Fertility Hormones Explained and How to Track Efficiently with Oova
The Oova Team
Unlock the secrets of your fertility with our easy-to-follow guide to tracking hormones with the Oova kit. Learn what LH, E3G, and PdG really tell you about your cycle, discover the simple dip testing method, and find out how to get the most accurate results every time.
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Published:
Apr 15, 2025
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Published:
Apr 15, 2025
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Unlock the secrets of your fertility with our easy-to-follow guide to tracking hormones with the Oova kit. Learn what LH, E3G, and PdG really tell you about your cycle, discover the simple dip testing method, and find out how to get the most accurate results every time.
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Unlock the secrets of your fertility with our easy-to-follow guide to tracking hormones with the Oova kit. Learn what LH, E3G, and PdG really tell you about your cycle, discover the simple dip testing method, and find out how to get the most accurate results every time.
Unlock the secrets of your fertility with our easy-to-follow guide to tracking hormones with the Oova kit. Whether you're trying to conceive or simply want to understand your body better, knowing what your hormones are doing is like having a personal roadmap to your reproductive health.
In this guide, you'll learn what LH, E3G, and PdG really tell you about your cycle, discover the simple dip testing method, and find out how to get the most accurate results every time. We've broken down the science into clear, practical steps anyone can follow.
Ready to take control of your reproductive health with confidence? Let's dive into the world of fertility hormones and how to track them effectively with Oova.
Fertility Hormones 101: E3G, PdG, and LH
Understanding your fertility hormones is like having a window into your reproductive system. Luteinizing Hormone (LH) acts as your ovulation trigger, surging 24-36 hours before an egg is released – making it essential for pinpointing your most fertile days. Estrogen (measured as E3G) rises gradually before ovulation, preparing your body by creating fertile cervical mucus and a hospitable uterine environment – it's your body's way of getting ready for potential conception. Progesterone (tracked as PdG) takes center stage after ovulation, rising to support possible implantation and maintaining the uterine lining – its presence confirms ovulation has actually occurred and helps assess the quality of your luteal phase. Together, these three hormones tell a complete story of your cycle, from the beginning of your fertile window through ovulation and the critical days following when implantation might occur.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
Function: Triggers ovulation by stimulating the ovary to release an egg
Pattern: Surges 24-36 hours before ovulation
Why track: Identifies your fertile window and predicts ovulation
Ranges: Varies throughout cycle, with a distinct surge mid-cycle
Follicular Phase: 2.4 - 12.6 mIU/L
Ovulation or Mid Cycle: 14.0 - 95.6 mIU/L
Luteal Phase: 1.0 - 11. 4 mIU/L
Postmenopausal: 7.7 - 58.5 mIU/L
Estrogen (measured as E3G)
Function: Builds uterine lining and produces fertile cervical mucus
Pattern: Rises gradually before ovulation, peaks just before LH surge
Why track: Identifies the beginning of your fertile window
Ranges: Lowest during menstruation, rises mid-cycle, moderate during luteal phase
Follicular Phase: 12.5 − 166.0 ng/mL
Ovulation or Mid Cycle: 85.8 − 498.0 ng/mL
Luteal Phase: 43.8 − 211.0 ng/mL
Postmenopausal: <6.0 − 54.7 ng/mL
Progesterone (measured as PdG)
Function: Supports implantation and early pregnancy
Pattern: Rises after ovulation, remains elevated during luteal phase
Why track: Confirms ovulation has occurred and assesses luteal phase quality
Ranges: Low before ovulation, rises and remains elevated after ovulation
Follicular Phase: 0.1 − 0.9 ug/mL
Ovulation or Mid Cycle: 0.1 − 12.0 ug/mL
Luteal Phase: 1.8 − 23.9 ug/mL
Perimenopause: 0.48 - 19.0 ug/mL
How to Use the Oova Kit Effectively
Getting Started
Download the Oova app and create your account
Input your cycle information for personalized testing recommendations, including selecting a Scanning Plan, which is tailored to your data and health goal
Unpack your Oova kit and familiarize yourself with the components
Testing Protocol
Best Practices
Consistent timing: Test at the same time each day, at whatever time you’re most likely to not forget! Usually, mornings are best.
Test daily: For most accurate results, test every day according to your Scanning Plan.
