How does progesterone level affect fertility?

The article was professionally consulted by Doctor Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.

The hormone progesterone is produced mainly in the ovaries by the corpus luteum, which helps prepare the uterus for a fertilized egg. If the egg is fertilized, progesterone then helps the lining of the uterus maintain the pregnancy. During pregnancy, the placenta also produces progesterone to support a healthy pregnancy.

Progesterone is one of the hormones in our body that stimulates and regulates various functions. The hormone progesterone is produced in the ovaries, placenta (when a woman is pregnant) and adrenal glands. It helps prepare your body for conception and pregnancy and regulates your monthly menstrual cycle. It also plays a role in libido.
The role of the hormone progesterone in maintaining pregnancy:
One of the most important roles of the hormone progesterone is to cause the endometrium to secrete special proteins during the second half of the menstrual cycle, in preparation for pregnancy. receive and nurture a fertilized egg. If fertilization does not occur, estrogen and progesterone levels drop, the endometrium breaks down, and menstruation occurs. If pregnant, the hormone progesterone is produced in the placenta and levels remain elevated throughout the pregnancy. The combination of high estrogen and progesterone levels prevents further ovulation during pregnancy. Progesterone also has the effect of increasing arterial blood and glycogen in the uterine lining to ensure nutrients for the fetus. Support mammary gland development during pregnancy, play a role in the process of milk production after birth. Create a plug of the mother's cervical mucus to avoid the invasion of bacteria. For men, the hormone progesterone is responsible for the formation and development of sperm. However, in men the level of progesterone in the body is very small.

The progesterone test is used to measure the amount of progesterone in the blood. Progesterone levels change during a woman's menstrual cycle. The readings start off low, then go up after the ovaries release the eggs. If you're pregnant, your progesterone levels will continue to rise as your body gets ready to support your growing baby. If you're not pregnant (your egg isn't fertilized), your progesterone levels will drop and a new cycle will begin.
Progesterone levels in pregnant women are about 10 times higher than in non-pregnant women. Men also make progesterone, but in much smaller amounts. In men, progesterone is made by the adrenal glands and testicles.
Progesterone testing is used to:
Find the cause of a woman's infertility (inability to have children) Diagnose while ovulating Find out the risk of miscarriage Track a high-risk pregnancy Diagnose a pregnancy ectopic, the fetus grows in the wrong place (outside the uterus). A developing baby cannot survive an ectopic pregnancy. This condition is dangerous and sometimes life-threatening for women. Progesterone testing involves:
The doctor takes a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a fine needle. A small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. Send the blood sample to a lab for testing. Get test results then within 24 hours.

How much progesterone is normal? It depends on gender, age, menstrual cycle and whether you are pregnant or not.
Normal progesterone test results fall into the following ranges:
Men, menopausal women, and women at the start of their menstrual cycle: 1 ng/mL or less. Mid-cycle women: 5 to 20 ng/mL. Pregnant women in the first trimester: 11.2 to 90 ng/mL. Second trimester pregnant women: 25.6 to 89.4 ng/mL. Pregnant women in the third trimester: 48.4 to 42.5 ng/mL. If your Progesterone Index doesn't fluctuate regularly: A test shows that your progesterone levels aren't rising and falling every month, as they should, then you may not be ovulating or have irregular periods. This can make getting pregnant more difficult.
Progesterone levels not rising: If you are in the early stages of pregnancy but progesterone levels are still not rising, as expected, this could signal problems, such as a possible miscarriage.
High progesterone levels: If you are not pregnant, but the test shows increased progesterone levels, such results could be caused by:
Ovarian cysts. Rare form of ovarian cancer. The glands produce too much progesterone. Adrenal cancer. Low progesterone levels: If the test shows lower than normal progesterone levels, it could be due to:
Toxemia - a condition that can occur late in your pregnancy that can be serious if left untreated . The ovaries are not working properly. Absence or absence of menstruation. Miscarriage. The female hormone progesterone plays an important role in conception. A progesterone test can help your doctor check your progesterone levels to make sure it's in the normal range, increasing your chances of conceiving and having a healthy pregnancy.
Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the hospitals that not only ensures professional quality with a team of leading medical doctors, modern equipment and technology, but also stands out for its examination and consultation services. comprehensive and professional medical consultation and treatment; civilized, polite, safe and sterile medical examination and treatment space. Customers when choosing to perform tests here can be completely assured of the accuracy of test results.