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Serum-Progesterone-Test

-Both men and women produce progesterone. However, it is produced mainly in the ovaries, which means that women have more than men.

-In men, progesterone’s role is in spermatogenesis (sperm creation) among other roles.

-In women, this hormone helps prepare the uterus for a fertilized egg. Once a woman is pregnant, progesterone helps her remain pregnant. Progesterone inhibits milk production during pregnancy and the drop in progesterone at the time of labor helps to trigger milk production.

Used to help recognize and manage some causes of infertility. Since progesterone levels vary throughout the menstrual cycle, multiple (serial) measurements can be used for this purpose.

-To determine whether or not a woman has ovulated, when ovulation occurred, or to monitor the success of induced ovulation

-In early pregnancy to help diagnose an ectopic or failing pregnancy, along with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) testing

To monitor a high-risk pregnancy to help evaluate placenta and fetal health

If a woman is receiving progesterone injections to help support her early pregnancy, to help determine the effectiveness of the replacement treatment

Along with other tests such as an FSH, LH, hCG, thyroid tests, clotting tests, and a complete blood count (CBC) to help determine the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding in non-pregnant women.

If progesterone levels do not rise and fall on a monthly basis, a woman may not be ovulating nor having regular menstrual periods. This may be a cause of infertility.

If levels do not rise normally during an early pregnancy, the pregnancy may be ectopic and/or may be failing. If serial measurements do not show increasing progesterone levels over time, there may be problems with the viability of theplacenta and fetus.

Increased progesterone levels are seen occasionally with: