Progesterone in different phases of the cycle. Progesterone is the norm in women at different stages of life

Hormones in 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 steroid hormone, which 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 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 it cannot occur in the placenta full cycle kinin production. 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.

For successful formation corpus luteum Ovulation is necessary. 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 uterus;
strengthens muscle tissue cervix, which prevents the development of abortion;
blocks local immune reactions to prevent rejection of the fertilized cell.

Throughout pregnancy, a high concentration of active substances ensures its preservation. A sharp decline kinin levels occur before birth. 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 hyperplastic processes endometrium.

Normal indicators at different periods of life

Hormone indicators are in dynamic equilibrium; different values are presented for each age interval. Norm of progesterone in women 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 over hormonal function. 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 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. Simultaneously with progesterone at this age, the amount of estrogen decreases, which leads to changes in blood vessels, the appearance excess weight, calcium loss and deterioration of skin, hair and nails.

Women of menopausal age are prescribed replacement hormonal treatment estrogens 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 general state 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. For woman a common symptom is premenstrual syndrome. Its severity varies, from minor discomfort to severe manifestations.

Many believe the signs physiological norm, expect this period to attribute mood swings and anger to a hormonal storm. But with rhythmic work 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 a woman has low hormone fertilization occurs, 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 cycle, acyclic uterine bleeding. Relative deficiency, in which estrogen concentration is maintained at the right level, leads to the development of proliferative pathologies of the uterus associated with hyperestrogenism - fibroids, endometriosis, endometrial hyperplasia.

Significantly less common than a deficiency, maybe 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 change mood;
horse racing 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 only; most often a hormonal profile is needed to determine the causes of the failure, determine the period of the menstrual cycle and big picture disorders in the body.

When and how to take a blood test for progesterone depends on the age and condition of the woman. IN reproductive period Fluctuations in hormones 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. With elongated or more short cycle Your doctor will help determine the day of delivery. To do this you need to know the first day last menstrual period 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 one to assume the level of disturbances and the ratio of all active substances affecting reproductive health. Indirectly, the 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. Enough to stick general rules recommended for delivery venous blood.

The quality of biological material is affected by nutrition. Fatty food can cause chylosis - increased amount fat particles, they will not allow you to perform a 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 in no case tea or coffee. Smoking is prohibited on this day.

Stress and exercise stress, fatigue affect a woman’s hormonal levels. A week before the study, you need to normalize your emotional condition, avoid overwork and heavy physical exertion.

Ways to normalize hormonal levels

After necessary diagnostics 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 sufficient quantity animal protein and fats, 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 step is drug therapy. For normalization, micronized progesterone or its oil solutions. 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;
beginning 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 makes it possible to create local high concentration active substance, bypassing metabolism in the liver.

The hormone progesterone in the body of a pregnant woman produces special gland, which is called the corpus luteum. After 13–16 weeks from the date of conception, this function is transferred to the placenta. Poor hormone production can cause early pregnancy termination.

For a pregnant woman, progesterone is one of the key hormones that helps her successfully carry a baby and her baby to develop properly. It is produced by the corpus luteum - a gland that is formed after the maturation and release of the egg. Next, fertilization of the egg occurs. The corpus luteum immediately ceases to exist if fertilization does not occur. If pregnancy has occurred, the gland continues to actively produce progesterone.

About how it affects the female body:

Trains pelvic muscles and bones to diverge during pushing and pushing the baby into the light.
Affects breast growth, prepares it for lactation, provokes the production of colostrum during pregnancy. Colostrum may begin to be released at 30 weeks.
Removes increased tone uterus, which can lead to spontaneous abortion. Maintains pregnancy.
Helps the uterus grow, prepares it for the enlargement of the fetus.
When planning has an effect on internal cavity female organ, preparing a place for the attachment of a fertilized egg.
Regulates metabolic processes in the mother's body.
Affects the endocrine system.
Has a beneficial effect on the central nervous system, improving sleep and appetite.
Activates protective forces woman's immunity.
Affects the production of subcutaneous fat.

