Progesterone and Estradiol Tests
These tests measure levels of individual sex hormones in your body. Both progesterone and estradiol, a type of estrogen, play important roles in triggering reproductive functions. Low progesterone or estrogen levels may indicate the beginning of menopause.
These tests are typically saliva tests, though your doctor can also perform them using a blood sample. Hormone tests are available for order online at relatively low cost. Saliva tests may not be as accurate as a blood test, because they can only measure the amount of unbound or "free" estrogen or progesterone in the body. Your body also stores estrogen and progesterone by binding them to certain receptors, but only blood tests can measure levels of these bound hormones.
