The norm of progesterone in phases. What levels of progesterone are considered normal for women. What threatens low or high progesterone

Progesterone is the normal pregnancy hormone.
Progesterone secretes the corpus luteum (a gland formed in the ovary after ovulation - the release of the egg from the follicle). If conception does not occur, the corpus luteum dies after 12-14 days, and menstruation begins.
What's happened high progesterone and low progesterone? What is the normal level of progesterone? To answer these questions, look at the table
Progesterone units: nmol/l

female gonads- ovaries - are the place of formation and secretion of female sex hormones (estrogens and progesterone), responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics, growth and maturation of the female genitalia, stimulate the growth and maturation of the skeleton, contribute to the deposition of subcutaneous fatty tissue, characteristic of the female body, control the menstrual cycle .

Progesterone. It is secreted by the corpus luteum, as well as by the adrenal cortex and testicles, where it is used as a precursor for the biosynthesis of corticosteroids and androgens. In serum, progesterone is bound by transcortin, which is known to bind glucocorticoids. According to some studies, the ability of progesterone to bind transcortin is even higher than that of corticosteroids. It should be noted that synthetic corticosteroids such as dexamethasone are generally not bound by transcortin. In the liver, progesterone binds to glucuronic acid, and the conjugates are excreted in the urine.

Adult women:
Progesterone is the norm when taking contraceptives(Oral contraceptive): 1.08 -3.00 nmol/l
Follicular phase: 0.00-3.60 nmol/l
Ovulatory phase: 1.52-5.46 nmol/l
Luteal phase: 3.02-66.80 nmol/l
Postmenopausal: 0.00 -3.18 nmol/l

1 trimester: 29.60-105.60 nmol/l
2nd trimester: 93.80-159.00 nmol/l
3rd trimester: 264.60-508.80 nmol/l

If progesterone is elevated, for doctor this blood test result gives reason to assume:

pregnancy
dysfunctional uterine bleeding
(amenorrhea)
deviations in the development of the placenta
corpus luteum cyst
kidney failure
deviations in the formation of hormones in adrenal glands

Elevated progesterone levels may be due to certain medications.

Lack of progesterone may be a symptom of the following abnormalities in a woman's body:

lack of ovulation
insufficient function of the corpus luteum or placenta
threatened abortion Consequently hormonal imbalance
intrauterine growth retardation
true prolongation of pregnancy
chronic inflammatory diseases of the female genital area
uterine bleeding
menstrual irregularities (amenorrhea).

Low progesterone can be caused by certain medications. Progesterone: the norm in women. The units in which laboratories measure hormone levels are ng/mL or nmol/L.

Progesterone, being an estrogen antagonist, it limits their proliferative effect in the endometrium, myometrium and vaginal epithelium, causing stimulation of secretion containing glycogen by the glands of the endometrium, reducing the stroma of the submucosal layer, i.e. causes characteristic changes in the endometrium necessary for the implantation of a fertilized egg. Progesterone reduces the tone of the muscles of the uterus, causes them to relax, and has a pyrogenic effect. An increase in its content in the blood coincides with an increase in basal body temperature, which is an indicator of ovulation. In addition, progesterone causes the proliferation and development of the mammary glands and during pregnancy contributes to the inhibition of the ovulation process. It has a slight catabolic effect, with prolonged use it contributes to the appearance of acne, oligomenorrhea, retains sodium, chlorides and water in the body.

Normal levels of progesterone in women. progesterone in women.

progesterone norm(nmol/l) while taking contraceptives(Oral contraceptives): 1.08 -3.00
Follicular phase: 0.00-3.60
Ovulatory phase: 1.52-5.46
Luteal phase: 3.02-66.80
Postmenopausal: 0.00 -3.18
Progesterone is normal. Pregnancy:
1st trimester: 29.60-105.60
2nd trimester: 93.80-159.00
3rd trimester: 264.60-508.80

Progesterone is a special hormone produced in the female body and is necessary to control the course of menstruation. To keep the pregnancy. The production of progesterone is often disturbed in different women, and then you have to start a diagnostic search to establish what exactly caused the development of problems.

