Blood test for progesterone - indications, preparation, standards and interpretation. What affects the level of progesterone in the blood? What is the norm of progesterone in women in the blood and a detailed analysis of the indicators Progesterone 35.6 nmol l what does it mean

The balance of progesterone is important for the female body; the steroid hormone promotes fertilization and full bearing of the child. Progesterone, the norm in women, is the main indicator of the absence of reproductive dysfunction.

The corpus luteum of the ovary is responsible for the synthesis of progesterone, which secretes it long before conception. The adrenal glands also produce small amounts of the hormone. This biologically active substance affects the favorable course of pregnancy, regulates the menstrual cycle, and stimulates protein production.

Progesterone is produced by the body during ovulation. If fertilization has occurred, its production stops in the second trimester of pregnancy. If the result is negative, the corpus luteum stops producing the hormone, is destroyed and menstruation begins.

Progesterone deficiency negatively affects the reproductive system. The fertilized egg is unable to attach to the inner layer of the uterus due to active contraction of smooth muscles. Due to a lack of the hormone, the embryo with the embryonic membrane (fertilized egg) is rejected - spontaneous termination of pregnancy.

Progesterone is responsible for the restructuring of the paired glandular organ - the breast, activating the ability to lactation. Therefore, an analysis of the level of this hormone is prescribed to a woman who is preparing to become a mother.

The value of the volumetric norm of the hormone for the body:

• prevents the rejection of the egg with the functional layer of the endometrium;
• creates favorable conditions in the uterine cavity for conception with subsequent embryonic development;
• provides support for the embryo at all stages of development.

The hormone indirectly affects metabolic processes:

• regulates blood viscosity, helping to normalize blood pressure;
• converts adipose tissue into physical energy;
• helps with the manifestation of fibrocystic mastopathy.

The level of progesterone is a kind of guarantee that menopause will not occur earlier than expected. The hormone is also responsible for reducing the unpleasant symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Disruption of the natural balance of progesterone has negative consequences for a woman’s body. That is why gynecologists sound the alarm when they see low or too high indicators in the tests.

Deviation of progesterone from the norm: symptoms

Due to lack of hormone content:

• the process of release of a mature egg from the follicle (ovulation) is disrupted;
• hormonal levels change;
• there is a delay in embryonic development;
• the risk of pathological bleeding from the uterus, infections, and inflammatory processes increases;
• Chronic diseases of the female genital area are getting worse;
• there is a malfunction in the functioning of the endocrine glands (endocrine system).

The body reacts to its lack accordingly, which will be indicated by a number of characteristic symptoms:

• increased work of the sebaceous glands;
• skin rashes, acne;
• heavy discharge during menstruation;
• cycle failure (irregular periods);
• vaginal dryness, discomfort during intimacy.

A blood test for progesterone is mandatory for women who have reached reproductive age. The highest concentration of the hormone corresponds to the ovulatory phase of the cycle - the 14th day from the moment of menstruation.

High content is no better than a deficiency, except in cases where the cause of this phenomenon is a successful conception. Progesterone above normal may be a consequence of dysfunctional bleeding from the uterus, abnormal development of the child's place (placenta), renal dysfunction syndrome, or failure of the female cycle. The most “harmless” reason is hormonal drugs, the use of which provoked an increase in the level of progesterone in a woman’s body.

The production of 17-OH progesterone is responsible for the process of pregnancy. This is what they call the pregnancy hormone. In addition to the course of pregnancy, the hormone 17-OH also takes an active part in the process of regulating the menstrual cycle and stimulating protein. Protein, in turn, carries out the process of preparing the uterus for bearing a fetus.

Table of progesterone norms

At a reduced rate

The analysis will show the composition of hormones in the blood; if the amount of hormones is reduced, then it is difficult for the body to prepare for pregnancy. Self-rejection of the fertilized egg by the body occurs, which indicates a lack of hormone and leads to miscarriage.

