Progesterone (P4) Serum Test

To identify the reason of infertility, tracking ovulation in women, help identify an ectopic or failing pregnancy, monitor the state of pregnancy, supervise progesterone replacement therapy, or help understand the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding. 

Doctor may recommend progesterone test for you if you have been facing infertility from a long time. During early pregnancy when symptoms show an ectopic or failing pregnancy; during a high-risk pregnancy to help detect placenta and foetal health and/or when a woman has abnormal bleeding during urination.

Progesterone is a steroid hormone whose pivotal role is to help prepare the women’s body for pregnancy. It operates in cross-collaboration with various other female hormones. progesterone test determines the level of progesterone in the blood.

Progesterone levels are estimated for the following :
 -Assessment of infertility
- Evaluation of abnormal uterine bleeding and placental health in high-risk pregnancy.
- Diagnosis and treatment of patients with threatened abortion and ectopic pregnancy.
- Determines the effectiveness of progesterone injections when administered to women to help support early pregnancy.
 

The test measures the progesterone levels in the blood

The test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer. 

High levels are generally seen in some ovarian cysts, molar pregnancies, rare forms of ovarian cancer, adrenal cancer,  congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and testicular tumours. 
Low levels may be associated with decreased ovarian function, amenorrhea, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage & toxaemia in  late pregnancy