Why do you need progesterone

Progesterone is a biologically active substance produced by the female body throughout life. First of all, thanks to this hormone, processes are launched in the endometrium of the uterus, preparing it for the second phase of the female cycle.

Thanks to progesterone, the preparation of the female body for childbirth also begins. It consists in the following:

has a stimulating effect on growth processes in the endometrium;
improves the condition of the uterine mucosa, which allows the fertilized egg to gain a foothold on the overgrown endometrium without any problems;
does not allow the woman's body to get rid of the fetus, as from a foreign organism, that is, in a certain sense, it depresses the immune system;
saves uterine muscles relaxed, which also allows you to save the pregnancy;
contributes to the normal increase in the uterus as the fetus grows;
improves the growth of the lipid layer in the abdomen, providing a woman with enough energy and protecting the uterus from the mechanical effects that may be encountered during pregnancy;
prepares breast tissue for secretory activity for normal breastfeeding;
maintains stable blood viscosity and glucose levels so that the fetus is provided with all the substances necessary for development;
participates in the synthesis of steroid hormones by the child's body;
helps the female pelvic bones prepare for the upcoming birth.

If there is a lack or excess of progesterone in the female body, then the woman may be faced with the inability to conceive, raise and give birth to a child normally.

Normal performance

Progesterone is a hormone whose level in the female body changes several times during the month. Fluctuations are affected by the day of the cycle when the analysis was taken, the presence or absence of pregnancy, and many other factors.

Due to the lack of a constant stable indicator, it is customary to talk not about normal level progesterone, but about the so-called reference values, that is, the upper and lower limits, within which changes are still considered normal.

For women who are not pregnant at the time of testing, the reference values are as follows:

in the first two weeks (1-14 days of the cycle) 0.3-2.2 nmol / l;
during ovulation, the maximum limit is at around 9.5 nmol / l, and the minimum at 0.5 nmol / l;
after ovulation, the amount of progesterone until the onset of menstruation gradually increases, during this period the upper limit of the norm can be at around 56.6 nmol / l, and the lower at around 7 nmol / l.

It is important for the doctor to remember that for setting accurate diagnosis if you suspect any disease, you need to monitor the level of progesterone in dynamics. This is necessary in order to understand which indicators for which woman will be normal, since the range of reference values is quite large.

There are reference values for pregnant women. Progesterone levels vary by trimester:

in the first trimester, values range from 9 to 468 nmol / l;
in the second trimester, the norm starts from 71 nmol / l and ends at 303 nmol / l;
in the third trimester, the indicator will be maximum, from 89 nmol / l to 771 nmol / l.

In order to choose the right date for the analysis or evaluate the results later, women are advised to keep a calendar in which they will monitor their cycle and be able to say exactly what phase they are currently in.

Let's summarize the data on the norm of progesterone in women in the tables.

Table 1 - The norm of progesterone in women, depending on the cycle

Table 2 - The norm of progesterone in women, depending on the trimester of pregnancy

Why do hormone levels rise?

The level of progesterone in the female body increases not only during pregnancy and childbearing. In some cases, this is not considered the norm.

1. Congenital adrenal dysfunction (CHD)

Congenital adrenal dysfunction or, as it is also called, adrenogenital syndrome, is a hereditary pathology in which the natural synthesis of sex hormones is disrupted. At the same time, sex hormones and ACTH are synthesized in large quantities, and cortisol and aldosterone are not enough.

There are several forms of congenital dysfunction, each of which is characterized by its own characteristics and requires its own diagnosis and treatment. The first two forms of the disease are diagnosed in early childhood. The third form of the disease does not cause inconvenience to a woman for a long time, until she develops severe acne and hair growth increases. Because of this, patients usually go to the doctor.