For the fetus, progesterone is also an important element:

Promotes the development of the child's main organs and tissues.
Thanks to progesterone, the female body does not perceive the embryo as foreign body and does not reject him. Otherwise protective system would push out an egg like foreign body- someone else's protein.
Takes part in the production of steroid hormones in the baby.

What is the norm?

With each week of pregnancy, the level of progesterone in a woman’s body increases. The concentration of this hormone is shown to the doctor clinical picture fetal development and placenta condition. The presence of progesterone depends on several factors; its amount may vary, but the average values are the same for all women expecting a child. The first and second weeks are characterized by a minimum hormone level of 12–18 ng/ml, and in last weeks the amount of progesterone can reach up to 172 ng-ml.

On later a low level of this hormone may indicate a post-term pregnancy.

Table of normal progesterone levels by week of pregnancy

Gestational age in weeks	Progesterone level readings in ng/ml, (normal)	Progesterone level readings in nmol/l, (normal)
1-2 week	12-18,2	38,15-57,8
5-6	18,6-21,7	59,1-69
7-8	20,3-23,5	64,8-75
9-10	23-27,6	73,1-88,1
11-12	29-34,5	92,1-110
13-14	30,2-40	96-127,2
15-16	39-55,7	124-177,1
17-18	34,5-59,5	111-189
19-20	32,8-59,1	121,7-187,8
21-22	44,2-69,2	146-220
23-24	59,3-77,6	188,9-247,1
25-26	62-87,3	197,2-277,8
27-28	79-107,2	251,2-340,9
29-30	85-102,4	270,2-326
31-32	101,5-126,6	323,1-402,8
33-34	105,7-119,9	336,3-381,4
35-36	101,2-136,3	321,7-433,1
37-38	112-147,2	356,1-468,1
39-40 week	132,6-172	421-546

In case of significant deviations, we should talk about a disruption in the functioning of some systems of the expectant mother.

Reasons for changes in progesterone concentration

Short-term changes in the level of the hormone progesterone in the blood may be associated with taking certain medications. Before donating blood to the laboratory for the content of this hormone, it is necessary to inform the laboratory assistant about the therapy. He will make a note on the card.

The reasons may be:

hormone therapy;
renal failure;
disturbance of placental development;
chronic adrenal hyperplasia.

Abnormalities are detected by a routine blood test. Its peculiarity is that it is taken on an empty stomach early in the morning. A progesterone test is done for women who have crossed the threshold of the second trimester. Then the placenta begins to supply the body with the hormone.

If a pregnant woman drinks hormonal agents, then an emergency test for progesterone levels can be performed 3-4 days after their discontinuation. If possible, wait three weeks. All stressful and emotional factors are excluded one day before the analysis. Nicotine should not enter the body of a pregnant woman at all, but if she smokes, then she needs to wait two hours without a cigarette before going to the laboratory.

What are the dangers of low or high progesterone?

Consequences of deficiency or excess of the hormone creates a risk dangerous conditions for mother and child. Progesterone deficiency can cause:

early miscarriage;
noticeable delay in the development of organs and vital systems of the fetus;
“frozen” pregnancy, when the embryo stops developing;
ectopic pregnancy, when the egg is implanted in the tube or cervix, and not in its cavity. Such a pregnancy leads to a rupture of the tube, the embryo does not survive, and there is a risk to the woman’s life;
disruption of the functioning of the placenta as an organ that supplies the fetus with oxygen and nutrients;
the appearance of toxicosis in the early stages with dehydration;
development of acute gestosis in later stages in the form of edema;
infertility in the future.

Consequences of excess hormone:

a certain malfunction in the functioning of the placenta;
kidney dysfunction;
hyperplasia;
the likelihood of having twins increases;
systematic use of hormonal drugs is required.

If progesterone production is disrupted, the local gynecologist prescribes hormonal drugs, containing the right hormone. Treatment is determined purely individually, the doctor focuses on the condition, test results and medical history of the pregnant woman. A course of injections or suppositories is prescribed. Suppositories are placed vaginally.

In case of emergency, the doctor decides to urgent hospitalization women. Doctors monitor the level of the hormone in the blood and carry out a set of measures necessary to normalize its concentration.

