If you’ve purchased the FUTURE WOMAN Classic Hormone Test or the Advanced Hormone Test, then read on for how to pick the right day for testing.
The best time to test is the mid-luteal phase when progesterone is at its peak and estrogen is at its luteal peak. It’s really important to select the right day so you get the most accurate reading of your hormones.
where to start
Before you take your test, we recommend you work out the following information.
- Is your cycle regular? If yes, how many days does your cycle last? Day 1 = the first day of your monthly bleed (spotting doesn’t count).
- Does your cycle vary by more than 3 days month to month? If yes, see the ‘if your cycles are irregular’ section below.
- If you don’t know how long your cycle is, see the ‘if your cycles are irregular’ section below too.
If your cycles are regular
For a 28-day cycle the time to test is days 19-21 (5–7 days after ovulation). If your cycle is longer or shorter than 28 days then simply add or take away the difference.
Here’s a handy table to help you find the best days for you to test. You can test any day from the minimum day to the maximum day.
If your cycles are irregular
Technically, if your cycles vary by more than 7 days, then your cycle is considered irregular. Irregular cycles are common in women with PCOS or those going through perimenopause.
However, healthy premenopausal women can also have some variation in their cycle. So if your cycle consistently varies by 3 or more days, you may also wish to follow these tips to be on the safe side.
Option 1: Basal Body Temperature tracking
Ideally, you find out when ovulation took place and count 5 to 7 days forward from there to your test day.
If you’re already tracking your Basal Body Temperature (BBT), then we’d recommend this option to track ovulation. You can track BBT with a digital thermometer, or with a device like Oura Ring, TempDrop or Natural Cycles. If you see a sustained temperature increase of around 0.3 degrees centigrade, then you can assume that ovulation took place at the start of the temperature increase.
We don’t recommend this option if you don’t have experience with BBT tracking already. It can take time to get the hang of BBT tracking.
If you’ve been tracking your BBT and can’t identify an ovulation date, follow Option 3 (email our customer support team) instead.
Option 2: Ovulation sticks
You can also use ovulation predictor sticks which measure your LH levels. When you see peak LH levels, count forward 5 to 7 days to your test day. Start tracking from the end of your period and go from there.
Please note that this is not a good option for clients with PCOS, as LH levels are often out of balance.
If you’ve been using ovulation predictor sticks and can’t identify an ovulation date, follow Option 3 (email our customer support team) instead.
Option 3: Email our customer support team
We’re happy to work out your best testing day for you. Simply email support@future-woman.com with your latest 3 cycle lengths (or more if you have them).
Please do not guess!
We do need to be confident that you’ve tested on the right day so that we can get your treatment plan right.
If you have any questions, please reach out to our customer service team at support@future-woman.com.
If you don't have a cycle
You can test any day!