2. Bubble skid

Cystic drift is a disease characterized by a defect in the implantation of an egg in the uterine cavity. With this pathology, the egg is not just implanted in the uterine wall, but literally eats into it, triggering a number of pathological processes. Today, cystic drift is considered a tumor disease.

3. Taking progesterone drugs

Women are often given a course of supplemental progesterone to treat infertility and prepare for IVF. Because of this, progesterone levels may increase in the tests.

Reasons for the decline

Progesterone in the female body can not only increase, but also significantly decrease. This usually occurs in pathological processes.

1. The threat of termination of pregnancy

Progesterone is a hormone needed to maintain pregnancy in the female body. If the indicator of this hormone decreases, then the probability of a miscarriage is high, which must be corrected in a hospital setting.

This condition is especially dangerous in that it is quite difficult to identify for which of the women which progesterone indicators are the norm.

2. Insufficiency of the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle

With a shortened luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, a woman shortens the period during which the corpus luteum is synthesized in the ovaries. This pathology may not manifest itself for a long time. Deficiency is most often diagnosed when a woman decides to conceive a child. Due to the incomplete development of the corpus luteum, normal implantation of the egg into the uterine wall and its development becomes impossible.

Another completely physiological phenomenon in which a decrease in the level of progesterone in the body can be observed is menopause. During menopause, the body ceases to secrete hormones aimed at conception and further maintenance of pregnancy, which is why the level of progesterone decreases.

Diagnostic measures

If a woman is diagnosed with a lack or excess of progesterone, the doctor should show maximum attention to evaluate all processes. First, the progesterone level is evaluated several times to draw conclusions about which indicators are normal.

A woman must be carefully questioned regarding a gynecological history in order to identify clinical signs of abnormalities in her. Also assigned a series diagnostic studies aimed at clarifying the nature of the pathology.

In case of deviations from the norm, a woman is required to undergo ultrasound examinations of the pelvic organs. Ultrasound can be diagnosed with pregnancy, hydatidiform mole, a variety of tumor neoplasms that can produce an additional amount of progesterone.

The threat of termination of pregnancy also helps to establish ultrasound and the collection of a thorough obstetric analysis. In some cases, if there is doubt about the diagnosis, the patient may be prescribed a biopsy, CT scan, MRI and other diagnostic measures.

Progesterone is a hormone necessary for conception and maintenance of pregnancy. Without it, the normal development of the embryo is impossible in the woman's body, which causes infertility.

Quite often, the fair sex finds themselves in a situation where they need to take one or another blood test. The most common hormone studied is progesterone.

General description of the hormone

Progesterone is produced by the female corpus luteum, which is formed in the ovary immediately after the release of the egg. It is worth saying that without this substance, pregnancy is impossible. That is why studies of this particular hormone are so often carried out.

Immediately after ovulation, a gradual increase in progesterone production begins. If pregnancy has occurred, the weeks of fetal development increase accordingly. In the event that conception did not take place, the level of the substance decreases, and the woman begins a new cycle.

The norm of progesterone on the 21st day of the cycle

It is worth saying that almost always an analysis for the study of this hormone is prescribed exactly three weeks from the first day of the last menstruation. Why at this particular time?

Normally, in a woman with a 28-day menstrual cycle, ovulation occurs two weeks after the first day of menstruation. Progesterone begins to be produced immediately after ovulation. However, it reaches its highest concentration only one week after the release of the egg, that is, on the seventh day. Using elementary addition, you can get the following conclusion: two weeks before ovulation plus one week after it, the result is exactly three weeks, that is, 21 days.

When pregnancy occurs, the level of this hormone does not decrease after the designated day, but, on the contrary, begins to rise. So, what is the rate of progesterone on the 21st day of the cycle and in the event of pregnancy?

Progesterone in healthy women:

before ovulation - from 0.32 to 2.23 nmol / l;
during ovulation - from 0.48 to 9.41 nmol / l;
after ovulation - from 6.99 to 56.53 nmol / l.