In case of analysis and observation of low progesterone, the following reasons:

• insufficient functioning of the corpus luteum and placenta;
• miscarriage;
• uterine hemorrhages not related to menstruation;
• prolonged pregnancy;
• inflammatory processes of the genital organs and the system as a whole;
• deviations in the process of fetal development;
• use of antihormonal drugs.

If a decrease in the norm is observed, then appropriate treatment with progesterone is necessary.

Increasing the norm

An increase in the norm can be observed in the middle of the menstrual cycle, when the body is preparing for a possible pregnancy. If the level of progesterone is increased, then this manifests itself in the form of an increase in basal and body temperature.

In addition to readiness for pregnancy, an increase in the norm may occur due to:

• the occurrence of abnormalities in the kidneys;
• corpus luteum cysts;
• absence of critical days for more than six months;
• uterine bleeding.

Treatment

Treatment of low or high concentrations of hormones is prescribed exclusively by a doctor, but in no case independently. Forget about self-medication, as this can aggravate the situation, and improper use can lead to the development of infertility.

Most medications come in the form of injection solutions that are administered intramuscularly. There is the following composition of progesterone in injections: 2.5; 2; and 1%. The main part of the solution consists of healthy almond and olive oils. From the date of production, the drug can be stored for five years in a dark place at a temperature of 5-12 degrees.

Progesterone is also available in tablet form, but the effectiveness of injections is much higher. If the deviation is insignificant, then the doctor can prescribe pills and treatment on an outpatient basis; if the indicators are critical, they resort to normalizing hormones through injections.

Every woman should know what progesterone is and, most importantly, monitor its composition in her body, especially when planning pregnancy.

Prescription of progesterone

The hormone progesterone is constantly formed in a woman’s body throughout the reproductive period. It is produced directly by the corpus luteum, which is located in the female ovaries. If a woman does not become pregnant at the time the egg is formed, then the corpus luteum is eliminated, and, consequently, the hormone 17-oh progesterone is not produced. At this time the menstrual cycle begins. After the end of menstruation, the production cycle repeats.

17-oh progesterone has a corresponding purpose in the female body: it acts as a connector, as a result of which, when an egg is fertilized, the hormone attaches it to the wall of the uterus. If this hormone is not produced due to some factors, then the attachment process is impossible. As a result, the egg may be in the wrong position for development. Progesterone is produced before the 16th week of pregnancy, providing protection for the fertilized egg. Thanks to the presence of this hormone, after conception the likelihood of involuntary miscarriage is reduced. After the birth of a child, the steroid hormone acts on the mammary glands, thereby facilitating the production of breast milk.

Thus, progesterone is a very important substance that must be present in normal quantities in the body. The volumetric norm of the hormone affects the following indicators:

• prevention of rejection (endometrium);
• creating a favorable environment in the uterine cavity for conception and fetal development;
• maintenance of the embryo is ensured while it is in the uterine cavity.

In addition to participating in the maintenance of pregnancy, progesterone 17-oh is also determined by the following functional features:

• active participation in the process of regulating blood viscosity;
• direct participation in the transformation of adipose tissue into useful energy;
• additionally provides assistance to the body when fibrous cysts appear.

The normal composition of progesterone in the body prevents the appearance of early menopause and discomfort before menstruation. Based on this, it is important that the level of progesterone in a woman’s body has an appropriate value, which is especially important during pregnancy.

Progesterone norm indicator

The composition of 17-OH progesterone in a woman’s body is measured in n*mol/liter. Its amount is extremely rarely constant, and, more often than not, fluctuates within normal limits. The following important factors influence the specific composition of the hormone:

• age;
• well-being;
• environment (air, solar radiation, etc.).

Immediate pregnancy, the use of contraceptives and the menopause also play a corresponding role in the amount of the hormone.

Testing for hormone composition in the blood

The composition of progesterone in the blood can be determined using an analysis. It is important to know here that the test should be taken at the “correct” time, so the acceptable period for determining progesterone in the blood is after the end of the ovulation process. There is a special test through which a woman can determine the favorable time to donate blood for analysis.

