrease. We also offer a more comprehensive hormone test: Women’s Hormone Test, which analyses in addition to estrogen, progesterone and the ratio between them DHEA, testosterone and cortisol.
Before you start, you need to register your test. Your test kit contains a sticker with your unique test ID. Register your test ID at 
Rinse your mouth with water. Spit and wait for a few minutes until you have saliva in your mouth again.
Open the test tube and straw.
Use the straw as a funnel to transfer your saliva into the test tube. Make sure that the tube is filled. A few bubbles in the saliva are no problem.
Put the sticker with your unique test ID on the test tube and seal.
Store the test tube in the fridge until you send it. Put the test in the enclosed envelope. Send it to the lab the same day.
Emma –
I had a suspicion that my hormones were out of balance and it was nice to be able to get this confirmed. Every single woman with PMS and or menstrual problems should do a test like this.
Sandy –
Excellent service and fast results. The estrogen-progesterone test was truly helpful
Fiona Grant –
Navigating the maze of women’s hormonal health can be daunting. Thankfully, the Estrogen & Progesterone Test from GetTested has been a beacon of clarity. From the user-friendly kit to the insightful results, every step was hassle-free. Armed with this newfound knowledge, I’ve been able to address long-standing health queries and adjust my lifestyle for the better. 🙂
Rhea Thomas –
Hormonal imbalances can be elusive, often masquerading as other health issues. Having dealt with unpredictable mood swings and irregular cycles, I yearned for clarity. This is where the Estrogen & Progesterone Test from GetTested came into the picture, promising thorough insights into my hormonal health. Unboxing the kit, I was pleasantly surprised by its organized layout and the clear-cut guidelines, ensuring a smooth sample collection process. The emphasis on privacy and discretion was evident, making me feel valued and respected as a customer. The anticipation for the results was palpable, but GetTested didn’t keep me waiting for long. When the detailed report landed in my inbox, it was nothing short of enlightening. The comprehensive breakdown, coupled with actionable suggestions, equipped me with the knowledge to make informed choices regarding my health. Acting on the insights from this test has been game-changing. Collaborating with my healthcare provider, I’ve implemented strategies that have brought about more hormonal harmony in my life. The bouts of unexplained fatigue and mood fluctuations have dwindled significantly. I’d wholeheartedly recommend this test to any woman seeking to reclaim control over her health.
Lysander –
Extremely happy with my experience. The test was simple to administer, and the results arrived promptly. Definitely worth the investment!
Evangeline Jardine –
Swift and reliable. A great way to check my hormone levels. I had to re-do the test but got help from their support.
Emilia Quilliam –
The estrogen-progesterone test from GetTested was quite revealing. I had been feeling out of sorts for some time and couldn’t identify the cause. Post the test, I discovered that my hormone levels were off balance. This knowledge led me to seek the right guidance and implement lifestyle modifications. I can’t thank GetTested enough for their invaluable service.
Moira Kwok –
In my journey of understanding women’s health, hormones have always been a subject of deep interest. Recognizing the fundamental role that estrogen and progesterone play in a woman’s life, from menstrual cycles to menopause, I realized how vital it was to get a clearer picture of my own levels. The Estrogen & Progesterone Test from GetTested was my choice, given its comprehensive scope. The package arrived sooner than expected, with every component thoughtfully curated and accompanied by easy-to-follow instructions. What I particularly admired was the sensitivity the brand displayed, understanding that hormonal health can be a deeply personal topic for many. 🙂
Upon receiving my results, I was taken aback by the depth of information. Not only were my hormone levels detailed, but they were contextualized with extensive explanations, helping me navigate the complex landscape of hormonal health. The clarity of the results gave me the confidence to approach my physician with specific concerns, streamlining my path to better health. The changes post-analysis have been transformative. With tweaks in my lifestyle and interventions advised by my doctor, my overall well-being has witnessed a noticeable uplift. I can’t stress enough the importance of such tests for every woman, and I’m genuinely grateful to GetTested for their impeccable service. 🙂