In pregnant women:

in the first trimester - from 8.90 to 468.40 nmol / l;
in the second trimester - from 71.55 to 303.10 nmol / l;
in the third trimester - from 88.70 to 771.50 nmol / l.

When taking oral contraceptives and the rate of progesterone on the 21st day of the cycle is much lower.

Possible deviations

Each woman may experience different deviations as a result of the analysis. The level of progesterone can be either higher or significantly lower than the required level. What does this meaning mean?

Level up

Progesterone above normal is observed in the following cases:

with the progression of pregnancy;
during and uterine bleeding;
with a large cyst of the corpus luteum;
during a violation of the kidneys and, possibly, the adrenal glands.

If during the bearing of a child the level of the hormone is greatly increased, this may indicate a malfunction of the placenta.

Downgrade

Norm, unfortunately, is very common. His low result speaks of:

violations of the female cycle and frequent bleeding;
frequent anovulatory cycles;
inflammatory processes in the pelvis.

During pregnancy, a decrease in the level of the hormone may indicate a threat of miscarriage or abnormal development of the embryo.

Correction

In the event that you donated progesterone on day 21, the norm was not found, but significant deviations were found, it is necessary to carry out an appropriate correction. Since there is no specific cure, the doctor prescribes supplemental progesterone in the second phase of the cycle for women planning a pregnancy. If the lady is not going to have offspring in the near future, then she will most likely be offered oral contraceptives, which will normalize the functioning of the ovaries and restore normal hormone production.

When to take an analysis?

Typically, this study is assigned to women when contacting a doctor with certain complaints. It can also be carried out by self-treatment in a private laboratory.

In the case of a long absence of pregnancy, subject to regular sexual activity, this analysis is prescribed. In this case, the individual norm of progesterone is examined on the 21st day of the cycle. This analysis must be carried out for several months, only in this case it will be possible to say about the presence or absence of pathology.

Also, the study is assigned to women with irregular bleeding and scanty discharge. In this case, it is recommended to conduct an analysis after a certain number of days. Only in this way the doctor will be able to track how the hormone level changes and make his verdict.

An analysis to detect the amount of progesterone can be prescribed for pregnant women. Usually, the reason for it is frequent pain in the lower abdomen, unusual discharge from the genital tract, and suspicion of an undeveloped pregnancy. In this case, there is no fundamental difference when and at what time to take a blood test for progesterone (hormone). The norm in women can increase daily in the first trimester of pregnancy. It is worth noting that in the second and third trimesters, such an analysis may be prescribed to determine the condition of the placenta.

Since in most cases the doctor appoints a standard day for the study, an unreliable result may be obtained. As already mentioned, a week after ovulation, progesterone (hormone) reaches its peak. The norm in women with a shortened or long cycle may not fit into these standards.

For example, a representative of the weaker sex has a regular cycle of 32 days. This is a normal variant and does not require treatment. Having made calculations, we can establish that a lady's ovulation occurs approximately on the 18th day of the cycle. Taking into account the fact that the analysis will be prescribed for her on day 21, only 3 days will pass from the moment of ovulation by this time. In this case, as a result, the woman will receive a significantly lower level of the hormone under study. That is why, before prescribing an analysis, the doctor must take into account the duration of the female cycle.

How to take an analysis?

Before conducting the study, it is not recommended to be nervous and expose your body to stress. Also for a few days it is necessary to abandon the use of hormonal drugs. On the night before the analysis, you should sleep well and be rested.

The blood test is taken mainly from a vein. Manipulation is carried out quite quickly and almost painlessly. You can get the result in a few hours in a private clinic. Or a few days later in a state medical institution.

After receiving the result, you can independently study the norms and check with your data. If there are any deviations from the norm, it is necessary to consult a doctor for the appointment of a qualified treatment.

In case of receiving incorrect data, you can retake the analysis in the next cycle. Sometimes research errors occur. Especially with strong deviations from the norm and if treatment is necessary, experts strongly recommend a second study.

Monitor the level of hormones in your body and be healthy!