According to the standard, it is considered that a favorable day for determining the steroid hormone in a woman’s blood is 22-23 days after the first symptom of menstruation. But this is appropriate for a 28-day cycle; analysis with a non-standard menstrual cycle is taken after the test.

For your information! The most acceptable way to determine progesterone in the blood is an initial consultation with a doctor, who will prescribe the appropriate test at the right time.

If menstruation is constant, an analysis of the composition of the hormone level is carried out seven days before the start of menstruation. If the schedule is changeable, then the analysis is carried out several times. When monitoring basal temperature, you can do an analysis on the 7th day after it rises.

Blood for analysis must be taken from a vein in the morning and it is important that the woman does not consume anything from food before donation.

Progesterone is considered a female sex hormone that regulates menstrual cycles and supports pregnancy. Produced by the adrenal gland and corpus luteum.

The hormone is involved in the most important processes of the female body. The main functions are: preparing the uterus for future pregnancy, preventing rejection of the fertilized egg, developing the mammary gland for lactation, preparing the nervous system for childbirth, normalizing blood pressure, controlling blood sugar.

The role of the hormone for pregnant women

Progesterone is intensively produced immediately after ovulation before fertilization and continues to be produced by the corpus luteum until the 16th week of pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum dies, hormone production stops, and then menstruation begins. For fertilization, progesterone levels in women must be met.

The importance of this hormone for procreation cannot be underestimated, since it greatly affects the female body, supporting reproduction.

It is progesterone that allows the fertilized egg to attach to the wall of the uterus and reduce uterine contractility. Without the help of the hormone, the fertilized egg will be rejected, and if pregnancy occurs, there is a risk of miscarriage. He is also responsible for lactation after childbirth.

Estradiol is also important. The level of estradiol in the blood is affected by the phase of the menstrual cycle, just as the level of progesterone has different indicators depending on the phase of the cycle.

The 1st phase is characterized by an increase in the level of estradiol and progesterone, where the maximum value is reached at the time of ovulation. At the beginning of the 1st trimester, the level of progesterone and estradiol in the blood increases, creating favorable conditions for embryo growth and preventing the threat of miscarriage. If there is no fertilization, then the level of estradiol and progesterone decreases to a concentration in the 1st phase of the cycle, then menstruation begins.

The second phase lasts at least 10 days. In the second phase, progesterone is produced. With a short second phase, the endometrium does not have enough time to prepare to accept the fertilized egg, and conception does not occur.

We can come to the conclusion that for a pregnant woman, the hormone is the main component in all trimesters. It also creates an environment in the uterus suitable for pregnancy, promotes the attachment of the fertilized egg, increases the likelihood of embryo survival, and preserves the endometrium, which supports the continuation of pregnancy.

Effect on the body

It also performs several other functions that are not related to pregnancy: it prevents the formation of fibrous cysts in glandular tissue, promotes the conversion of adipose tissue into energy, and restores blood clotting and sugar levels.

Repeated scientific studies have proven the existence of a relationship between premenstrual and menopausal syndromes.

For this reason, progesterone levels in women are always important for the proper functioning of the body, and not just for periods of bearing a child. Progesterone levels in women also vary during periods of hormonal changes.

Long periods of pregnancy, menopause, and the use of contraceptives affect the concentration of the hormone. Norms for women (not pregnant) and women who do not use contraceptives should have certain indicators depending on the phase of the cycle.

Hormone norm

• in the follicular progesterone norm is 0.32 – 2.25 nmol/l;
• in ovulatory – 0.49 – 9.41;
• in the luteal phase - 6.95 - 56.53 nmol/l;
• in postmenopause - no more than 0.64;
• 1st trimester of pregnancy: 8.9 – 468.5 nmol/l;
• 2nd trimester: normal values ​​are 71.5 – 303.2;
• 3rd trimester: 88.7 – 771.5 nmol/l.

