Getting pregnant is not as simple as timing intercourse. On any given cycle, your chance may be about 25 percent if you have regular ovulation and no known conditions. Four hormones steer the process from period to ovulation to the luteal phase. Oestrogen helps the uterine lining grow. Luteinising hormone, known as LH, triggers egg release. Follicle stimulating hormone, called FSH, supports follicle growth. Progesterone prepares the lining for implantation. When one of these moves out of step, cycles can become irregular and conception may take longer. This guide explains what these hormones do, how testing works in Australia, what to track at home, when to see a GP or specialist, and where ovulation and pregnancy tests fit. It is general information and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional.
Quick Answers About Oestrogen, Progesterone, LH and FSH
What is the easiest way to find my fertile window?
Track cervical mucus changes and use an ovulation predictor kit. Egg white mucus and a positive LH test usually mean ovulation is due within about one to two days. Regular cycle charting over two to three months improves timing.
Do I need blood tests to confirm ovulation?
Many people can rely on LH testing and symptoms. A blood progesterone test about seven days after ovulation gives confirmation in uncertain cases, for example with irregular cycles or when trying for some time without success.
How do LH tests and FSH bloods differ?
LH urine tests detect the short surge that precedes ovulation. FSH is measured by a blood test, often in the early follicular phase. FSH helps assess ovarian function and is interpreted with age, cycle day, and other results.
What these hormones do across a normal cycle
At the start of a cycle, low oestrogen and progesterone signal the pituitary gland to release FSH. FSH supports several ovarian follicles. One follicle usually becomes dominant. Oestrogen from the growing follicle thickens the uterine lining and supports fertile type cervical mucus that helps sperm move.
When oestrogen peaks, the pituitary releases a sharp LH surge. The LH surge is the signal that causes the follicle to release the egg. Ovulation usually follows about 24 to 36 hours later. The corpus luteum forms from the empty follicle and produces progesterone. Progesterone stabilises the lining and reduces uterine contractions to support implantation.
If pregnancy does not occur, progesterone and oestrogen fall, the lining sheds, and a new cycle begins. These patterns are predictable, yet timing can vary person to person. Knowing your own pattern makes planning easier.
Oestrogen, progesterone, LH and FSH levels, and what they mean
Oestrogen is made mainly in the ovaries and supports bone strength, cholesterol balance, and reproductive function. Levels move with age, cycle day, and health. Very low oestrogen can occur with low body weight, high training loads, or hypothalamic amenorrhoea. It can cause dry vaginal tissues, reduced lubrication, mood changes, and irregular or absent periods. Very high oestrogen can worsen period pain, trigger breast tenderness, or contribute to conditions such as endometriosis, where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus and is driven by oestrogen. If these symptoms apply to you, talk to a GP.
Progesterone rises after ovulation as the corpus luteum produces it. It prepares the lining and supports early pregnancy. Low luteal progesterone can reflect weak ovulation or luteal phase issues. A mid luteal blood test is often used to confirm that ovulation occurred. Timing matters, so your GP will align the test to your cycle length. If cycles are irregular, your GP may also suggest ultrasound tracking.
LH is the ovulation trigger. A short surge in LH precedes egg release. Urine LH tests help you pinpoint this surge. An LH surge generally predicts ovulation within about one to two days, which is why intercourse or insemination is often timed in that window. FSH supports follicle growth. Higher FSH may reflect the ovaries working harder, which can occur with age or reduced ovarian function. Very low FSH may reflect hypothalamic causes, such as energy deficit. Results need clinical context, so avoid self-diagnosis based on a single value.
Conditions that can disturb hormone balance
Polycystic ovary syndrome, known as PCOS, affects ovulation by disrupting LH and FSH signalling. The result can be irregular or absent ovulation, lower luteal progesterone, and longer cycles. Management looks at cycle regulation and metabolic health, with options that range from lifestyle changes to medicines under GP or specialist care. You can read more background at Johns Hopkins Medicine, then discuss local options with your GP.
