When is it better to take a progesterone test? This is a common question. We will understand in this article. For women who are planning a pregnancy in the near future, the level of progesterone in the body is essential, since this hormone affects the reproductive ability of the body.
About hormone
In the medical environment, progesterone is called the hormone of pregnancy, because it helps prepare the uterus and egg for fertilization and embryo fixation. In addition, the hormone has another important function - it helps the expectant mother emotionally prepare for pregnancy. To know when it is possible to take tests for progesterone is simply necessary, otherwise it is difficult to achieve a clear picture. The result of this laboratory test shows whether there are deviations in the hormonal background of the patient.
How to get tested for progesterone? This is of interest to many.
Why does a woman need progesterone?
As we have already said, progesterone is the most important hormone that regulates a woman’s fertile function, the process of fertilizing the egg and bearing a baby, and also lactation. Deviation from the norm in one direction or another in this case has sad consequences for the family: a fertilized egg does not attach to the walls of the uterus, and if pregnancy does occur, there is a high probability of miscarriage in the first three months of pregnancy. In addition, fetal development delays may occur. Hormonal failure provokes the development of diseases of the reproductive system in women. During gestation, a woman regularly passes hormone tests, and the doctor has the ability to monitor her condition. However, before pregnancy, people rarely monitor their own endocrine system and go to the doctor when the disease is already progressing.
How to test women for progesterone? This can be checked with your doctor.
But the body gives signals that not everything is in order with the level of hormones in the body. Such symptoms include: a feeling of chest pain, malfunctions of the menstrual cycle, unexpected vaginal bleeding, bloating, abrupt, unreasonable mood swings. All these symptoms indicate that the visit to the gynecologist can no longer be postponed. For some couples, a slight correction of the hormonal background is enough for the conception to occur. And during pregnancy, the level of progesterone is regularly monitored by a gynecologist in order to prevent negative consequences. This analysis can be prescribed for the diagnosis of infertility, menstrual irregularities, suspected ovarian diseases, uterine bleeding, late pregnancy, with the threat of miscarriage, thyroid gland pathologies.
Let's figure out how to get tested for progesterone?
What days of the cycle is it best to do?
In order to choose the right time for blood donation to determine the level of progesterone, you need to clearly know the characteristics of your body. This analysis is not done on any day, since the amount of progesterone directly depends on what phase the woman's menstrual cycle is in, as well as on the onset of pregnancy. The level of hormones gradually rises in the first phase of the cycle, this indicator reaches its maximum level on the day of ovulation, in the second phase of the cycle the indicator of the amount of progesterone should be thirty times higher than in the first. When pregnancy occurs, the progesterone content continues to increase, and when conception has not occurred, then at the end of the cycle, the hormone content decreases. If you have a regular cycle lasting 28 days, then you need to take a progesterone test on the 22-23rd day, starting from the day when your last menstruation arrived.
It is important to find out in advance how to pass the test for progesterone correctly.
If the cycle is long
In the case of a longer cycle, this date is postponed so that blood collection occurs seven days before the next menstruation. The situation when the menstrual cycle does not differ in regularity is quite common, so a gynecologist can direct a woman to donate blood several times to have a holistic picture. You can determine the day of onset of ovulation using intravaginal ultrasound.
What days to get tested for progesterone, many women do not know.
According to the results of ultrasound, the doctor concludes that the development of a dominant follicle, the onset of ovulation and the formation of the corpus luteum, on which the regulation of progesterone depends. A woman herself at home can determine the onset of ovulation. To do this, basal temperature must be measured every morning, and analysis should be taken on the sixth or seventh day after changing the temperature schedule. The method, of course, is not very convenient, since the temperature needs to be measured every morning for several weeks, in the early morning, without getting out of bed and entering information into the schedule. If you missed the day or went to bed later than usual, there is a risk of receiving distorted data. With less labor, you can determine the time of ovulation using a regular test purchased at a pharmacy.
How to get tested for progesterone?
How to prepare for the analysis?
The result of the analysis can be affected by drugs that change the hormonal background, foods with an exciting effect on the human nervous system. Therefore, the doctor must say that you are taking any medications. 24 hours before the test, stop taking coffee, black tea, alcohol and spicy foods.
Proper food
It should also be remembered that certain foods increase progesterone levels. These are fatty foods that increase cholesterol. In this regard, a few days before the tests should not be eaten fatty meat, chicken eggs, dairy products with a high fat content, caviar, vegetable fats. Blood is donated in the morning before eating. However, this can be done at lunch, in this case, there must be a time interval between food intake and blood sampling
We found out on which day of the cycle to take a progesterone test.
Deciphering the results
When deciphering the results of the analysis for progesterone, it is necessary to determine how much the amount of the hormone deviates from the generally accepted norm. Sharp fluctuations in hormone levels are especially dangerous during pregnancy. With a low progesterone content, the fertilized egg is left unprotected and there is a risk of miscarriage. In addition, with low progesterone, conception itself is very problematic. Too high levels of progesterone (in the event that there is no pregnancy) indicates serious violations of the endocrine nature. This condition requires medical attention. The interpretation of the values is based on indicators characteristic of different phases of the cycle: in the first phase, when the dominant follicle ripens, this value will be - 0, Z2-2.2Z nmol / l; with a rupture of the follicle and the exit of the egg into the uterus - 0.48-9.41 nmol / l; in the second phase, this indicator is the highest and ranges from 7.02 to 57.0 nmol / L. In menopause, progesterone levels are normal at 0.64 nmol / L. If in the analysis data the result is indicated in ng / ml, then this amount is divided by the coefficient value - 3.18. Often, a progesterone test is required during pregnancy.
How much hormone is the norm?
The rate of progesterone primarily depends on whether we are dealing with a pregnant woman or with one in whom conception has not yet occurred. These indicators will vary significantly. During pregnancy, the progesterone production function gradually passes to the placenta. If a woman is only planning a pregnancy, then it will be wise to find out her progesterone level before this, in the future it will probably help protect the woman and the child from complications. In the first trimester, the presence of progesterone in the body of a woman helps maintain pregnancy. With the further course of pregnancy, the amount of the hormone increases and also helps to maintain pregnancy and the fetus develop without complications.
Now you know how to get tested for progesterone.