Normal hormone levels in those taking hormonal medications:

• In the follicular phase: up to 3.6 nmol/l;
• in the ovulatory phase: 1.52 – 5.45;
• in the luteal phase: 3.01 – 66.8 nmol/l;
• postmenopause: no more than 3.19 nmol/l.

Progesterone in IVF

During IVF, this hormone is of great importance for conception, because IVF requires a lot of hormonal help. Before IVF, progesterone is prescribed to stimulate the ovaries. The effectiveness of the hormone during IVF depends on the method of its entry into the body, divided into vaginal and intravaginal, as well as on its properties.

After IVF, natural progesterone is prescribed in micronized form; it is almost identical to natural progesterone in its characteristics and does not entail side effects, does not affect metabolic processes, blood pressure, etc.

Progesterone administered vaginally increases its bioavailability. It affects only the uterus and endometrium and increases the level of the hormone in the blood after a few hours.

When to get tested?

In the absence of special medical recommendations, the test is taken on the twenty-second or twenty-third day of menstruation, always on an empty stomach. The study is carried out before lunch; at least eight hours must pass after the last meal.

When researching, it is very important to take into account the duration of the cycle (number of days). For example, if the cycle consists of 32 days, then by making calculations, you can determine that ovulation will occur on the 18th day of menstruation. Considering that the analysis will be scheduled on day 21 of the cycle, by this time only 3 days will have passed after ovulation.

If the test is carried out on a pregnant woman, it contains information about the week of pregnancy, the day of menstruation, and the use of birth control pills.

A high level may indicate the presence of amenorrhea, pregnancy, the formation of a corpus luteum cyst, deviation in the development of the placenta, kidney disease and adrenal glands. A low level of the hormone in the blood indicates a cycle disorder, improper functioning of the corpus luteum, the presence of chronic inflammation of the ovaries, and lack of ovulation.

During pregnancy in any trimester, a lack of the hormone indicates a delay in the development of the fetus, indicates the presence of a threat of miscarriage or post-term pregnancy. Women need to monitor the levels of progesterone and estradiol - the most important hormones for a woman’s body.

How to maintain the norm?

During pregnancy, the doctor observing the pregnant woman, together with the endocrinologist, decides on restoring normal progesterone levels.

Pregnant women and women with abnormal levels of the hormone can do the following to restore its concentration naturally: purchase food products that are not in plastic or polyethylene packaging; use glassware in the microwave; use purified water for cooking and drinking; Use hair dye with caution.

It is worth reviewing your daily routine, night rest should last at least 8 hours, you need to do breathing exercises in the fresh air on a daily basis.

Use vegetables and fruits enriched with vitamin C and E in your diet.

It is very important to lead an active and healthy lifestyle, eat environmentally friendly and healthy food. Take care of your health, and in case of minor manifestations of malfunctions in the reproductive system, immediately contact a specialist.

Pregnant women need to remember that they are responsible not only for their health, but also for the health of their unborn child, so it is very important to follow the advice of a specialist.

A woman is a complex cocktail consisting of many hormones. The main ingredient in it is, of course, progesterone. It is he who largely determines the quality of a woman’s life - her appearance, figure, mood and ability to become a mother. Her reproductive function directly depends on the amount of progesterone in a woman’s blood, but why? To understand this, you need to understand the logic of the complex processes that occur monthly in the female body.

Norm at different periods of the cycle

Some progesterone is produced by the adrenal glands, but most is produced by the ovaries. In pregnant women, this function is taken over by the placenta. The concept of “normal progesterone in women” is variable and depends on which day of the monthly cycle is chosen for the study.

It occurs immediately after the end of menstrual bleeding and is the beginning of the next cycle. New eggs begin to mature in the ovarian follicles. During this period, the amount of progesterone in the blood is minimal. Therefore, if you take an analysis from days 1 to 15, it will show no more than 0.97-4.73 nmol/l.

