Decoding Your Lab Results: A Woman's Guide to Hormonal Health
Understanding your estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid levels doesn't have to be overwhelming. This guide will help you interpret key markers like FSH, LH, and cortisol with confidence, whether you're addressing fertility concerns, menopause symptoms, or managing conditions like PCOS. Learn what "normal ranges" really mean for your unique body and life stage, empowering you to have more productive conversations with your healthcare provider.
Essential Hormonal Tests

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)
Measures ovarian reserve and function. Normal range: 3-10 IU/L during reproductive years. Elevated levels (>25 IU/L) strongly indicate perimenopause or menopause. Low levels (<2 IU/L) may suggest hypothalamic amenorrhea or pituitary dysfunction.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)
Triggers ovulation and supports corpus luteum development. Baseline: 2-10 IU/L with mid-cycle spikes (20-100 IU/L). Consistently elevated baseline levels (>12 IU/L) often indicate PCOS, especially with LH:FSH ratio >2:1. Best tested on cycle days 3-5 for baseline.

Estradiol (E2)
Primary estrogen form that regulates menstrual cycles and maintains bone, brain, and tissue health. Normal range: 30-400 pg/mL (varies by cycle phase). Low levels (<30 pg/mL) signal menopause or ovarian insufficiency. Elevated levels may contribute to endometriosis, fibroids, or certain cancers.

4

4
Progesterone
Crucial for pregnancy maintenance and regular cycles. Normal luteal phase levels: 5-20 ng/mL (7 days post-ovulation). Low post-ovulation levels (<5 ng/mL) often explain infertility, irregular cycles, or recurrent miscarriages. Best tested 7 days before expected period.
More Key Health Markers
Testosterone/Androgens
Normal range: 15-70 ng/dL for women. Elevated levels (>70 ng/dL) in PCOS can cause hirsutism, acne, and irregular cycles. Low levels (<15 ng/dL) may cause fatigue and decreased libido. Best tested on days 3-5 of your cycle for baseline assessment.
Prolactin
Normal range: 4-25 ng/mL. High levels (>25 ng/mL) can disrupt ovulation and cause amenorrhea. Often elevated due to stress, medications, or pituitary adenomas. May cause galactorrhea (breast milk production) and headaches. Should be tested fasting in the morning.
Thyroid (TSH)
Optimal range: 0.4-2.5 mIU/L (many experts now consider 2.5-4.5 mIU/L subclinical hypothyroidism). Low levels indicate hyperthyroidism (anxiety, weight loss); high levels indicate hypothyroidism (fatigue, weight gain, hair loss). Always test with free T3/T4 for complete assessment.
Ultrasound
Transvaginal ultrasounds visualize fibroids, polycystic ovaries (string of pearls pattern), or endometriosis indicators. Abdominal ultrasounds assess larger structures. Ideally performed days 3-5 for follicle counts or mid-cycle to confirm ovulation. Essential for diagnosing structural causes of symptoms.
Understanding Your Shifting Results
Biological Factors
Age-related FSH increases (>10 IU/L) are normal after 35. Genetic variations can affect estradiol metabolism by up to 30%, explaining why "normal" varies between women.
Lifestyle Impact
Chronic stress can elevate prolactin by 20-30% and disrupt progesterone production. Poor sleep reduces testosterone by up to 15%, while BPA exposure can increase estrogen dominance symptoms.
Timing Matters
Testing FSH on day 21 instead of days 3-5 can show falsely reassuring results. LH should surge to 20-100 IU/L mid-cycle, while progesterone is only meaningful 7 days post-ovulation.
Hormonal Dance
High androgens in PCOS often correlate with insulin resistance and elevated LH:FSH ratios (>2:1). Low thyroid function can reduce progesterone by 50%, creating a cascade of imbalances across your entire hormonal system.
Connecting Symptoms to Numbers
Natural Support Solutions
For Low Progesterone
  • Vitex (chasteberry): 160-240mg daily; helps normalize LH:FSH ratio by 30%
  • Omega-3 fatty acids: 2-3g daily; supports progesterone receptor sensitivity
  • Vitamin B6: 50mg daily; improves luteal phase when day 21 tests show levels under 10ng/mL
For High Cortisol
  • Ashwagandha: 300-600mg daily; reduces cortisol by 15-30% after 6 weeks
  • Meditation practices: 20 minutes daily; lowers DHEA:cortisol ratio for women with stress-related amenorrhea
  • Magnesium: 300mg before bed; reduces cortisol's impact on thyroid function when TSH exceeds 2.5 mIU/L
For High Estrogen
  • Milk thistle: 150mg standardized silymarin; supports liver metabolism of excess estradiol
  • Cruciferous vegetables: 2 cups daily; provide DIM compounds that improve 2:16 hydroxyestrone ratio
  • Fiber-rich foods: 25-30g daily; reduces estrogen reabsorption in women with heavy periods and fibroid indicators
Smart Testing Strategies
Know Your Ranges
Lab ranges can vary by up to 20% between facilities. Request age-specific ranges—especially for FSH, which should be <10 IU/L pre-menopause. Standard ranges often miss subclinical thyroid issues when TSH is 2.5-4.5 mIU/L.
Retest Strategically
Time tests appropriately: FSH/LH on days 3-5, progesterone 7 days post-ovulation, thyroid first thing in morning. Cortisol testing is most accurate at 8am when levels should be 10-20 mcg/dL. Confirm unusual results after 4-6 weeks.
Work With Experts
Seek healthcare providers familiar with functional ranges and the full hormonal cascade. Nurse practitioners and functional medicine doctors spend 30-45 minutes per visit versus the typical 7-minute appointment. Bring organized symptom journals with cycle tracking to appointments.
Your Health, Your Power
  • Women Misinterpreting: 50%+ - Over half of women misread results without guidance.
  • Your Potential: 100% - You can fully understand your body's signals.
  • Better Outcomes: 3x - Women who understand their tests see better health results.
Lab results aren't a verdict—they're a tool. With proper understanding, you can interpret findings confidently. Your hormones, your health, your power.