What is progesterone ?

Progesterone is a hormone  ( a chemical messenger) produced by the ovaries that is necessary to support pregnancy. Progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum of the ovary after ovulation; and is essential for ripening the uterine lining so that the embryo can implant in it. Progesterone rises in the blood following ovulation, peaks on Day 20, and then declines .

 Luteal Phase Defect and progesterone

 The luteal phase is the second half of the menstrual cycle during which the corpus luteum produces progesterone to maintain the endometrial lining of the uterus so that an embryo can implant in it . When the corpus luteum stops producing progesterone , it disintegrates , and because the uterine lining no longer gets the progesterone support It needs, it gets shed, and the period begins.

 What is the Progesterone Test Used For?

 It is useful to determine if ovulation has occurred.

 The Results of the Progesterone Test

 The progesterone level should be more than 15 ng/ml about 7 days after ovulation. This suggests that the corpus luteum is functioning normally. A low Day 21 progesterone levels suggests the cycles was anovulatory ( no egg was produced).

Low progesterone and miscarriages

Some doctors believe that low progesterone levels during the luteal phase can cause miscarriages. However, this concept of a “luteal phase defect” is now considered to be controversial .   

Progesterone levels after embryo transfer

Luteal phase supplementation with progesterone is routinely performed after an embryo transfer during an IVF cycle, to help support the endometrium .  Some doctors measure progesterone levels 4-6 days  after embryo transfer; and if the levels are low, they increase the dose of progesterone given.

Check your own progesterone levels

If you live in the USA, the good news is that you can now check your progesterone levels yourself.

 You can do this at MyMedLab !

Need help in interpreting the results ?

Need help in making sense of your lab results ? Please enter your lab values and your clinical details in our Free Second Opinion form at www.drmalpani.com/malpaniform.htm and I’ll help you interpret your results !