Can your progesterone level indicate pregnancy

Progesterone supplementation may help reduce the chances of another miscarriage by improving the uterine environment to help sustain a pregnancy. Progesterone levels rise after ovulation and peak five to nine days after your luteal phase—which occurs during the second half of the menstrual cycle, after ovulation occurs— so progesterone level is usually checked six to eight days after you ovulate about day 21 of a day 28 cycle.

After the midluteal period, your blood progesterone levels will begin to fall if the egg is not fertilized. Contributors to low progesterone levels are:. Higher levels of progesterone than normal can be caused by:. During pregnancy, progesterone levels are consistently elevated beyond just the luteal phase of your cycle.

Alan Copperman is a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist with a long history of success in treating infertility and applying fertility preservation technologies. To learn what the results mean for you, talk with your healthcare provider. Test results may vary depending on your age, gender, health history, the method used for the test, and other things.

Your test results may not mean you have a problem. Ask your healthcare provider what your test results mean for you. Progesterone levels vary based on when during your menstrual cycle you have it done, and if you have reached menopause. Below are ranges that are considered normal:. Other conditions can cause abnormal results of a progesterone blood test. For example:. Increased progesterone during pregnancy can mean that you have twins or an abnormal type of pregnancy called a molar pregnancy.

Increased progesterone when you are not pregnant could mean you have a type of ovarian tumor called a lipid ovarian tumor, or chorionepithelioma. Decreased progesterone during pregnancy could mean that you have a risk for miscarriage spontaneous abortion.

Decreased progesterone when you aren't pregnant could mean that you don't have enough female hormones, a condition called hypogonadism.

The test is done with a blood sample. A needle is used to draw blood from a vein in your arm or hand. Having a blood test with a needle carries some risks. These include bleeding, infection, bruising, and feeling lightheaded. When the needle pricks your arm or hand, you may feel a slight sting or pain.

Afterward, the site may be sore. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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Medical Tests. Definition Serum progesterone is a test to measure the amount of progesterone in the blood. How to Prepare for the Test Many medicines can interfere with blood test results. Your health care provider will tell you if you need to stop taking any medicines before you have this test. DO NOT stop or change your medicines without talking to your provider first. How the Test will Feel You may feel slight pain or a sting when the needle is inserted.

Why the Test is Performed This test is done to: Determine if a woman is currently ovulating or has recently ovulated Evaluate a woman with repeated miscarriages other tests are used more commonly Determine the risk for miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy early in pregnancy Normal Results Progesterone levels vary, depending on the timing when the test is done. Levels continue to rise in early pregnancy.