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Symptoms of an imbalance in these hormones include water retention, gynaecomastia (man-boobs) low libido, weight gain, erectile dysfunction, muscle loss, and infertility.
Check your levels of these hormones today with our simple finger-prick blood test.
Oestradiol
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Oestradiol is the strongest of the three oestrogens. It's labelled a female hormone but it's made in both the ovaries and testes. It's responsible for the growth of breast tissue, the female reproductive system, and male sexual function.
In pre-menopausal women, oestradiol levels vary throughout the monthly cycle, peaking just before ovulation. Levels are lowest after menopause when the ovaries stop producing eggs. Low oestradiol levels in women can cause many symptoms associated with the menopause, including hot flushes, night sweats, and changes in mood. It can also increase the risk of osteoporosis (a condition where the bones become less dense).
In men, oestradiol levels tend to increase slightly with age as testosterone levels decline. Too much oestradiol in men can contribute to fertility problems, gynecomastia (enlarged breast tissue), and erectile dysfunction.
Progesterone
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Progesterone is a steroid hormone produced in the corpus luteum and the adrenal glands. Its main role is to prepare the body for and support a pregnancy. It is produced in increasing amounts in the second half of the menstrual cycle. Although progesterone is considered a female hormone, men also produce progesterone in the adrenal glands and the testes. Progesterone in men plays a role in testosterone production.
Prolactin
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If you're taking your test to learn more about your fertility, take your test between days 2 and 5 of your menstrual cycle, or ideally day 3. Otherwise, for a general health check or if you're postmenopausal, you can take your test at any time.
In either case, it's important to log the date of your last period, and any other information regarding your periods or menopause status, in your MyMedichecks account right after taking your sample.
If you don't let us know the date of your last period, we'll interpret your result as though you took your test on day 3.
Prepare for your Oestradiol Progesterone and Prolactin Blood Test by following these instructions. Take your sample between 6am and 10am. Avoid nipple stimulation or any kind of sexual activity for 24 hours before taking this test, as these can increase prolactin levels. Heavy meals and strenuous exercise can also impact prolactin results and are best avoided before taking the test. Take this test two to five days after the start of your period, ideally on day three. It can be taken any time if you do not have periods. Avoid taking a finger-prick sample from a finger used to apply hormone gels/pessaries/patches in the past 4 weeks. Use gloves to apply these. Do not take biotin supplements for two days before this test, discuss this with your doctor if it is prescribed. Hormonal contraception can affect the results of this test. Taking a break from this and waiting for your periods to restart before your blood test will give more accurate results.
Your personalised, actionable health results are only a few clicks away. Order your test, take and post your sample, then view your results online with our doctors' comments.
MyMedichecks is your personal online dashboard where you can view your results, access clear and simple explanations about individual health markers, monitor changes in your health, and securely store information about your medical history, lifestyle, and vital statistics.
Oestradiol (a form of oestrogen) is a steroid hormone needed by women and men. While testosterone is thought of as the most significant male hormone, it needs to be in balance with oestradiol to help control sex drive, erectile function, and sperm production.
Progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum and adrenal glands. In men, it is the precursor to testosterone and maintains hormonal balance. Prolactin is produced by a small organ at the base of the brain called the anterior pituitary gland. Prolactin is best known for producing breast milk in females and for sexual function in men.
Although primarily thought of as female hormones, oestradiol, progesterone, and prolactin are also found in males in small amounts. Elevated levels of these hormones in men can be a result of taking testosterone replacement (TRT). Symptoms of an imbalance in these hormones include water retention, gynaecomastia (man-boobs), low libido, weight gain, erectile dysfunction, muscle loss, and infertility.
