Progesterone – BC252
♀️ Female Hormone & Fertility Test
₹2499
MRP ₹3080
Sample Time: 4:30 PM
Report: Next day Evening (Except Sunday)
Sample Type: Blood (Serum)
Test Code: BC252
Report: Next day Evening (Except Sunday)
Sample Type: Blood (Serum)
Test Code: BC252
About this Test:
The Progesterone test measures the level of the hormone progesterone in the blood. Progesterone is a key female steroid hormone that plays a central role in the menstrual cycle and in maintaining a healthy pregnancy. Its primary function is to prepare the uterus for a fertilized egg.
✔ The most common test to confirm that ovulation has occurred in a menstrual cycle.
✔ A crucial part of infertility investigations.
✔ Used to monitor the health and viability of an early pregnancy.
✔ The timing of the test is critical and depends on the reason for testing.
The Progesterone test measures the level of the hormone progesterone in the blood. Progesterone is a key female steroid hormone that plays a central role in the menstrual cycle and in maintaining a healthy pregnancy. Its primary function is to prepare the uterus for a fertilized egg.
✔ The most common test to confirm that ovulation has occurred in a menstrual cycle.
✔ A crucial part of infertility investigations.
✔ Used to monitor the health and viability of an early pregnancy.
✔ The timing of the test is critical and depends on the reason for testing.
Progesterone: The Hormone of Pregnancy and Ovulation
Progesterone is primarily produced by the corpus luteum, a temporary structure that forms in the ovary from the follicle that has just released an egg (ovulation). Progesterone's main job is to prepare the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) to receive and nourish a fertilized egg. If pregnancy occurs, the placenta takes over progesterone production to maintain the uterine lining and support the growing fetus. If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum breaks down, progesterone levels fall, and menstruation begins.
Because its levels fluctuate predictably throughout the menstrual cycle, measuring progesterone at specific times provides invaluable information about a woman's reproductive health.
Key Reasons for Progesterone Testing
- To Confirm Ovulation: This is the most frequent reason for the test. In a typical 28-day cycle, progesterone levels are low during the first half (the follicular phase). They then surge dramatically about 7 days after ovulation (the mid-luteal phase). A blood test taken around Day 21 of the cycle showing a high progesterone level is clear evidence that ovulation has successfully occurred. This is a fundamental step in any infertility workup.
- To Monitor Early Pregnancy: In the early weeks of pregnancy, doctors monitor progesterone levels to assess the health of the pregnancy. Steadily rising levels are a good sign, while low or falling levels can indicate an increased risk of miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy.
- To Investigate Irregular Bleeding: Abnormal or irregular menstrual bleeding can sometimes be caused by a progesterone deficiency or an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone.
- To Monitor Progesterone Therapy: For women receiving progesterone supplements as part of fertility treatment or hormone replacement therapy, this test helps ensure that a therapeutic level is being achieved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why did my doctor order a progesterone test?
The most common reasons are to check if you are ovulating (as part of an infertility assessment), to monitor the health of an early pregnancy, or to investigate the cause of irregular menstrual bleeding.
The most common reasons are to check if you are ovulating (as part of an infertility assessment), to monitor the health of an early pregnancy, or to investigate the cause of irregular menstrual bleeding.
Q2: When is the best time in my cycle to do this test?
The timing is critical and depends on the reason. To confirm ovulation, the test is usually done about 7 days *before* your next expected period (around Day 21 of a 28-day cycle). For pregnancy monitoring, your doctor will advise the specific timing.
The timing is critical and depends on the reason. To confirm ovulation, the test is usually done about 7 days *before* your next expected period (around Day 21 of a 28-day cycle). For pregnancy monitoring, your doctor will advise the specific timing.
Q3: What does a low progesterone level mean?
If tested mid-cycle, a low level suggests that ovulation may not have occurred. In early pregnancy, a low level can indicate a risk of miscarriage. Your doctor will interpret the result based on when the test was taken and your specific clinical situation.
If tested mid-cycle, a low level suggests that ovulation may not have occurred. In early pregnancy, a low level can indicate a risk of miscarriage. Your doctor will interpret the result based on when the test was taken and your specific clinical situation.
Q4: Do I need to fast for a progesterone test?
No, fasting is not generally required for a progesterone blood test.
No, fasting is not generally required for a progesterone blood test.
Q5: Can men also have this test?
Yes, although it's primarily a female hormone, men do produce small amounts of progesterone in their adrenal glands and testes. A doctor might rarely order it for a man to investigate certain adrenal gland disorders.
Yes, although it's primarily a female hormone, men do produce small amounts of progesterone in their adrenal glands and testes. A doctor might rarely order it for a man to investigate certain adrenal gland disorders.