If the result of a single progesterone test falls outside the normal range, it cannot be considered an abnormal result since progesterone levels change continuously. Abnormal results appear if the patients blood progesterone levels fall outside the normal range in multiple subsequent tests.

Apart from pregnancy, higher than normal progesterone levels can appear in case of:

·         Ovarian cysts

·         Ovarian cancer

·         Molar pregnancy or non-viable pregnancy

·         Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)

·         Adrenal cancer

Lower than normal progesterone levels can appear in case of:

·         Amenorrhea or no menstruation

·         Anovulation

·         Ectopic pregnancy

·         Miscarriage or death of fetus

Progesterone is a steroid hormone which helps to prepare the female body for pregnancy and maintain normal menstrual cycle working together with other female hormones. Every month, the menstrual cycle is started with an increase in the level of estrogen hormone. This causes thickening of the inner lining of the uterus called endometrium. This coincides with an increase in levels of luteinizing hormone which induces the release of an egg from the ovary. Subsequently, a structure called corpus luteum forms on the ovary at the site where the egg was released. The corpus luteum produces progesterone hormone which arrests the endometrial growth and prepares the uterus for implantation of the fertilized egg.

At this juncture one of two things may happen. If the egg remains unfertilized, the corpus luteum slowly breaks down and progesterone levels fall. This induces breakdown of the endometrial lining and menstrual bleeding starts. However, if the egg is fertilized and attaches to the endometrium, the corpus luteum does not degenerate and continues progesterone secretion, thereby maintaining the thickened endometrial lining. After a few weeks of pregnancy, the placenta becomes fully formed and takes over the function of progesterone secretion and till the completion of pregnancy. Therefore, increased progesterone levels are seen in pregnancy.

Level of progesterone also fluctuates during normal menstrual cycle. Progesterone is secreted in much lower amounts in males, and is considered to play a small role in sperm development.

Few cancers can also result in abnormal progesterone levels in men and women.

This test is performed on a blood sample. A syringe with a fine needle attached is used to withdraw blood sample from a blood vessel in your arm generally from the inner side of the elbow area. The doctor, nurse or the phlebotomist will tie an elastic band around your arm which will help the blood vessels to swell with blood and hence makes it easier to withdraw blood. You may be asked to tightly clench your fist. Once the veins are clearly visible, the area is cleaned with an antiseptic solution and then the needle is inserted into the blood vessel to collect the sample. You may feel a tiny pinprick during the procedure. Blood sample once collected is then sent to the laboratory.

There is no risk associated with the test. However, as this test involves a needle prick to withdraw the blood sample, rarely, a patient may experience increased bleeding, hematoma (blood collection under the skin) formation, bruising or infection at the site of needle prick.

Inform the doctor about any medications you may be taking. No other specific preparations are usually required before this test.

The factors which can affect the progesterone test results are: Certain medications like steroids, birth control pills, ampicillin, clomiphene etc. Recent exposure to radioactive substances, as in the case of undergoing imaging scans like Thyroid Scan or Bone scan Time of day as progesterone levels fluctuate during day Phase of menstrual cycle

Additional tests that may be prescribed in case of abnormal progesterone test result are: Estrogen Test hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) Test Luteinising Hormone (LH) Test Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Test Uterine Ultrasound