Endometriosis is linked with oestrogen sensitivity. It can cause pelvic pain, painful periods, pain with sex, and sometimes trouble conceiving. Treatment in Australia can involve pain management, hormonal therapy, and surgery when needed. Early assessment helps, so see your GP if these symptoms sound familiar. Learn more general information at Healthdirect.
Primary ovarian insufficiency can present with high FSH, irregular or absent periods, and low oestrogen in people under forty. Turner syndrome is a genetic condition that can include ovarian insufficiency and high FSH. If you have a family history of early menopause or symptoms such as hot flushes, sleep issues, and vaginal dryness before forty, see your GP for assessment. A structured plan can protect bone and heart health and support fertility planning.
How hormone issues are diagnosed in Australia
Your GP will start with a detailed history and cycle review. They may ask about cycle length, flow, pain, discharge, skin and hair changes, weight changes, exercise, stress, and any prior pregnancies or miscarriages. A physical examination may be suggested when appropriate. If you have been trying for twelve months without success, or six months if you are thirty five or older, your GP may also arrange baseline tests while you keep trying.
Blood tests often include FSH and oestradiol in the early follicular phase, LH, thyroid function, prolactin, and androgens if PCOS is suspected. A progesterone test about seven days after suspected ovulation helps confirm whether ovulation occurred. Anti Mullerian hormone, known as AMH, can give a rough sense of ovarian reserve, but it does not predict natural fertility for an individual and needs careful interpretation. A pelvic ultrasound looks at uterine and ovarian structure, endometrial thickness, and follicle count when needed. Your GP may refer you to a gynaecologist or fertility specialist if results point to a condition that needs specialist care.
What to expect from hormone tests and how they are interpreted
Timing is the most important part of testing. Early follicular tests are often done on days two to five of the cycle. Mid cycle assessment can include ultrasound or LH testing if timing intercourse or insemination. Mid luteal progesterone is ideally taken about seven days after ovulation. If you are unsure of your ovulation day, your GP may arrange two progesterone tests or use ultrasound to avoid mistiming.
Reference ranges vary by laboratory and cycle day. Australian pathology reports include a reference range and the logged cycle day. Always read the report alongside clinical details. For example, a single FSH result means little if the test was done late in the follicular phase. In irregular cycles your GP may repeat tests to build a clearer picture. Seek help promptly if you receive a high FSH result before forty, or if LH and androgen results suggest PCOS and you have symptoms that affect quality of life.
Tracking at home, and how products fit into your plan
Home tracking builds a useful picture alongside clinical care. LH surge testing helps you find your fertile window. Ovulation predictor kits, or OPKs, read LH in urine. A clear rise usually appears one to two days before ovulation. You can learn more about the surge at this guide. Most people test once daily at around the same time, then test twice daily when lines begin to darken to avoid missing a short surge.
Cervical mucus gives another cue. For much of the cycle it is thicker and white. Near ovulation it often becomes clear, stretchy, and slippery, like egg white. This mucus helps sperm survive longer. Many people find that combining OPKs with mucus tracking improves timing without added stress. Pregnancy tests can be used from the day your period is due, or a few days earlier with early detection options. Always follow the instructions and confirm early faint results in a day or two.
If you prefer a single source for home tests, Fertility2Family offers bundles and clear step by step instructions. Use these tools to support timing, then check in with your GP if cycles are irregular or if conception is taking longer than expected.
When to see a GP or specialist in Australia
See your GP if you have been trying for twelve months without success, or six months if you are thirty five or older. Book sooner if your periods are irregular, very painful, very heavy, or absent. Seek care if you have signs of low oestrogen such as persistent vaginal dryness and hot flushes before forty, or if you suspect PCOS due to acne, hirsutism, or weight gain with irregular cycles.
