Progesteron
General information:
Progesterone is a steroid hormone involved in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and embryogenesis in humans. It is synthesized in the adrenal glands, the gonads (especially after ovulation in the corpus luteum), the brain and during pregnancy in the placenta. Normally, during the first half of the monthly cycle, estrogens predominate. After ovulation, the level of progesterone rises and it predominates in the second half of the cycle. If fertilization does not occur, progesterone secretion stops for up to 48 hours. menstruation occurs. If fertilization occurs, the follicle from which the ovum was released becomes a "corpus luteum" (corpus luteum). In the corpus luteum until the 3rd month of pregnancy, more and more progesterone is synthesized, which protects the uterus from contractions during pregnancy and helps wear the fetus. After this period, the placenta replaces the corpus luteum. If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum regresses, and the progesterone level begins to decrease after 21 days of the cycle. Indications for progesterone testing: the diagnosis of fertility disorders, ovulation detection, evaluation of the luteal phase, etc. Usually, blood for testing is taken on the 22nd day of the menstrual cycle.
Sample required:
Venous blood in morning in fasting