Do not test or scan when you’re on your period! There’s no need.
The Dip Method
Collect fresh urine in a clean, dry cup
Remove the test strip from its foil pouch
Dip the strip into urine up to but not beyond the marked line
Hold in place for 10-15 seconds (follow package instructions exactly)
Lay the strip flat on a clean, dry surface
Wait the specified development time (10 minutes)
Scan the strip with your Oova app within the recommended timeframe
Reading Your Results
The Oova app will analyze your hormone levels
You'll receive quantitative values for each hormone
The app will interpret results in the context of your cycle
Hormone Patterns Throughout Your Cycle
Follicular Phase (Days 1-13ish)
LH: Low with gradual increase
E3G: Begins to rise, peaks before ovulation
PdG: Remains low
Ovulation (Around Day 14 in a 28-day cycle)
LH: Sharp surge 24-36 hours before ovulation
E3G: Peaks just before LH surge
PdG: Still low
Luteal Phase (Days 15-28ish)
LH: Returns to baseline
E3G: Moderate levels
PdG: Rises after ovulation, remains elevated
Troubleshooting
Common Issues
Unclear results: Retest with more concentrated urine
Missing your surge: Test daily and at consistent times
Unusual patterns: Track for multiple cycles to establish your normal
When to Seek Help
If no LH surge is detected after multiple cycles
If PdG doesn't rise after apparent LH surge
If hormone patterns are consistently irregular
Understanding Your Oova Data
The Oova system provides personalized insights based on your unique hormone patterns. Remember that "normal" varies between individuals, and tracking over multiple cycles helps establish your baseline.
By consistently tracking these three key hormones, you'll gain valuable insights into your fertility and overall reproductive health.
About the author
The Oova Team consists of doctors, researchers, and content experts. We collaborate to bring you medically-backed resources to help support your hormone journey. Learn more about our team.
Yes, progesterone is generally safe while breastfeeding and doesn't significantly affect milk supply. However, always discuss with your healthcare provider before starting any hormone supplementation while nursing.
Is it safe to take progesterone throughout pregnancy?
Yes, when prescribed by your healthcare provider. Progesterone supplementation in early pregnancy is safe and can reduce miscarriage risk in women with low progesterone or a history of pregnancy loss. Most providers continue supplementation through the first trimester (weeks 10-12) when the placenta takes over.
Can progesterone supplementation cause weight gain?
Progesterone can cause temporary water retention and bloating, which may show up as a few pounds on the scale, but it doesn't cause true fat weight gain. Most women don't experience significant weight changes from progesterone supplementation.
Can I switch from pills to suppositories or vice versa?
Yes, but only under your doctor's guidance. The dosing and timing may need adjustment when switching between forms since they're absorbed differently. Never switch on your own, especially if you're pregnant or undergoing fertility treatment.
Will progesterone supplementation delay my period?
Yes, progesterone keeps the uterine lining intact, so if you're not pregnant and continue taking progesterone, your period will be delayed. Once you stop taking it, your period should start within 2-10 days. If you are pregnant, progesterone helps maintain the pregnancy and you won't get a period.
Should I take progesterone pills orally or vaginally?
For fertility and pregnancy support, vaginal progesterone is usually preferred because it delivers higher concentrations directly to the uterus. For perimenopause or general hormone balance, oral progesterone often works well and is more convenient. Your doctor will recommend the best route based on your specific needs.
When should I start taking progesterone after ovulation?
Typically, progesterone supplementation for luteal phase support starts 2-3 days after ovulation (confirmed by LH surge or temperature rise). Your doctor will give you specific timing based on your protocol. Some women start immediately after a positive ovulation test.
Pills (oral micronized progesterone) are generally more effective and reliable than creams because absorption from creams is inconsistent. For medical conditions like fertility issues, low progesterone, or HRT, prescription pills or suppositories are strongly recommended over over-the-counter creams.
How can I tell if I have low or high progesterone?
The only definitive way to know is through hormone testing via blood tests or at-home urine tests that measure progesterone metabolites. However, symptom patterns can provide clues: anxiety and irregular periods suggest low progesterone, while bloating and extreme fatigue suggest high progesterone.
When during my cycle should I test progesterone levels?
