Progesterone

Clinical Chemistry

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Description

Progesterone is a steroid hormone which plays an important role in the preparation for and maintenance of pregnancy. It is synthesised from cholesterol via pregnenolone then rapidly metabolised to pregnanediol, for the most part, in the liver. The ovary and placenta are the major production sites; but a small amount is also synthesised by the adrenal cortex in both men and women. Circulating progesterone levels, which are characteristically low during the follicular phase, increase sharply during the luteal phase of menstrual cycles, reaching a maximum some 5 to 10 days after the midcycle LH peak. Unless pregnancy occurs, a steep decline to follicular levels sets in about 4 days before the next menstrual period. This pattern constitutes the rationale behind the well-established use of serum progesterone measurements as a simple and reliable method for ovulation detection.

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Indications

Assessment of infertility. Assessment of ovulation occurrence in a menstrual cycle (usually day 21 or 7 days before the expected onset of menstuation). Evaluation of abnormal uterine bleeding in non-pregnant females � In conjunction with hCG for evaluation of placental health in cases of possible miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy (in practice hCG often measured alone).

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Sample Type

Serum. SST/Gel, minimum 2 mL (1 mL separated serum)

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Reference Range

Reference ranges are provided on the report. Alternatively, please contact the laboratory for current ranges.

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Turnaround Time

Within 3 days

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Testing Frequency

Daily

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