Progesterone injections are injections of a drug that has an oily structure, a weak odor, and a color ranging from yellow to green. Injections are given intramuscularly. The drug is instantly absorbed into the blood. The product begins to act 40–50 minutes after the injection. The maximum concentration of the “pregnancy hormone” occurs 5–6 hours after the injection. It leaves the body with urine.

The injections are absolutely painless and there is no need to be afraid of them. The drug must first be heated to room temperature. A small, dense nodule or bruise may form at the injection site. Progesterone should be injected with caution in women predisposed to the formation of blood clots, suffering from bronchial asthma or other diseases pulmonary system, sick diabetes mellitus. It is also necessary to coordinate injections with a doctor for a woman in a position with impaired functioning of the cardiovascular system.

In the last weeks of pregnancy, such therapy is contraindicated, since progesterone is designed to prevent miscarriage. Progesterone injections are also not used during lactation.

Even after discharge until the end of pregnancy, the woman monitors progesterone levels through constant testing.

Each woman is able to independently minimize the risk of deviation of progesterone levels from the specified parameters. To do this you need to follow the recommendations:

Pregnancy should be long-awaited; its planning involves medical examination, reception vitamin complexes, refusal bad habits, normalization of nutrition.
Taking any medications during pregnancy must be approved by your doctor.
Eliminate stress factors and emotional surges.

By observing these simple rules, future mom take care of yourself and your child.

Progesterone (progestin) is a steroid hormone synthesized in male and female bodies. In men, progesterone is produced in the cells of the testicles, in women - in the ovaries, and in both sexes it is synthesized in small quantities by the adrenal cortex. Its main function is to regulate the condition of the inner layer of the uterus and prepare it for the fixation of a fertilized egg after ovulation. In men, progesterone is a precursor to other hormones (for example, testosterone). If the egg is successfully fertilized, the ovaries continue to produce the hormone for the active development of the placenta, which after a few weeks itself begins to synthesize progesterone. For this reason, progestin is called the pregnancy hormone.

Progesterone balance in female body experiences noticeable fluctuations depending on cycle time, age, and the level of other hormones. Therefore, it is important to plan the analysis taking into account menstruation.

The entire menstrual cycle in women is usually divided into four phases. The first is characterized menstrual bleeding and lasts from 5 to 7 days. The second lasts until the middle of the cycle. The third (ovulatory) is caused by ovulation (the release of a finished egg). The fourth (luteal) completes the cycle. In the luteal phase, progesterone levels are higher than in other phases. In this phase, it is recommended to conduct a test for progesterone (19, 20, 21, 22, 23 days of the cycle).

Table 1 shows the reference values of progesterone depending on the time of the menstrual cycle (the norm for men is 0.89–2.9 nmol/l). It is important to note that the data is given in nmol/L (nanomoles per liter). Some laboratories also use ng/ml (ng = gram/106). To convert ng/ml to nmol/l, you need to perform the calculation using the following formula: nmol/l = ng/ml * 3.18. For simplicity, the table shows data in both dimensions (the more common dimension is nmol/l).

Table 1. Progesterone, norm in women depending on the day of the cycle

As you can see from this table, the maximum level of progesterone is found in women in the luteal phase after ovulation on days 19, 20 and 21 of the cycle, remaining high on days 22, 23. For this reason, women are advised to have a progesterone blood test at this time. The standard for such a study is the progesterone norm on day 21 of the cycle. If you do this analysis at other times of the menstrual cycle (for example, immediately after menstruation in the follicular period), a false result is likely due to the lack of sensitivity of the study.

It is worth noting that the hormone content on days 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 of the cycle is quite high. For this reason, self-diagnosis is not recommended. High performance may also indicate normality hormonal balance, and about pregnancy, and about pathologies.

If the level of progesterone in the luteal phase (after ovulation on days 19, 20, 21, 22, 23) is higher than normal, then this indicates pregnancy. With successful fertilization, the hormone content in the blood begins to increase every week, becoming higher and higher towards the end of pregnancy. The second table shows reference values for progesterone in women depending on the week of pregnancy.