Update: October 2018

Progesterone is a unique female hormone, without which a full life is impossible, successful conception and bearing of a child, as well as breastfeeding.

Why does the body need progesterone?

All sex hormones perform many different functions. Progesterone is synthesized in the ovaries, adrenal cortex, corpus luteum and, during pregnancy, the placenta. One of its most important tasks is, or rather, the alternation of ovulation and menstruation.

Classic normal menstrual cycle

On average, the duration of the cycle is 25-33 days, while the main phases alternate:

follicular (proliferative) phase, in which the largest dominant follicle matures in the ovary
ovulation is when the follicle ruptures and the egg is released
luteal (secretory) phase, when the endometrium prepares for rejection and eventually comes out in the form of menstruation
menstruation (occurs after a drop in progesterone and)

It is this sequence that provides a woman with regular menstruation, renewal of the endometrium and allows her to become pregnant. The entire cycle is controlled with the help of hormones of the brain, ovaries and some other organs connected into a single system.

Main functions of progesterone

Preparation of the endometrium for implantation
Formation of cervical mucus
Relaxation of the muscles of the uterus and genital tract
Stimulation of the growth of the mammary glands, preparation for milk production
Antiestrogenic effects

Hormone levels during and outside of pregnancy

The main thing you need to know about the amount of progesterone is that it is constantly changing. Changes occur during the menstrual cycle in non-pregnant women, depending on the period in expectant mothers, and even during the day. Thus, it is not possible to accurately measure the level of this important substance. However, there are some norms of progesterone in women, adopted throughout the world.

When do progesterone levels rise?

In some cases, the amount of the hormone exceeds the norm for a given phase of the menstrual cycle. The reasons for this are both a variant of the norm and a sign of pathology.

Pregnancy (normal)
CHD (congenital dysfunction of the adrenal cortex)
Taking progesterone preparations (Utrozhestan, Iprozhin)

The role of the hormone in the onset and maintenance of pregnancy

Pregnancy is considered a "progesterone-dominant" state, that is, the concentration of this hormone in the blood significantly exceeds the level of estrogen, at least until the period of 34-36 weeks.

Progesterone ensures the preparation of the endometrium for the attachment of the fetal egg, and subsequently reduces the "reactivity" of the uterus, that is, it prevents it from spontaneously contracting under the influence of estrogens. As a result, a securely attached embryo grows and develops until childbirth. In addition, there is evidence of the immunomodulatory properties of this substance, that is, the hormone indirectly protects the fetus from the attack of maternal immunity.

When a woman in the position of progesterone is elevated, a symptom of impaired digestion may appear already in the early stages. Most often occurs. This is a normal phenomenon associated with a change in bowel function under hormonal influence. If you feel worse, microclysters that are allowed for pregnant women or taking Lactulose (etc.) usually help. After the baby is born, digestion returns to normal.

Congenital dysfunction of the adrenal cortex

VDKN or adrenogenital syndrome is a hereditary disease in which the synthesis of sex hormones in the adrenal glands is disrupted. Most of the cases of the disease are associated with a mutation of the P450c21 gene, this condition is inherited from both parents.

As a result of enzyme malfunction, some adrenal hormones are not synthesized enough (cortisol, aldosterone), while others are produced in excess (ACTH and sex hormones).

There are several forms of the disease, differing in severity and age of the first symptoms:

salt-losing
simple viril
non-classical

First two forms most often found immediately after birth. With viril dysfunction, girls have pseudohermaphroditism. This is a change in the shape and size of the clitoris, sometimes even leading to incorrect sex determination in the maternity hospital. At the same time, all internal genital organs (uterus, ovaries) have a normal structure. All patients need treatment, without which primary amenorrhea develops - that is, when puberty is reached, menstruation does not come.

Salt-wasting form of the disease- even more difficult. Electrolyte imbalance is added to pseudohermaphroditism - from the first days of life, vomiting occurs, the body loses salts, and dehydration occurs. Without proper hormonal therapy, the baby can quickly die.

