Progesterone (PRG)
Why this test?
- To identify the causes of infertility.
- To determine if the patient has ovulated.
- For the diagnosis of ectopic or pathological pregnancy (together with the chorionic gonadotropin test).
- To control the fetus state and placenta during pregnancy, in case of complications.
- To determine the effectiveness of progesterone injections to preserve early pregnancy.
In what cases is it prescribed?
- When finding out whether ovulation occurs normally (sometimes twice during the menstrual cycle).
- When stimulating ovulation.
- With symptoms of ectopic pregnancy and the threat of miscarriage, such as abdominal pain and bleeding. When progesterone is administered during pregnancy.
- Periodically during pregnancy with an increased risk of its interruption to monitor the condition of the fetus and placenta.
- When a non-pregnant patient has uterine bleeding.
Test information
Progesterone is a steroid hormone whose main function is to prepare a woman's body for pregnancy. Each month, estrogen causes the inner lining of the uterus - the endometrium - to grow and renew itself, while luteinizing hormone (LH) promotes the release of an egg in one of the ovaries. A so-called corpus luteum is formed at the site of the released egg, which produces progesterone. Progesterone, together with the hormone secreted by the glands, stops the growth of the endometrium and prepares the uterus for possible implantation of a fertilized egg. If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum disappears, progesterone levels drop and menstrual bleeding occurs. If the fertilized egg attaches to the wall of the uterus, the corpus luteum continues to produce progesterone. After a few weeks, the placenta takes over the function of the corpus luteum to produce progesterone, being the main source of this hormone during pregnancy.
