Progesterone Test

The Progesterone Test measures the levels of progesterone hormone in the blood. Progesterone plays a crucial role in regulating the menstrual cycle, supporting pregnancy, and maintaining the uterine lining.

Who would benefit from this test?

Women experiencing fertility issues or menstrual irregularities.

Individuals with suspected hormonal imbalances.

Pregnant women with a history of miscarriages.

Women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques.

Individuals with symptoms of hormonal disorders.

Why undertake this test?

To assess ovulation and reproductive health.

To determine the cause of fertility issues or menstrual abnormalities.

To monitor progesterone levels during pregnancy.

To evaluate the effectiveness of hormone therapy.

To diagnose and manage certain hormonal disorders.

Test Type: Hormone

Results Estimated: 2 Working days

A little more detail:

A progesterone test measures the level of progesterone, a hormone produced primarily by the ovaries after ovulation and, to a lesser extent, by the adrenal glands. In pregnant women, the placenta also produces significant amounts of progesterone to support pregnancy. Progesterone is essential for regulating the menstrual cycle and preparing the uterus for pregnancy, as it helps thicken the uterine lining for potential implantation of a fertilized egg.

The test is often used to assess ovulation, confirm a pregnancy’s viability, or investigate reasons for infertility, abnormal menstrual cycles, or potential miscarriage risk. Progesterone levels vary throughout the menstrual cycle, peaking after ovulation, so testing at specific times (usually during the luteal phase) is critical to obtain accurate results. In pregnancy, monitoring progesterone levels can indicate how well the pregnancy is progressing.

For men, who have lower progesterone levels, the test is rarely ordered but may help investigate adrenal gland disorders or certain hormonal imbalances.

A progesterone test is done via a blood sample and often complements other hormone tests, like estrogen or luteinizing hormone (LH), to provide a comprehensive view of reproductive health. Understanding progesterone levels aids in diagnosing hormonal issues and guiding fertility treatments.