The second phase is ovulatory

By this time, the egg has grown and becomes suitable for fertilization. When this happens, the follicle ruptures and releases it into the wild. Now she begins her journey to meet the sperm and gradually descends along the fallopian tube. But the most interesting thing happens in the ovary. In place of the ruptured follicle, a temporary gland is formed - the corpus luteum. Its main function is the active production of progesterone. Now, during ovulation, the body needs this hormone to:

• Make the upper epithelial layer of the uterus loose and prepare it for the attachment of a fertilized egg.
• Help the egg implant and increase its chances of survival.
• Strengthen the secretory endometrium that supports the embryo and maintain it throughout pregnancy.

That is, every month the female body rebuilds itself and prepares to accept a fertilized cell, and progesterone is responsible for all these complex processes. Normally, an analysis done from days 17 to 22 of the cycle should show 2.39-9.55 nmlol/l.

The final phase is the luteal phase

At this stage, two scenarios are possible. The first is that the egg did not meet the sperm and died. Then it will be released during menstrual bleeding and the level of the hormone in the blood, having reached its peak, will gradually begin to decrease. Second, fertilization has occurred and the embryo has attached to the wall of the uterus. In this case, the level of the hormone will begin to rise rapidly.

When the uterus is fertilized, the hormone level begins to rise rapidly

So, from days 22 to 29 of the cycle, the hormone can fluctuate in the following ranges:

• From 6.99 to 56.63 nmol/l – if conception has not occurred.
• From 16.2 to 85.9 nmol/l – if pregnancy does occur.

Of course, it is too early to draw any conclusions based on these indicators - the values ​​are too vague. One thing is obvious: if the result is less than 16.2 nmol/l, then there is no pregnancy; if the result is more than 56.63 nmol/l, there definitely is. It is difficult to judge anything based on a figure between 16.2 and 56.63 nmol/l. In this case, the fact of pregnancy can be confirmed or refuted only after a repeat examination a few days later. If the dynamics are positive and instead of decreasing, progesterone continues to increase, then we can safely talk about the presence of a fertilized egg in the uterus.

All of the above does not apply to women who take hormonal contraceptives. The fact is that the action of these drugs is aimed at preventing ovulation. In their body, eggs simply do not mature, and, therefore, corpus luteum does not form. Obviously, the amount of progesterone in the blood of women in this case cannot be high. Normal indicator for them:

• Follicular phase – up to 3.6 nmol/l.
• Ovulatory phase – 1.52-5.45 nmol/l.
• Luteal phase – 3.01-66 nmol/l.

Amount in the blood of a pregnant woman

Multiple unsuccessful attempts to conceive a child and frequent miscarriages are an obvious indication of the need to track the amount of hubbub. The fact is that fertilization of an egg with a sperm is not a 100% guarantee of success. If progesterone is below normal, the uterus will not be able to accept the egg. The hormone must “prepare the ground” and then block uterine contractions. Otherwise, the embryo will be perceived by the female body as a foreign body and rejected as a result of active uterine spasms.

If the hormone level is low, the uterus will not be able to accept the egg.

The normal amount of progesterone in women in the first trimester of pregnancy, that is, from weeks 1 to 13, is 14.9-107.9 nmol/l. Then the hormone level rapidly increases every day and already in the second trimester (14-27 weeks) reaches 61.7-159 nmol/l. This trend continues almost until the very end of the third trimester. Having taken the test at about 38 weeks, you can see a result of 500-509 nmol/l.

The situation changes dramatically just before childbirth. To push the fetus out, the uterus needs to contract, and the high level of progesterone in the blood simply will not allow contractions to begin. That is why, when the baby is ready to be born, the level of progesterone begins its sharp peak.

When it drops to 2.3 nmol/L, it means there are two days left before delivery. The hormone will no longer fall below this mark - the female body still needs it, because now the substance should stimulate lactation.

How does age affect the amount of the hormone?