Table 2. Progesterone levels depending on the week of pregnancy

It is important to note that all hormone indicators depending on the week of pregnancy are approximate and individual for each woman. To control the pregnancy and proper development all systems of his body require consultation with a doctor of the appropriate profile.

Deviations from the norm of analysis parameters (above or below reference values) for progesterone in the luteal phase (19, 20, 21, 22, 23 days of the cycle) indicate hormonal imbalance in the body and the development of pathology.

It is worth noting that the doctor prescribes a progesterone test not only in the luteal phase. Hormone level test in rare cases must be carried out both in the follicular and menstrual, and in ovulatory periods cycle to monitor fluctuations in progesterone levels. Such tactics for monitoring hormonal balance make it possible to diagnose pathologies in the synthesis and activity of progesterone in the blood.

A test for progesterone levels in the luteal phase (after ovulation on days 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 of the cycle) is carried out using chemiluminescence immunoassay. To do this, several ml of venous blood is collected. To ensure that the results are not true or true, it is necessary to prepare for the study. For this:

it is important to select the time of the study so that it falls on the 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd day of the menstrual cycle (luteal period);
if you are taking hormonal medications, the test should be carried out in consultation with your doctor (if necessary, stop taking the medications);
do the study on an empty stomach;
avoid strong physical and emotional stress(in case of stress, the analysis result may be higher than the true values).

It is important to take the test several times (the second test in a month). This is done to monitor progesterone levels depending on the week of pregnancy. If the indicator is higher or lower than normal in a certain week, this may indicate pathologies in the development of the fetus (ectopic pregnancy, developmental arrest).

The level of progesterone in women varies depending on the day and phase of the menstrual cycle. This is due to the fact that its production increases when a mature egg, ready for fertilization, leaves the dominant follicle. All of the above events occur in the middle of the menstrual cycle, which means approximately 15–17 days after the start of menstruation in the so-called luteal phase.

It should be noted that doctors have adopted an average cycle of 28–30 days as a basis.

– the most important hormone in the female body, produced in the adrenal glands. The onset of conception and gestation of the fetus depends on its content. IN common days the amount of progesterone in the female body is minimal, but with the onset of the luteal phase it increases sharply. Increased production of progesterone helps to thicken the inner layer of the uterine mucosa. Such endometrium provides all the conditions for normal implantation of a fertilized egg and the development of pregnancy. This period is the luteal phase.

The level of progesterone in the luteal phase is significantly higher than its content on normal days. So if in other phases of the cycle its content is 9 nmol/l, then by the period of ovulation it increases to 56 nmol/l. This value is recognized as the norm for the luteal phase. Taking necessary tests, doctors can clarify the level of progesterone and, depending on the established indicators, determine the reason why the long-awaited pregnancy does not occur.

Phases of the menstrual cycle and pregnancy hormone content

Women's health is very fragile and largely depends on hormonal balance. The most important hormones for the fair sex are progesterone and estrogen. It is their level that determines whether a woman can get pregnant. Changes in hormone levels in the female body occur due to:

stressful situation;
complex long-term illness;
inflammatory process in the kidneys and adrenal glands;
menopause;
taking hormonal oral medications contraception;
poor nutrition;
sudden weight loss.

Both high and low performance, and you can monitor their changes by studying the features of each phase of the menstrual cycle.

There are only four such phases:

I – menstrual. Its duration ranges from 5 to 10 days, but most often menstruation occurs within a week. This is the shortest phase of the cycle and progesterone is produced in minimal quantities.
II – follicular. At this time, the production of the pregnancy hormone is insignificant; the duration of the phase is from one to three weeks. At this time, the egg cell matures.
III – ovulatory. It lasts only a few days and the level of progesterone production begins to increase noticeably. Dominant follicle ruptures and the mature egg passes into the fallopian tubes.
IV – luteal. The most critical phase of the cycle, lasting 2 weeks. Progesterone reaches its maximum value in the luteal phase. A woman’s body is actively preparing for the possible onset of pregnancy.

