Test Code 1124
Test Details
Progesterone
Progesterone is a steroid hormone secreted by the corpus luteum and placenta to promote normal sexual function and secondary sex characteristics in women, as well as to prepare the uterus for implantation of the fertilized ovum and to maintain pregnancy.
Methodology
Immunoassay – Competitive principle
Patient Preparation
None
Preferred Specimen
1.0 mL serum (0.5 mL minimum) collected in serum separator tube (SST / Tiger Top)
Alternate Specimen
None
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (ship on frozen cold packs)
Stability
Refrigerated: 5 days
Lab Values
Progesterone
Men:
| Sex/Phase | ng/mL |
| N/A | <0.05-0.15 |
Women:
| Sex/Phase | Optimal |
| Follicular phase | 0.06-0.89 ng/mL |
| Ovulation phase | 0.12-12.0 ng/mL |
| Luteal phase | 1.83-23.9 ng/mL |
| Postmenopause | <0.05-0.13 ng/mL |
Clinical Significance
Progesterone
Progesterone is used in the assessment of menopausal status and fertility diagnosis.1-4
References:
- Bhasin S, Cunningham GR, Hayes FJ, et al. Testosterone therapy in men with androgen deficiency syndromes: Endocrine Society clinical practice guidelines. J Clin Endorcinol Metab. 2010;95(6):2536-2559.
- Santen RJ, Allred DC, Ardoin SP, et al. Postmenopausal hormone therapy: an Endocrine Society scientific statement. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010;95(7 Suppl 1):s1-s66.
- Kopper NW, Gudeman J, Thompson DJ. Transdermal hormone therapy in postmenopausal women: a review of the metabolic eff ects and drug delivery technologies. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2008;2:193-202.
- Goodman N, Cobin RH. Reproductive disorders. In: Camacho PM, Gharib H, Sizemore GW, eds. Evidence-Based Endocrinology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 2012:190-228.
Treatment Options
Progesterone
When giving estrogen to post-menopausal women with an intact uterus, also use oral micronized progesterone to prevent uterine cancer.
