Progesterone Test

Progesterone is a hormone that is released by a structure called corpus luteum in your ovary. Progesterone is also known as the pregnancy hormone as it plays a vital role in pregnancy. It helps prepare your uterus for pregnancy.

Progesterone is part of the 4 hormones involved in the menstrual cycle. The other 3 hormones are follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and oestrogen. The follicle-stimulating hormone and oestrogen are released during the first half of your cycle. Estrogen is required for the growth of the uterine lining or the endometrium. Luteinizing hormone rises 2-3 days before ovulation. The surge in the luteinizing hormone pushes the ovary to release an egg. Once the egg is released, the ruptured follicle forms the corpus luteum which starts producing progesterone. The adrenal glands also produce progesterone in both males and females. Progesterone helps nourish the endometrium or the uterine lining and prepares your body for pregnancy. When the egg does not get fertilised by the male sperm, then the corpus luteum shrinks and stops producing progesterone. As a result, the progesterone levels drop and your period begins.

If the female egg gets fertilised by the sperm, it is implanted into the uterine wall. The corpus luteum continues the production of progesterone till the implanted egg produces a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). After a few weeks, the placenta takes over the production of progesterone and supports the remaining pregnancy.

In males, progesterone is produced at lower levels and is used in the development of sperm.

The Progesterone Test measures the levels of progesterone in your blood. It helps detect the cause of infertility, the possibility of miscarriage risk, monitor a high-risk pregnancy, track ovulation and diagnose an ectopic pregnancy.

Other Names of Progesterone Test

• P4
• Progesterone Blood Test
• Serum Progesterone

What does the Progesterone Test measure?

The Progesterone Test measures the level of progesterone in your blood.

Progesterone is the hormone that is released by your ovary after ovulation. Once the egg is released, the ruptured follicle in your ovary forms the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum produces progesterone to build the uterine lining for pregnancy. If there is no pregnancy, the corpus luteum stops producing progesterone and you get your period.

Who is the Progesterone Test prescribed for?

The Progesterone Test is prescribed in women for the following reasons:

• As a part of the infertility assessment where a woman is unable to conceive successfully. The Progesterone Test helps the doctor understand if you are ovulating correctly.
• To track your fertile window and confirm your ovulation day
• To diagnose an ectopic pregnancy or threatened miscarriage.
• When you complain of abdominal pain and spotting when you are trying to conceive
• If you need to check your progesterone levels regularly for hormone replacement therapy
• To maintain pregnancy
• To monitor high-risk pregnancy
• In nonpregnant women who complain of abnormal uterine bleeding

The Progesterone Test is also prescribed in women who show the following symptoms of low progesterone -

• Abdominal pain
• Sore breasts
• Spotting in between periods
• Vaginal dryness
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Low libido
• Mood swings
• Headaches
• Low blood sugar
• Irregular menses

The Progesterone Test is also prescribed in women who show the following symptoms of high progesterone -

• Fatigue
• Breast swelling
• Breast tenderness
• Low libido
• Weight gain
• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Bloating

The Progesterone Test results are usually reported in nanograms per millilitre (ng/mL). If you have gotten the entire hormonal panel of tests done, then you will get the reports of all parameters.

The Progesterone Test results give you a report of the abnormal levels of progesterone in the blood.

Normal Progesterone Test ranges may vary depending on the laboratory.

Low progesterone levels can be seen in women due to -

• Lack of periods
• Failure to ovulate
• Ectopic pregnancy - a condition where the baby grows outside the uterus
• Ovarian cancer
• Adrenal cancer
• Foetal death

High progesterone levels can be seen in women with -

• Ovarian cancer
• Adrenal cancer
• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia - a group of diseases time affect your adrenal gland
• Ovarian cyst

Based on your Progesterone Test results, the doctor may require some other tests from the hormonal panel to confirm the clinical diagnosis. Since your progesterone levels keep changing throughout your menstrual cycle and pregnancy, you will have to get tested every now and then.

The Progesterone Test requires a sample of your blood. This test is usually combined with other regular tests like your hormonal panel or routine blood tests

Progesterone Test Preparation

The Progesterone Test takes a sample of your blood for testing. It does not require any special preparation. However, if you are getting other blood tests done along with the Progesterone Test, you may need not eat or drink anything for 10-12 hours based on the tests.

a. Before the Progesterone Test

This test does not require any preparation from your end.

b. During the Progesterone Test

It is a simple blood test that will get over in 5-10 minutes. You do not need to prepare for the test in any way.

c. After the Progesterone Test

There are no restrictions after the Progesterone Test. Therefore, you can resume regular activity after the test.

Test inclusions: What parameters are included in the Progesterone Test?

The parameter included in the Progesterone Test is the measure of the levels of progesterone hormone in the blood. Suppose you get the Progesterone Test done as part of your hormonal profile tests. In that case, it will consist of other values like testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, oestrogen and sex hormone-binding globulin levels along with progesterone levels.

How frequently should you take the Progesterone Test?

Your doctor may repeat the Progesterone Test based on your diagnosis and symptoms. For example, if you start your treatment for lack of progesterone in your blood, then the Progesterone Test may be repeated every 3-6 months to check if the treatment is working.

Regular monitoring and testing allow your doctor to check the prognosis of your disease and how you are responding to the treatment. In addition, follow-up tests of the Progesterone Test help provide detailed information about the severity of the condition.

Infertility, Miscarriage risk, High-risk pregnancy, Track ovulation, Ectopic pregnancy