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PMS is estimated to affect between 30-40% of menstruating women. PMS occurs after ovulation in the second half of a woman’s cycle, known as the luteal phase. This non-invasive saliva tests can assess the levels of Etrogens and Progesterone during Premenstrual protion of your monthly cycle.
Reasons to take this test:
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Overview
PMS is estimated to affect between 30-40% of menstruating women. PMS occurs after ovulation in the second half of a woman’s cycle, known as the luteal phase. PMS most commonly occurs as a result of an excess of Estradiol and/or a deficiency of Progesterone during this phase. PMS Profile assesses the level of these two hormones during this phase, approximately three weeks after the first day of your last menstrual period.
To a large extent, the ratio of Estradiol to Progesterone throughout your cycle determines your hormonal balance, or imbalance, that can be responsible for the moodiness, water retention, cramping, breast tenderness, acne, musculoskeletal pains, or other symptoms associated with PMS.
An imbalance of Estradiol and Progesterone contributes to impaired liver function, reduced production of brain neurochemicals that regulate mood, decreased action of vitamin B6 and increased sodium and water retention.
Estrogen
Estradiol is the most active of the three female sex hormones, collectively called Estrogens. Estradiol is responsible for the development of female sex characteristics, including breasts and the broader feminine hips, buttocks and thighs. Estrogen also influences the development of soft textured skin and vaginal lubrication.
Too much or too little Estradiol can cause significant health problems. Too little Estradiol could lead to the reduced development of female sex characteristics, vaginal dryness, thinning of the skin and thinning of the bones. Too much Estradiol has been linked to PMS, heavy periods, painful cramping, endometriosis, uterine fibroids and an increased risk of breast cancer, blood clots and gall bladder disease. Estrogens are obviously very important, but need to be kept within a proper range for optimal health.
Note: Estradiol levels fall dramatically in menopause. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is often prescribed after menopause to prevent hot flashes, insomnia, moodiness, depression, irritability, thinning of the skin and thinning of the bones that occurs when estrogen gets too low. Estradiol is also thought to help regenerate and preserve nerve cells in the brain. This may explain the delayed onset and slowed progression of Alzheimer’s seen in women on Estrogen therapy. If you are over 45 and desire to assess the hormones associated with the change of life that occurs at menopause you should order the Menopause Profile.
Progesterone
Progesterone is one of the female sex hormones. Along with estrogens, progesterone regulates ovarian function during the menstrual cycle and prepares the uterus for implantation and maintaining pregnancy. Progesterone balances estrogen effects and is necessary to prevent PMS bloating, weight gain, breast tenderness and moodiness. Progesterone has been described as a “feel-good” hormone and low levels can cause depression, irritability and anxiety. Progesterone also reduces the expression of estrogen receptors and can therefore be anti-estrogenic. The right amount of Progesterone balances the level of Estrogen to keep your menstrual cycle and mood in a healthy balance. Adequate levels of progesterone are extremely important to overall balance in the body. The body can convert some progesterone to cortisol, testosterone or estrogens when levels of these hormones are low.
Summary
The ratio of Estradiol to Progesterone during your cycle determines your hormonal balance, or imbalance, that can be responsible for the moodiness, water retention, cramping, breast tenderness, acne, musculoskeletal pains, or other symptoms associated with PMS. PMS Profile identifies the direction and degree of the imbalance and can assist your doctor in determining how to restore a healthy balance.
References
- Samsioe G. The endometrium: effects of estrogen and estrogen-progestogen replacement therapy. Int J Fertil Menopausal Stud 1994;39 Suppl 2:84-92
- Berthonneau J, Tanguy G, Janssens Y, et al. Salivary Estradiol in Spontaneous and Stimulated Menstrual Cycle; Human Reprod 4: 625-628, 1989.
- Wong YF, et al. Salivary Estradiol and Progesterone During the Normal Ovulatory Menstrual Cycle in Chinese Women; Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 34: 129-135, 1990.
- Sufi B, et al.Multicenter Evaluation of Assays for Estradiol and Progesterone in Saliva; Clin Chem 31: 101-103, 1985.