Progesterone Blood Test
The Progesterone Blood Test measures the amount of progesterone in a blood sample to help determine the cause of infertility in women.
Description
What is the purpose of this test?
Order this Progesterone Blood Test, which measures the amount of progesterone in a blood sample to help determine the cause of infertility in women. In addition, a progesterone blood test helps track ovulation and diagnose ectopic or failing pregnancy. Progesterone is a female hormone produced by the ovaries during ovulation. If an egg is fertilized by sperm, progesterone helps prepare the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to receive the egg. If the egg is not fertilized, progesterone levels drop, and menstrual bleeding begins. The placenta produces high levels of progesterone during pregnancy, starting at the end of the first trimester and continuing through birth. Pregnant women have progesterone levels almost ten times higher than non-pregnant women. Additionally, certain types of cancer cause abnormal progesterone levels in both women and men.
Because progesterone levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, progesterone blood tests can help women determine the cause of infertility. A progesterone test can help determine whether or not a woman has ovulated, when she ovulated, and monitor whether or not an induced ovulation is successful. During the early stages of pregnancy, a progesterone test can help diagnose an ectopic or failing pregnancy, and in high-risk pregnancies, it can help monitor placenta and fetal health.
When should I order a Progesterone Blood Test?
Individuals may order this test if they have experienced the following wing symptoms:
- They are having trouble getting pregnant. A progesterone test can help their healthcare provider see if their ovaries release eggs (ovulating) normally.
- They have fertility treatments.
- They have abnormal bleeding when they're not pregnant.
- They are pregnant and:
- They're having progesterone therapy to prevent a miscarriage.
- Their provider wants to check the health of their pregnancy because they have a higher risk of miscarriage or other pregnancy complications.
- They have signs of a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, such as cramps or bleeding.