Women with a third type of disease- non-classical form - usually grow and develop quite normally. They are often led to a gynecologist or endocrinologist by a skin condition (acne), increased hair growth, rare menstruation and futile attempts to get pregnant.

Diagnosis - the main laboratory sign of the disease, including the non-classical form (nVDKN), is an increase in the level of 17OH-progesterone. The norm in women is no more than 5 nmol / l. If this value exceeds 15 nmol / l on the 3rd-4th day of the cycle, then the diagnosis can be made with a high degree of probability. At intermediate values, additional samples with synacthen are often required, when, after its administration, 17OH-progesterone should not exceed 30 nmol / l.

We must not forget that 17OH-progesterone may increase slightly in the second phase of the menstrual cycle (after ovulation) and during pregnancy. Therefore, the definition of this substance in women in position does not make any sense.

Treatment of nVDKN is carried out only with pronounced cosmetic defects (severe acne, for example) and with infertility. Oral contraceptives and corticosteroids are commonly used. More than half of women with this non-classical form successfully conceive, carry and give birth to children without any therapy.

With a proven mutation, it is necessary to check the partner for a similar violation. After all, if the gene defect is repeated in both parents, then the child can inherit, including a severe form of the disease - salt-losing.

bubble skid

Unfortunately, the level of the hormone increases not only with normal pregnancy, but also in a serious condition - cystic drift. This happens if the egg is fertilized by two sperm, or when the maternal material is initially defective. In this case, the chorion tissues actively “eat” into the uterus, grow, and secrete hCG. As a result, all pregnancy hormones increase many times over. This disease is usually easily diagnosed by ultrasound and human chorionic gonadotropin levels. Chemotherapy is successfully used for treatment, as there is a risk of degeneration of the skid into a malignant tumor.

Taking progesterone medications

Hormonal support is often prescribed to treat certain conditions or prepare for IVF. This may be the introduction of progesterone or hCG preparations. In both cases, the level of the hormone in the blood plasma rises, so only a doctor can interpret it.

When does the hormone level decrease?

Galactorrhea-amenorrhea ()
Insufficiency of 2 phases of the cycle

Threat of abortion

Trouble in the development of the fetus immediately affects the hormonal background of a woman. With the threat of a miscarriage, the placenta begins to work worse, releases less progesterone and other hormones. and the beginning can also be accompanied by a change in hormonal levels. But there are no clear criteria by which to distinguish between norm and pathology. Therefore, measuring the level of progesterone during pregnancy, when there is a suspicion of a threatened miscarriage, is not advisable. There are more accurate and reliable ways ( ultrasonography, hCG level, CTG).

Galactorrhea-amenorrhea

The combination of two main symptoms - the cessation of menstruation and the release of milk from the breast - usually indicates a state of hyperprolactinemia. This condition develops with tumors and injuries of the pituitary gland, which leads to a decrease in the sex hormones of the ovaries. Data from tests and MRI of the brain allow you to confirm the diagnosis and prescribe treatment (bromocriptine).

Luteal (second) phase deficiency

Despite the different length of the cycle in women, the second phase normally lasts 14 days. Exactly how long the corpus luteum lives after ovulation. It is formed at the site of a ruptured follicle, actively synthesizes progesterone until it disappears or passes into the corpus luteum of pregnancy. Sometimes the luteal phase lasts less than 14 days, which leads to a shortening of the cycle and, possibly, problems with bearing a child.

The most common cause of this dysfunction is a metabolic disorder. Therefore, in addition, infertility is diagnosed) or milk secretion from the breast (with hyperprolactinemia). These syndromes cause hormonal failure, which reduces the level of progesterone in the blood.

The main problem with NLF is the rapid onset of menstruation. That is, even if the egg is fertilized, the fertilized egg does not have time to attach to the uterus, as it is rejected along with the endometrium. Until now, scientists have not come to a definitive conclusion how much an inferior second phase reduces the percentage of successful conception. But if NLF is suspected, along with the rest of the hormones, the level of progesterone is also checked.