Test progesterone levels during the luteal phase, typically 7 days after ovulation or around day 21 of a 28-day cycle. This is when progesterone should be at its peak, making it easier to identify if levels are too low or too high.
What are the main differences between low and high progesterone symptoms?
Low progesterone typically causes irregular or heavy periods, anxiety, hot flashes, and sleep issues. High progesterone causes bloating, fatigue, intense breast tenderness, and depression-like mood changes. Low progesterone symptoms persist throughout your cycle, while high progesterone symptoms are most intense during the luteal phase.
Can you have symptoms of both low and high progesterone?
Some symptoms like breast tenderness and mood changes can occur with both low and high progesterone, making it confusing. However, the timing, intensity, and accompanying symptoms differ. Hormone testing is the best way to determine which imbalance you're experiencing.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
Can stress affect 10 DPO symptoms?
Yes, stress can worsen or mimic 10 DPO symptoms. Stress increases cortisol, which can cause cramping, fatigue, and mood changes similar to both PMS and early pregnancy. During the two-week wait, try stress-reduction techniques like gentle exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
Is it better to test at 10 DPO or wait?
It's better to wait until 12–14 DPO for more accurate results. Testing at 10 DPO often leads to false negatives because hCG levels may still be too low. If you absolutely can't wait, use a sensitive early detection test with first morning urine, and be prepared to retest in 2–3 days if negative.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
What does implantation bleeding look like at 10 DPO?
Implantation bleeding at 10 DPO is typically light pink or brown, much lighter than a period, and lasts 1–2 days. It's often just spotting when you wipe or a few drops on a panty liner. However, only 15–20% of pregnant women experience implantation bleeding—most don't have any bleeding at all.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
Why am I cramping at 10 DPO?
Cramping at 10 DPO can be caused by elevated progesterone (whether you're pregnant or not), implantation (if you're pregnant), or premenstrual cramping. Unfortunately, cramping alone can't tell you if you're pregnant since progesterone causes similar symptoms in both scenarios.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
What are the chances of a BFP at 10 DPO?
If you're pregnant, you have about a 50–60% chance of getting a positive test at 10 DPO. This means there's a 40–50% chance of a false negative even if you conceived. Chances improve significantly by 12–14 DPO.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
What DPO is most accurate for pregnancy testing?
14 DPO (the day of your missed period) is the most accurate time to test, with 99% accuracy. 12 DPO offers 80–90% accuracy. 10 DPO has only 50–60% accuracy. For best results, wait as long as you can—ideally until 12–14 DPO.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
Is 10 DPO too early to test?
10 DPO is considered early for pregnancy testing. While some women get positives at 10 DPO, accuracy is only 50–60% if you're pregnant. For best results, wait until 12 DPO (80–90% accuracy) or 14 DPO/missed period (99% accuracy).
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
Can you have implantation at 10 DPO?
Yes, implantation can still occur at 10 DPO, though 84% of women have already implanted by this point. Late implantation at 10–12 DPO is normal. If implantation happens at 10 DPO, you won't get a positive pregnancy test for another 2–3 days.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
What does a negative test at 10 DPO mean?
A negative test at 10 DPO does not mean you're not pregnant. It's very common to get negatives at 10 DPO even if you conceived. Your hCG levels may still be too low, or implantation may have occurred later. Wait until 12–14 DPO to retest for more accurate results.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
Can you get a positive pregnancy test at 10 DPO?
Yes, but only about 50–60% of pregnant women will get a positive at 10 DPO. The other 40–50% have hCG levels that are still too low to detect. If you test negative at 10 DPO, wait 2–3 days and test again.
Yes, elevated progesterone can cause temporary weight gain through water retention and bloating. This is a normal part of the luteal phase and early pregnancy.
Yes, chronic stress elevates cortisol, which can suppress estrogen production and disrupt hormonal balance. Stress reduction through meditation, yoga, adequate sleep, and self-care practices helps maintain optimal estrogen levels.
When should I consider medical treatment for low estrogen?
Consider medical intervention if natural methods don't improve symptoms after 3 months, if symptoms severely impact quality of life, if you're experiencing early menopause (before 40), or if you have fertility concerns. Hormone replacement therapy may be appropriate in these cases.
What are the signs that my estrogen is increasing?
