I still have symptoms of estrogen dominance with a progesterone to estradiol ratio of 468:1.

Hi Catherine,

I had my hormones checked by ZRT Laboratory (saliva test). My Progesterone to Estradiol (Pg/E2) ratio was 468. The normal range the lab gives is 200-1000:1. I still have symptoms of estrogen dominance at 468:1, sore breasts before my period, etc.).

ZRT Lab said in their analysis that my symptoms were “likely related to low progesterone relative to estrogen”. Why does your website recommend a Pg/E2 ratio of 200-300:1? This seems low.

Thank you,

Mimi

Dear Mimi,

This is a good progesterone/estradiol ratio for topical progesterone supplementation; however, it does not guarantee freedom from symptoms.

Some women need to work on further lowering the estrogen burden, prior to progesterone supplementation, with exercise, stress reduction, better diet (higher fiber, lower red meat), herbs, and extracts of cruciferous vegetables (these allow for metabolism and clearance of estrogens down safer pathways that will help prevent symptoms and potential damage to DNA of breast cells).

When the docs at ZRT review the test results we look at multiple factors and how this relates to your symptoms. The ratio of progesterone/estradiol is only a guidepost to see where you fit relative to expected ranges in women who often have symptomatic relief from the progesterone.

In women using topical progesterone the expected progesterone/estradiol ratio in most women is about 200-1000. This is only an observation of where most women’s salivary progesterone levels would be when using 10-30 mg of topical progesterone and collect their saliva at 12-24 hours post supplementation.

This dose of progesterone has been shown by many doctors to provide symptomatic relief, but it is less likely to be effective in women who have estrogen levels that are fluctuating erratically from high to low (common as women approach menopause, ie. perimenopause).

Best regards
Dr Zava