Progesterone Tests

Transported through fat cells, progesterone hormones are steroidal hormones that are closely associated with pregnancy and the menstrual cycle. It is usually produced in the ovaries and in adrenal glands, but during pregnancy, it is also produced in the placenta.    However, they can also affect many other systems in the body. For example, low progesterone levels can cause gingivitis, osteoporosis, and breast pain.

In the following sections, it will be possible to get a grasp of how to identify progesterone fluctuations and the different types of progesterone tests.

Understanding Progesterone Tests

Progesterone tests measure the amount of progesterone present in blood or saliva. It is vitally important that progesterone levels be measured: both high and low progesterone levels can cause many different side effects.

The results of a hormonal imbalance often leave many women struggling to cope. Even in rare instances, low progesterone levels can be an indication of cancer.

A progesterone test can help women to diagnose low fertility levels, assess the risk of miscarriage, and determine when ovulation is most likely to occur.

Progesterone levels in pregnant women are ten times higher than women who are not pregnant. Thus, progesterone tests can be immensely helpful and informative.

Progesterone Tests

There are two types of progesterone tests. They are both common and simple to perform. Another benefit is that the results are usually ready in less than 24 hours.

Blood test:  Women who choose to have a blood test must abstain from oral contraceptives for twenty-hours prior to the test and must be past ovulation for the current menstrual cycle.

Saliva Test: Alternately, progesterone levels can be measured with a saliva sample. Roughly 3-5% of progesterone can be found in saliva and represents the progesterone not currently in use by the body.  The saliva test is useful for calculating the amount of progesterone produce by the ovaries, or to compare test results for two or more women.

Women who have recently received a thyroid or bone scan should avoid progesterone tests, since these conditions can influence the results (which are typically available within twenty-four hours).

The results of a progesterone test will vary depending on the current menstrual phase, pregnancy, and current menopausal stage. They can also be affected by numerous factors, including:

• Drugs such as ampicillin and clomiphene.
• Time of day (Progesterone levels fluctuate throughout the day).
• Frequency of exercises.

Advanced/Specific Progesterone Tests

Severe problems related to fertility and the menstrual cycle are evaluated with either a blood or saliva test repeated over a period of several days. This creates a clearer picture of how progesterone levels are fluctuating over time.

Read the following link regarding progesterone levels for a better understanding of what different progesterone levels can indicate.

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