We have already talked about what norms determine childbearing age - it all depends on the day of the cycle. But even after menopause, when the eggs no longer mature, progesterone continues to enter the woman’s blood from the adrenal glands. Normally, its amount should range from 0.32 to 2.51 nmol/l.

Another factor is of great importance in this case - the amount of the hormone estrogen. Its age norm is from 5 to 90 mg/pm. In a healthy woman, these two hormones always work in conjunction. While estrogen stimulates the functioning of various body systems, progesterone restrains excessive activity. This way balance is achieved. Its violation causes the same hot flashes that women endure so painfully during menopause.

A sharp decrease in progesterone levels (which indicates an increase in estrogen) due to age-related changes and attenuation of reproductive function is accompanied by:

• Increased nervous excitability.
• Mood swings.
• Profuse sweating, which occurs as a result of disturbances in the functioning of the sweat glands.
• Pain in the mammary glands.
• Rapid weight gain.

A sharp decrease in hormone levels can be observed with mood swings

You can compensate for the lack of progesterone with a special diet (if we are talking about minor deviations) or drug treatment. But before prescribing this or that hormonal drug, the doctor will certainly refer the woman for a blood test. Most often it is prescribed on day 21 of the cycle, when the egg is released from the follicle. But in order to get the most reliable results, you need to use not the calendar, but the basal method of determining ovulation. It’s even better to conduct several tests between days 15 and 23 of the cycle to track the dynamics of the rise and fall of the hormone level.

Since the hormone in the blood can be affected by food, it is best to take the test in the morning on an empty stomach. Sometimes doctors recommend that their patients refrain from eating for 12 hours before taking blood.

Hormones in the human body are the main regulators of all biochemical processes. In women, estrogen and progesterone are combined. They determine the cyclical changes in the genital organs, manage conception and help maintain pregnancy.

Available about biochemistry

Progesterone is a steroid hormone that is present in the body of both sexes. But men contain a small amount in constant concentration. In women, its amount varies depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle and period of life.

The basis of gestagens, like other steroids, is cholesterol. This substance undergoes a series of biochemical reactions, with the gradual formation of the final active substance. Synthesis occurs in the corpus luteum of the ovaries after ovulation, and in small quantities in the adrenal glands. In pregnant women, the hormone is formed in the placenta.

It has been established that the full cycle of kinin production cannot occur in the placenta. This requires the feto-placental system, which includes the fetus. Cholesterol from the maternal body enters the placenta and the intermediate substances pergnenolone and progesterone are formed, which are then transferred to the fetus and complete synthesis.

Not all progesterone is in an active state, most of it binds to transport proteins and albumin, only 2% is present in free form. Excretion occurs with the participation of the liver, where kinin is conjugated with glucuronic acid and excreted through the kidneys.

What effects does it cause in the body?

It has long been established what progesterone is responsible for in women. It is called the pregnancy hormone. The preparation of the endometrium to receive a fertilized egg depends on the normal concentration.

Ovulation is necessary for the successful formation of the corpus luteum. It depends on the concentration, as well as pituitary hormones. Follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones determine the maturation of the follicle. The growing follicle itself produces estrogens, which support its existence and prepare the endometrium, increasing the sensitivity of the epithelial membrane to progesterone.

After ovulation, the corpus luteum intensively produces progesterone. It turns the endometrium into the decidua, which is necessary for embryo implantation. The hormone affects basal temperature, increasing it by 0.2-0.5 degrees from the moment of ovulation until the end of the cycle.

The functions of the hormone are to maintain pregnancy:

• promotes the proliferation of blood vessels in the decidua;
• blocks contractile activity of the uterus;
• strengthens the muscle tissue of the cervix, which prevents the development of abortion;
• blocks local immune reactions to prevent rejection of a fertilized cell.

Throughout pregnancy, a high concentration of active substances ensures its preservation. A sharp decrease in kinin levels occurs before childbirth. This is considered a trigger for the onset of labor.

The effect of the hormone extends to the mammary glands. Active kinin stimulates the development of alveoli and lobules, in which milk will subsequently be formed.