Your GP can order first line tests and may refer you to a gynaecologist, reproductive endocrinologist, or fertility specialist when needed. Medicare may cover parts of the assessment and some treatments, depending on eligibility and setting. If endometriosis is suspected, your GP may refer to a gynaecologist with laparoscopic experience. If primary ovarian insufficiency is suspected, your GP will coordinate hormone testing, bone health assessment, and fertility counselling. If male factor infertility is possible, a semen analysis is arranged early so that both partners receive balanced care.
Lifestyle and at home measures that support hormone balance
Regular sleep, balanced meals with enough energy, and steady movement support the hypothalamic pituitary ovarian axis. Very low energy intake and very high training loads can suppress FSH and LH and stop ovulation. If this applies to you, a GP, dietitian, and where needed a psychologist can help you rebuild cycles safely. If you have insulin resistance or PCOS, small changes to diet quality and daily activity often improve cycle regularity and response to treatment.
Limit smoking, reduce alcohol, and discuss any supplements with your GP to avoid interactions. Track your cycle for at least three months to learn your pattern. If you use OPKs, read the same brand consistently to avoid confusion. If you start or stop hormonal contraception, allow time for cycles to settle before drawing conclusions from one month of data. Always seek care if pain or bleeding is severe or out of character.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oestrogen, Progesterone, LH and FSH Australia
How many days am I fertile after a positive LH test
Most people ovulate about one to two days after a positive test. The most fertile days are the day of the positive and the following day. Timing can vary, so track for a few cycles to learn your pattern.
Can I have regular periods but not ovulate
Yes. Anovulatory cycles can occur in some months, especially after stopping contraception, with thyroid or prolactin issues, or with perimenopause. A mid luteal progesterone blood test helps confirm ovulation in uncertain cases.
What if my progesterone is low on a single test
The result may be due to mistimed testing. Your GP may repeat the test or use ultrasound tracking. If confirmed, treatment depends on the cause, such as cycle timing, ovulation quality, or underlying conditions.
Does a high FSH mean I cannot conceive
Not always. Higher FSH can reflect lower ovarian reserve, which is more common with age. Some people still conceive. Your GP or specialist will interpret FSH with age, AMH, ultrasound, and your history.
Do supplements fix hormone imbalance
Evidence varies and quality differs. Some supplements help certain groups, for example iodine or folate in preconception care. Discuss supplements with your GP to avoid interactions and to focus on options that fit your needs.
Is endometriosis always visible on ultrasound
No. Some findings are visible, such as ovarian endometriomas. Superficial disease often needs laparoscopy for diagnosis. If symptoms suggest endometriosis, a referral to a gynaecologist may be appropriate even if ultrasound is normal.
Plan your next steps with clear, local support
If you are starting out, pick one to two simple tracking methods and build a routine you can keep. Many people combine cervical mucus observation with LH testing for a clear view of the fertile window. If cycles are regular, time intercourse on the day of the positive LH test and the next day. If cycles are irregular, collect three months of data and share it with your GP so testing can be timed well. If you would like ready access to home tests with plain language instructions, explore OPKs, pregnancy tests, and practical how to guides in our instructions. If pain, heavy bleeding, or long cycle gaps are part of your story, book a GP appointment now rather than waiting the full twelve months. Care in Australia is set up to start with your GP, add tests that fit your situation, and refer to a specialist when needed. Small steps taken this month, along with steady advice from your healthcare team, can shorten the path to the result you want.
References
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/ovulation-and-fertility
https://www.ranzcog.edu.au/patients/fertility
https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/fertility
https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menstrual-cycle
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/age-and-fertility
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/endometriosis
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/primary-ovarian-insufficiency
https://www.health.qld.gov.au/news-events/news/pcos-symptoms-treatment
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/trying-for-a-baby
Evan Kurzyp
Evan is the founder of Fertility2Family and is passionate about fertility education & providing affordable products to help people in their fertility journey. Evan is a qualified Registered Nurse and has expertise in guiding & managing patients through their fertility journeys.