If pregnancy occurs, progesterone rises for almost 4 months, but if this does not happen, the corpus luteum does not function and the level of the hormone drops, and a few days later menstruation occurs.

has a positive effect on the endometrium, in the process of preparing the mucosa for implantation of a fertilized egg;
provides training reproductive organs to gestation and physiological delivery;
promotes adaptation nervous system to long-term and difficult period gestation of the fetus.

Changes such as deterioration in well-being and irritability or tearfulness before the onset of menstruation (), as well as those associated with menopause are also directly related to progesterone levels. Therefore, before making a diagnosis and prescribing this or that treatment, doctors refer patients for an examination, during which tests will be taken and the level of progesterone will be determined.

It is this substance that helps regulate blood sugar levels, prevents the formation of fibrous cysts in the mammary glands, affects libido and blood pressure, and activates the production of sebum and promotes the conversion of fats into energy.

Changes in the body associated with progesterone levels

The reason for referring a patient for examination may be complaints about:

menstrual irregularities;
pain in the lower abdomen and in the mammary glands;
bleeding of unknown etiology;
bloating;
lack of ovulation.

Impaired production of progesterone causes infertility, sudden changes in mood, and the development of fibrous cysts in the mammary gland. Besides, low level pregnancy hormone can provoke termination of pregnancy and cause early miscarriage.

Establish the cause possible violations The functionality of the female reproductive glands will be helped by a blood test, which is carried out on certain days. The progesterone norm on day 21 of the cycle is 56.93 pmol/l. This maximum value is characteristic of the luteal phase. It will continue to increase during pregnancy and begins to decrease if fertilization does not occur. Deviation from this norm may indicate a lack of ovulation and development complex diseases associated with disruption of hormone production and adrenal function.

The norm of progesterone in women is determined depending on the days of the menstrual cycle. However, there are different standards. It depends on whether the patient takes hormonal drugs for contraception or as a medicine for illnesses thyroid gland or other ailments. Excess or lack of progesterone in the female body can lead to:

to sleep disturbance;
to rapid fatigue;
to increased sweating;
to the appearance of swelling;
to the occurrence of seizures;
to rapid weight gain and, as a consequence, obesity.

This is why many violations women's health doctors associate it with changes in progesterone levels.

Progesterone levels depending on the phase and days of the cycle

You can track changes in the level of the hormone progesterone using a blood test, which is carried out on days of the menstrual cycle and at various stages of pregnancy.

For example, in the first trimester from the 1st to the 13th week of pregnancy, the content of progesterone in the blood plasma ranges from 9 to 468 nmol/l, in the second trimester – 72–303 nmol/l, in the third – 88–772 nmol/l.

The level of the hormone also changes depending on what day of the cycle the study is carried out. If the material for analysis is taken in the first days, the indicator will be 0.33–2.23 pmol/l, on the eighth day it will reach 4.41 pmol/l, on the 13th day – 4.81 pmol/l, on the 15th th – 9.41 pmol/l. the maximum value appears on the 21st day and remains at 56.93 pmol/l until the end of the cycle. If pregnancy occurs, the indicator increases, and if fertilization does not occur, it decreases to a minimum value.

On the recommendation of a doctor, a woman takes the test strictly on an empty stomach early in the morning on the 21st day of the menstrual cycle. The result of the study allows us to establish the normal level of progesterone in the patient’s body and, depending on the value obtained, the specialist makes a diagnosis, prescribes further examination or adequate treatment.

There are many hormones in the body of every person, and each of them is necessary to perform a number of functions. One of the most important, especially for women, is progesterone. All people definitely need to know what this hormone is and what functions are assigned to it.

What is progesterone

Biologically active substance is available in both the female and male bodies. Progesterone is a mountain

Progesterone in women

The hormone is produced by the ovaries. The level of its concentration in the blood constantly changes in different periods cycle. It is highest at the time of ovulation. During fertilization the level increases. The substance prepares the walls of the uterus for ingrowth ovum. If conception does not occur, the concentration of the hormone gradually decreases. Then your period comes. It’s worth immediately explaining what progesterone is responsible for:

The process of attachment of the fertilized egg to the uterine wall. Only if the hormone progesterone in women is at normal level, pregnancy occurs.
Increasing the survival rate of the fertilized egg.
Accumulation and processing of subcutaneous fat into energy.
Stimulation of the development of reproductive system organs and skeleton.
Decreased uterine tone during pregnancy. The substance suppresses immune system so that the woman’s body does not perceive the fetus as something foreign and does not provoke rejection.
Prevents the formation of fibrous cysts in glandular tissues.
Normalization of blood viscosity and sugar content.