The amount of the hormone decreases during menopause, and relative hyperestrogenism occurs. This condition is a predisposing factor to the development of endometrial hyperplastic processes.

Normal indicators at different periods of life

Hormone indicators are in dynamic equilibrium; different values ​​are presented for each age interval. The norm of progesterone in women of reproductive age is presented below:

• 1st phase of the cycle - up to 3.6 nmol/l;
• days of ovulation - 1.52-5.4 nmol/l;
• luteal phase - 3.01-88.8 nmol/l;
• postmenopause - up to 0.64 nmol/l.

The norm in the luteal phase serves as the starting point for determining its amount in pregnant women. The embryo produces hCG, which is necessary to maintain the functioning of the corpus luteum. Therefore, the concentration of gestagen remains at the same level and gradually increases.

By the 16th week of pregnancy, the placenta is formed, which takes on hormonal functions. The concentration of the hormone gradually increases even more.

Normal indicators for trimesters of gestation are as follows:

• first trimester – 468.5 nmol/l;
• second trimester - 71.0-303.2 nmol/l;
• third trimester - up to 771 nmol/l.

Progesterone levels will inevitably decrease during menopause. This is explained by frequent menstruation without ovulation, when the egg does not mature and the corpus luteum does not form. Menopause is the period of complete cessation of menstruation. The norm for menopause is defined as 0.64 nmol/l. Along with progesterone, the amount of estrogen decreases at this age, which leads to changes in blood vessels, excess weight, calcium loss and deterioration of the condition of the skin, hair and nails.

Women of menopausal age are prescribed hormone replacement treatment with estrogen and progesterone. This combination is necessary to eliminate the negative effect of estrogen on the endometrium: if monotherapy is used, the likelihood of developing endometrial hyperplasia or cancer increases many times over. Progesterone compensates for the proliferative effect of estrogens and improves the general state of hormonal levels.

When does deviation from the norm occur?

Deviations from the normal concentration can be either larger or smaller.

Associated with the following conditions:

• luteal phase deficiency;
• endocrine pathologies: hypothyroidism, hyperandrogenism, hyperprolactinemia;
• strict diets and lack of nutrition;
• constant stress;
• diseases of the genital organs: fibroids, endometriosis.

Symptoms of progesterone deficiency appear depending on its amount. A common symptom for women is premenstrual syndrome. Its severity varies, from minor discomfort to severe manifestations.

Many consider the signs to be a physiological norm; they wait for this period to attribute mood swings and anger to a hormonal storm. But with the rhythmic functioning of the endocrine organs, the concentration of hormones is maintained at a sufficient level and is not manifested by a deterioration in the woman’s condition.

With a pronounced decrease in gestagens, conception becomes difficult. This is most often observed with luteal phase deficiency. The corpus luteum may not form and quickly regress. A variant of its deficiency are follicular cysts, which form in polycystic ovary syndrome. This condition leads to the impossibility of pregnancy.

Implantation of the embryo must occur in the prepared endometrium, which is influenced by progesterone. If fertilization occurs in a woman with a low hormone, the embryo simply will not be able to attach to the wall of the uterus or will be rejected by it, because progesterone should suppress the contractile activity of the myometrium. Habitual ones, in which interruption occurs in a short period of time, are often accompanied by its insufficiency.

Also signs of deficiency are irregular menstrual cycles and acyclic uterine bleeding. A relative deficiency, in which the concentration of estrogen is maintained at the required level, leads to the development of proliferative pathologies of the uterus associated with hyperestrogenism - fibroids, endometriosis, endometrial hyperplasia.

Much less often than a deficiency, there may be increased progesterone. The cause of this condition may be ovarian tumors, cirrhosis of the liver, or pathology of the adrenal glands. Corpus luteum cyst and formations in the ovaries lead to overproduction of the hormone. In liver cirrhosis, there is no increased synthesis of kinin; the increase in the hormone is associated with a violation of its conjugation with proteins and metabolism.

