Published August 2026
For most women, having a regular menstrual cycle is something they don’t think twice about.
For me, it was something I wondered if I’d ever have.
For nearly 20 years, my cycles were unpredictable. Sometimes I’d only have one or two periods in an entire year. I learned to expect the unexpected and accepted that my body just didn’t seem to follow the same rules as everyone else’s.
Then everything started changing.
After having my IUD removed, my cycles slowly became more regular. I wasn’t convinced it would last, but month after month my body continued to surprise me. Instead of guessing what was happening, I decided I wanted data.
That’s what led me to Proov.
Why I Chose Proov
I’m the type of person who feels more comfortable making decisions when I understand what’s happening.
Instead of relying solely on calendar apps or symptoms, I wanted to actually see what my hormones were doing throughout my cycle.
Proov measures several hormone markers that can help paint a clearer picture of ovulation and different phases of the menstrual cycle. Rather than wondering if I ovulated, I could actually follow my hormone changes over time.
For someone who spent years with irregular cycles, that was incredibly appealing.
My First Results
During my first completed cycle, my Proov testing showed:
- PdG (Progesterone Metabolite): 7.8
- E1G (Estrogen Metabolite): 77.5
- βLH: 0.1
Seeing those numbers probably wouldn’t mean much to most people.
But to me, they represented something much bigger.
The rise in PdG suggested that I had successfully ovulated during my cycle. My LH had already dropped, which was exactly what I’d expect after ovulation.
For the first time in a long time, I wasn’t guessing.
I had evidence.
Why This Meant So Much
This wasn’t about getting “perfect” results.
It was about finally understanding my own body.
When you’ve spent years wondering why your cycle is unpredictable, every piece of information feels valuable.
At almost the same time I was using Proov, I also completed biomarker testing through Rythm. Those results showed elevated LDL cholesterol and elevated free testosterone, despite feeling generally healthy.
Instead of discouraging me, those results motivated me.
They made me realize that feeling healthy and understanding your health aren’t always the same thing.
My Journey Is Just Beginning
I’m not writing this because I have all the answers.
I’m writing because I’m learning.
Since receiving my results, I’ve started making changes that feel realistic for my life:
- Eating more fiber
- Following a more Mediterranean-style way of eating
- Making simple swaps instead of chasing perfection
- Tracking my health over time instead of obsessing over one test
- Getting back into Pilates and regular movement
One of my favorite discoveries so far?
Cowboy caviar.
Who knew something that tastes that good could also fit into my health goals?
What Comes Next
I’ll continue using Proov to learn more about my cycles and follow up with my healthcare providers as needed.
I’ll also continue tracking my cholesterol, hormones, and overall health to see how these lifestyle changes affect my results over time.
This blog isn’t about having everything figured out.
It’s about documenting the journey.
Because maybe someone else feels healthy too…
…until their labs have other thoughts.
A Quick Note
I’m not a doctor, dietitian, or medical professional. I’m simply sharing my personal experiences, test results, and the lifestyle changes I’m making. My hope is that by documenting my journey honestly, someone else might feel encouraged to ask questions about their own health and work with their healthcare team to find answers.