Progesterone in men

In those of the stronger sex, small amounts of the hormone are produced by the testes and adrenal glands. It promotes the favorable functioning of the central nervous system, the thyroid gland and improves the condition of the skin and bones. Progesterone in men is responsible for the production of other hormones important for the body. For example, it reduces the amount of estrogen, which causes the figure to take on a feminine shape. The hormone reduces the risk of developing genital tumors.

Progesterone is normal

The amount of the hormone constantly changes at different periods of life. This figure is 0.35-0.63 nmol/l for men. Progesterone, the norm in women by cycle phases is presented in the table:

Low progesterone

A lack of hormones in a representative of the fair sex can lead to sad consequences. The level definitely needs to be raised. If low progesterone, symptoms in women may be as follows:

the chest swells greatly and hurts;
swelling;
bloating;
vaginal bleeding;
fatigue;
menstrual irregularities;
headache;
excessive sweating;
mood swings.

Progesterone deficiency in a girl indicates:

lack of ovulation;
hormonal imbalances;
intrauterine bleeding;
dysfunction of the corpus luteum;
inflammation of the genital organs.

A low level can cause:

decreased libido;
proliferation of prostate tissue;
impotence.

High progesterone

For women during pregnancy, this phenomenon is quite normal. If progesterone is elevated, but there has been no fertilization, this may indicate:

cycle instability;
bleeding;
diseases of the kidneys, adrenal glands;
tumor formations in the ovaries;
Corpus luteum cyst.

The symptoms of progesterone excess are almost the same as in the case of low progesterone, so only an analysis will help to recognize what the problem is. If the hormone level is elevated, the woman becomes depressed and irritable. She constantly feels tired. Common symptoms are headaches and blurred vision. A high level of the substance is sometimes indicated by increased hair growth on the body and face.

In men, an excess of the hormone may indicate tumors of the organs that produce it, that is, the testicles and adrenal glands. The level of the substance increases after certain injuries, diseases, and dysfunction of the thyroid gland, brain, and liver. This could lead to worsening quality composition seminal fluid, infertility, irreversible impotence and even testicular atrophy. The hormone level must be reduced.

Progesterone during pregnancy

You already know what progesterone is. You also know about the effect it has on the body of a pregnant woman and the fetus. The rate of progesterone during pregnancy by trimester is shown in the table below:

Deviations from the norm are extremely dangerous for pregnant women. Insufficient hormone levels in early dates can cause miscarriage due to excessively intense contraction of the uterine muscles. In addition, this phenomenon may indicate that the pregnancy is ectopic or frozen. A lack of substance is sometimes observed when the fetus is delayed in development. The following symptoms indicate low hormone levels:

increased uterine tone;
meager bloody issues;
stomach ache;
vaginal dryness;
pressure surges;
the appearance of a skin rash.

Excessively high level The content of the substance is rarely observed in pregnant women. As a rule, this indicates kidney disease, hydatidiform mole, adrenal dysfunction. For multiple pregnancy this phenomenon is absolutely normal. Accompanied by the following symptoms:

headache;
digestive problems;
excessive fatigue;
nausea;
bleeding;
drowsiness.

Progesterone test

It is carried out to determine the exact level of the hormone in the body. A blood test for progesterone should be taken after the ovulatory phase, usually on days 22-23 of the cycle. The exact date preferably determined by test or measurement basal temperature. For regular periods, the test is taken exactly one week before their start. If the cycle is disrupted, then it is better to donate blood not just once, but several times. You should not eat 7 hours before the test. A pregnant woman should tell the laboratory technician what medications she is taking, because there are medications that affect the level of the hormone in the blood.