Excess manifests itself in the form of the following symptoms:

• gaining excess weight;
• swelling;
• the appearance of pimples and acne that cannot be treated;
• increased body hair growth;
• depression or frequent mood swings;
• surges in blood pressure.

Often, hormonal imbalance affects not one hormone, but several. Therefore, the symptoms can be varied, with the addition of signs of the underlying pathology.

Carrying out analysis

A blood test for hormones is carried out according to the woman’s indications. Most conditions accompanied by deviations from the norm are amenable to drug correction. But before prescribing hormonal drugs, it is necessary to find out the initial hormonal background. Doctors rarely use an isolated determination of progesterone alone; most often, a hormonal profile is needed to determine the causes of the failure, establish the period of the menstrual cycle and the general picture of disorders in the body.

When and how to take a blood test for progesterone depends on the age and condition of the woman. During the reproductive period, hormone fluctuations determine which day of the cycle to donate blood. It is known that the maximum concentration is reached by 20-23 days, so tests are also recommended to be performed at this time. A regular menstrual cycle of 28 days is taken into account. If your cycle is longer or shorter, your doctor will help determine the day of delivery. To do this, you need to know the first day of your last menstruation and the expected start of the next one. 7 days are subtracted from the last digit; the examination can be carried out on the resulting day.

If a woman has irregular periods, occurring for several months, then the test can be carried out on any convenient day, and then repeated after a while. In this case, a full range of hormones is needed:

• estriol;
• prolactin;
• testosterone;
• cortisol;

Such a wide hormonal profile will allow us to predict the level of disturbances and the ratio of all active substances affecting reproductive health. Indirectly, analysis can be used to judge the period of the monthly cycle.

In pregnant women, the concentration of the active substance normally constantly increases. Therefore, there are no restrictions on the duration of the study; in some cases, repeated analysis may be required.

During the test, a progesterone test is also carried out regardless of the day. Normally, the amount of the hormone should remain at the same level.

Preparing for analysis

Hormone studies do not require specific preparation. It is enough to adhere to the general rules recommended for donating venous blood.

The quality of biological material is affected by nutrition. Fatty foods can cause chylosis - an increased number of fatty particles; they will not allow a high-quality analysis. Therefore, a day before the diagnosis, you should avoid eating foods rich in fats and do not drink alcohol.

The test is taken on an empty stomach, so the last meal should be no later than 19 pm. In the morning you cannot eat anything, you are allowed to drink clean water, but under no circumstances tea or coffee. Smoking is prohibited on this day.

Stress and physical activity, fatigue affect a woman’s hormonal levels. A week before the test, you need to normalize your emotional state, avoid overwork and heavy physical activity.

Ways to normalize hormonal levels

After the necessary diagnosis, the doctor prescribes tactics to normalize the background. Treatment should always begin with changes in lifestyle and nutrition. You should pay attention to the daily routine, the number of hours for sleep and the time when a woman prefers to fall asleep.

The nature of nutrition also affects hormonal levels. It is impossible to say which foods contain progesterone. You can increase its content in the blood indirectly by consuming a sufficient amount of animal protein and fat, and chicken eggs. They contain essential amino acids and cholesterol, which are the basis for the synthesis of steroid hormones. With increased concentration, on the contrary, you need to reduce the amount of such food in the menu.

Our previous articles will tell you more about how or the level of progesterone in the body without health consequences.

The next stage is drug therapy. For normalization, micronized progesterone or its oil solutions are used. Tablet analogues are Duphaston, Utrozhestan. The dosage regimen depends on the purpose of use of the drugs.

They are used for the following conditions:

• threat of premature termination of pregnancy;
• incipient miscarriage;
• cycle changes: amenorrhea, oligodysmenorrhea;
• sex hormone replacement therapy.

Utrozhestan is available in the form of capsules for oral administration and insertion into the vagina. This method of administration allows you to create a local high concentration of the active substance, bypassing metabolism in the liver.