What is the Progesterone test? Why is the test done? Everything around this, that you should know, in this post and of course our doctors are always there to help you. Just fill in your details in the form down below and we will answer all your questions for FREE!
What is a progesterone test?
It is a test that is used to measure the amount of a hormone called progesterone in the body. It is produced by ovaries in females the two glands that produce eggs.
Also Read: Estrogen Test
What is the function of progesterone?
It is a hormone that prepares the uterus for pregnancy every month. During a menstrual cycle, when the ovary releases an egg progesterone level begins to rise. Its main function is to thicken the lining of the uterus for the implantation to occur. Also, it helps to maintain the pregnancy by preventing the uterus from contracting and causing pre-term labour.
What is the normal range of progesterone?
It changes during different stages of the menstrual cycle as well as during pregnancy in females as follows:
- Mid-cycle: 5 ng/ml – 20 n
- Follicular stage: 0.1 ng/ml – 0.7 ng/ml
- Luteal stage: 2 ng/ml – 25 ng/ml
- The first trimester of pregnancy: 10 ng/ml – 44 ng/ml
- The second trimester of pregnancy: 19.5 ng/ml – 82.5 ng/ml
What are the other names for the test?
Other names include:
- PGSN
- Progesterone Blood test
- Serum progesterone
What is the use of the test?
It is used for the following:
- Diagnosing ectopic pregnancy
- Female infertility
- In fertility cases
- In suspected cases of miscarriage
- High-risk pregnancy
- Ovarian cancer
What are the indications for this test?
The test is needed if:
- Difficulty in getting pregnant
- If someone is Undergoing fertility treatments
- Abnormal bleeding (if not pregnant)
- To check the risk of miscarriage (if pregnant)
- Signs of ectopic pregnancy
- Cramps and bleeding in pregnancy
What if the progesterone levels are on the higher side?
It is indicative of the following:
If not pregnant:
- Ovarian cyst
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- Ovarian cancer
If pregnant:
- Molar pregnancy
- Two or more babies
What if the progesterone levels are on the lower side?
It is indicative of the following:
If not pregnant:
- Abnormal ovulation
- Amenorrhea
If pregnant:
- Miscarriage
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Pre-eclampsia
Is there any preparation required for the test?
No special preparation is required for the test except you need to remember the first day of your last menstrual period. Also, certain medications are to be stopped before the test.
What are the factors on which results depend?
It depends on the following:
- The reason for which the test is done
- The day of the menstrual cycle on which the sample was taken