The diagnosis can be rejected if the interval from ovulation to menstruation lasts more than 11-14 days. If NLF is suspected, in addition to the treatment of the underlying disease (thyroid gland, pituitary gland), they may prescribe the administration of medicinal progesterone in order to achieve and carry a pregnancy.

Menopause

At the age of 45-55, a woman's body undergoes tremendous changes. The ovaries decrease in size, lose sensitivity to hormones. As a result, estrogen and progesterone levels decrease. This leads to mood changes, hot flashes, decreased libido, a tendency to fracture and the development of atherosclerosis. The main symptom menopause is the cessation of menstruation. This age-related phenomenon is normal, but if it starts too early or is accompanied by a serious deterioration in health, then in the absence of oncology risks, the doctor may prescribe estrogen hormone replacement therapy.

How to take a hormone test?

Despite the huge role of progesterone in the body, the analysis for it is still not very informative. The main problem lies in daily fluctuations and individual differences in the level of this hormone.

It must be remembered that there are no exact signs of an increase in the level of this hormone. And if progesterone is low, there are no symptoms either. What matters is not the numbers in the test form, but the specific signs of the underlying disease.

If the attending physician nevertheless prescribed an analysis for the level of progesterone in the blood, then for a reliable result it is necessary to follow the rules:

Unless otherwise indicated, the analysis is taken on the 22nd day of the menstrual cycle
It is better to measure in the morning, on an empty stomach (it is allowed to drink water)
If it is not possible to donate blood in the morning, then before the analysis it is advisable to refrain from eating for 6 hours, and do not eat fatty foods the day before

There are very clear indications for the analysis of this hormone:

hormonal profile before IVF
no pregnancy for a year with suspected luteal phase deficiency
3 or more miscarriages with suspected progesterone deficiency

Currently, determining the level of progesterone most often does not make sense, therefore, this analysis should be used only according to indications and when recommended by a specialist.

FAQ

At 9 weeks pregnant, I had spotting spotting, a day later it all stopped. Everything is normal on the ultrasound. The gynecologist says that you need to take an analysis for progesterone, and with low results, you should start using Utrozhestan in candles. Is this analysis necessary?

Smearing bloody issues at this time may be due to various reasons. If in fact there was a threat of interruption, especially with a normal ultrasound picture, then there is no need to take an analysis. Utrozhestan is prescribed in very limited cases, more often with habitual miscarriage. Half of women with a threatened miscarriage successfully endure a pregnancy, while the drug progesterone does not play any role.

I am 6 weeks pregnant. Yesterday and today I noticed a decrease in basal temperature. Could this indicate a threat of miscarriage (after all, the level of progesterone has decreased, most likely)? What measures need to be taken?

The measurement of basal temperature in modern medicine has no diagnostic value, just like the level of progesterone during pregnancy. The threat of interruption is manifested by clinical symptoms: bleeding and abdominal pain. If in doubt, an ultrasound should be done. Most miscarriages for such early term It has nothing to do with hormonal status, but occurs due to genetic damage in the embryo.

I'm 28 years old. We are planning our first pregnancy. Do I need to take a hormonal profile? It in our laboratory includes sex hormones, TSH, LH, FSH and several others that need to be checked on the 21st day of the cycle.

There is no need to take hormone tests when planning (unless there are special, very narrow, indications for this). The only thing to look at is the TSH level.

Female sex hormones are regulators of processes occurring in reproductive system. Progesterone is called the hormone of pregnancy, since without the participation of this substance it is impossible to preserve and develop the embryo in the uterus. The level of the hormone in the body is an important indicator of health status. Both excess and its deficiency can indicate problems with the onset of pregnancy and its course, the presence of diseases of the genital organs, kidneys. Often, a deviation from the normal value indicates that a condition has arisen that is dangerous to health.

