Serum progesterone measurement is used to confirm the appearance of ovulation, assess infertility, monitor pathologic uterine bleeding (metrorrhagia), assess placental health in high-risk pregnancies, to determine effective progesterone administration to women in support of early pregnancy as well as in the investigation of some patients with adrenal disorders.
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Progesterone is a steroidal sex hormone secreted by the corpus luteum, in the second half of the menstrual cycle in non-pregnant women, by the placenta in large quantities in pregnant women as well as by the adrenal cortex in men. Progesterone induces secretory changes in the mucosa of the fallopian tubes and helps nourish the fertilized egg as it travels through the fallopian tubes to the uterus. Progesterone prepares the endometrium for implantation of the fertilized egg, stimulates breast development and proliferation of the vaginal epithelium, and reduces myometrial sensitivity and uterine contractions.
Possible Interpretations of Pathological Values
- Increase: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (in males), corpus luteum cyst, ovarian tumors, molar pregnancy, ovarian chorioepithelioma, ovarian neoplasms, retained placenta tissue (postpartum), early puberty. Medications: Adrenal cortex hormones, estrogens, progesterone (oral or vaginal).
- Decrease: Androgenic syndrome, amenorrhea, menstruation without ovulation, fetal abnormalities or fetal death, luteal insufficiency, menstrual abnormalities, ovarian failure, panhypopituitarism, placental damage or failure, preeclampsia, Stein-Leventhal syndrome, threatened miscarriage, toxemia of pregnancy, Turner syndrome, primary and secondary hypogonadism. Medications: ampicillin, ethinylestradiol.
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most important parameter for the diagnosis and monitoring of all pathological conditions. 70%-80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. The correct interpretation of laboratory results allows a doctor to distinguish "healthy" from "diseased".
Laboratory test results should not be interpreted from the numerical result of a single analysis. Test results should be interpreted in relation to each individual case and family history, clinical findings, and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your personal physician should explain the importance of your test results.
At Diagnostiki Athinon we answer any questions you may have about the test you perform in our laboratory and we contact your doctor to get the best possible medical care.