Signs of rising estrogen include more regular menstrual cycles, reduced hot flashes, improved vaginal lubrication, better mood stability, increased energy, and improved skin elasticity. You may also notice reduced symptoms that originally indicated low estrogen.
Yes, moderate exercise stimulates estrogen release and helps maintain hormonal balance. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate cardio weekly plus strength training twice per week. However, excessive exercise can actually lower estrogen, so balance is key.
How long does it take to increase estrogen naturally?
With consistent dietary and lifestyle changes, you may notice improvements in symptoms within 4-8 weeks. However, significant hormonal changes typically take 2-3 months. Tracking your cycle and symptoms can help you monitor progress.
Foods high in phytoestrogens can help increase estrogen naturally. The best options include flax seeds (high in lignans), soy products (tofu, tempeh, edamame), lentils, chickpeas, whole grains (oats, quinoa, brown rice), and garlic. These plant compounds mimic estrogen's effects in the body.
https://www.oova.life/blog/perimenopause
What helps relieve hot flashes quickly?
Cool environments, layered clothing, herbal teas, and medical treatments like gabapentin or HRT may help—depending on severity. Lifestyle changes like reducing caffeine and alcohol can also provide relief.
https://www.oova.life/blog/perimenopause
Are there tests to confirm perimenopause?
Yes. Tests measuring estradiol, LH, and FSH levels can indicate hormonal shifts—but diagnosis is often symptom-based since hormone levels fluctuate widely during perimenopause.
https://www.oova.life/blog/perimenopause
How do I know it's perimenopause and not something else?
A doctor may recommend hormone testing (like LH, E3G, and PdG) and track symptom timing. Diagnosis is often based on symptoms combined with age and menstrual pattern changes.
https://www.oova.life/blog/perimenopause
What's the earliest age perimenopause can start?
Some women begin experiencing symptoms as early as their mid-30s, though perimenopause typically starts between ages 38-45.
https://www.oova.life/blog/perimenopause
Does perimenopause affect mental clarity?
Yes. Brain fog and difficulty concentrating are common during hormone fluctuations in perimenopause.
What happens after the last sign of perimenopause?
After your final period, you enter postmenopause. You'll need 12 consecutive months without a period to confirm menopause. Many symptoms gradually improve, though some like vaginal dryness may persist without treatment.
Some symptoms like brain fog improve after menopause, while others like hot flashes may continue for up to 10 years post-menopause. Vaginal symptoms often persist or worsen without treatment. Each person's timeline is different.
Yes, high progesterone is one of the earliest indicators of pregnancy. Progesterone levels rise significantly after conception to support the developing embryo and reach their peak during the third trimester.
Yes, you can still get pregnant during perimenopause as long as you're having periods, even if they're infrequent. Continue using birth control until you've gone 12 consecutive months without a period and have officially reached menopause.
Yes, most perimenopause symptoms intensify in the final 1-2 years before menopause. Hot flashes peak around your final period, vaginal symptoms worsen, and mood changes increase. However, brain fog typically improves in late perimenopause.
Late perimenopause typically lasts 1-3 years before your final period. However, the exact duration varies significantly from person to person. You've reached menopause after 12 consecutive months without a period.
High progesterone symptoms include fatigue, bloating, breast tenderness, weight gain, anxiety, depression, headaches, and food cravings. During pregnancy, you may also experience increased nipple sensitivity and muscle aches.
What are the first signs that perimenopause is ending?
The earliest signs include longer gaps between periods (60+ days), intensifying hot flashes that peak around your final period, and worsening vaginal dryness. These symptoms typically increase in late perimenopause before you reach official menopause.
When should I be concerned about high progesterone?
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience high progesterone symptoms outside your luteal phase when not pregnant, or if symptoms include severe pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding, or rapid weight gain while on hormone therapy.
Progesterone can be measured through blood tests at your doctor's office or at-home urine tests that measure PdG (a progesterone metabolite). Testing is typically done during the luteal phase, about 7 days after ovulation.
About the Oova Blog: Our content is developed with a commitment to high editorial standards and reliability. We prioritize referencing reputable sources and sharing where our insights come from. The Oova Blog is intended for informational purposes only and is never a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider before making any health decisions.
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