Content:

The role of progesterone in the body

An elevated progesterone level may indicate the formation of a corpus luteum cyst. The cause is also a violation of the production of luteinizing hormone by the pituitary gland, which regulates the growth of the corpus luteum and the production of progesterone. The consequence is a delay in menstruation or their complete absence (amenorrhea).

Both a deficiency and an excess of this hormone leads to painful sensations in the chest, violations of the menstrual cycle. If a woman takes hormonal contraceptives in order to prevent pregnancy or to restore hormonal levels, then their action affects the content of progesterone. In this case, the normal value differs slightly from the usual.

The consequence of exceeding the norm can be a violation of the cycle, uterine bleeding, disruption of the kidneys, nervous disorders. Therefore, any means are selected individually, taking into account the results of the analysis for hormones. If signs of a violation appear, adjust the dose of the drug or replace it with another one.

Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy

With the onset of pregnancy, the level of the hormone rises sharply. At first, it is produced by the corpus luteum, and from the 16th week - by the placenta. This prevents miscarriage. stable high level progesterone during this period indicates the normal development of pregnancy.

If the production of progesterone by the corpus luteum is insufficient, there is a threat of termination of pregnancy at an early stage. Lack of progesterone in the middle of pregnancy can lead to impaired fetal development. Progesterone below normal at the end of the 3rd trimester speaks of overcarriage of the fetus. Due to a decrease in the level of the hormone during childbirth, severe bleeding often occurs.

The reason for the lack of progesterone is a violation of the development of the corpus luteum or placenta, diseases of the adrenal glands, kidneys.

Changes in menopause

With the onset of menopause, the production of sex hormones gradually decreases due to the onset of aging of the ovaries. There are more and more cycles without ovulation, when the corpus luteum does not form. After the complete disappearance of menstruation in postmenopausal women, the level of the hormone in women who do not take hormonal preparations, normally should not exceed 0.64 nmol/l, and if they are taking oral contraceptives to relieve symptoms associated with menopause, the level of this hormone should not exceed 3.19 nmol/l.

Exceeding the norm of progesterone in women indicates that there are diseases of the kidneys, liver, thyroid gland or pituitary gland. A manifestation of excess progesterone in the postmenopausal period may be low arterial pressure, cardiac arrhythmias, headache, aggravation of other symptoms of menopause.

The norms of the content of progesterone in the female body (table)

Video: When is a progesterone test prescribed?

Analysis for the content of progesterone

A blood test for progesterone is performed in the following cases:

when determining the causes of infertility;
in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases associated with menstrual irregularities;
when prescribing therapeutic and contraceptive drugs based on progestins to patients, controlling the content of progesterone.

If menstruation comes regularly after 28 days, then the analysis is carried out on the 22-23rd day of the cycle. If the cycle is unsteady, then the doctor may prescribe several tests in various days cycle. In order to more accurately determine when ovulation occurs and you can get the most reliable results of the analysis for progesterone, basal (rectal) temperature is measured with an irregular cycle. At the time of ovulation, there is a slight increase. The analysis in this case is taken 5-7 days after the increase.

Conclusions based on the results of the analysis are made taking into account the norms at various phases of the cycle, the age of the patient. It takes into account what medications a woman takes, what methods of contraception she uses.

Pregnant patients are given an analysis if there are signs of a threatened miscarriage, deviations in the development of the fetus are observed, spotting appears at any stage of pregnancy. The analysis is carried out on an empty stomach, not earlier than 8 hours after a meal.

Video: The role of hormones in the body. Tests for hormones

How is the level of progesterone in the blood regulated?

To increase the level of progesterone in the body, the method of hormone replacement therapy is used with the use of drugs containing this hormone (for example, dufaston). As a rule, they are used in the form of injections. Such a drug is prescribed for the treatment of infertility. After the onset of pregnancy during the first trimester, it is continued to be taken to prevent miscarriage.

The use of such drugs makes it possible to eliminate such consequences of a violation of the norms of the content of this hormone in the blood, such as amenorrhea, uterine bleeding, and a pathological increase in the duration of the cycle.