Test Description

The progesterone concentration correlates with the development and regression of the corpus luteum. Usually barely detectable in the follicular phase, a rise in the level of progesterone is observed one day prior to ovulation and is secreted in the luteal phase. It brings about the conversion of the uterine lining to prepare for the implantation of the fertilized ovum as well as prepare breast tissue for breast feeding. In men, progesterone helps to counteract the effects of estrogen in the body as a precursor to testosterone. Symptoms of low progesterone in men include: low libido, hair loss, weight gain, fatigue, depression, gynecomastia, bone loss, muscle loss, and erectile dysfunction.

When should this test be ordered?
In men, progesterone helps to counteract the effects of estrogen in the body as a precursor to testosterone. Symptoms of low progesterone in men include: low libido, hair loss, weight gain, fatigue, depression, gynecomastia, bone loss, muscle loss, and erectile dysfunction.
High Risk · Outside Reference Range
Male::
<=0.19 (ng/mL) & >=1.41 (ng/mL)

Female::
Follicular: <0.2 (ng/mL) or >1.5 (ng/mL)
Ovulation: <0.8 (ng/mL) or >3.00 (ng/mL)
Luteal: <1.7 (ng/mL) or >27.0 (ng/mL)
Postmenopause: 0.0 (ng/mL) or >0.8 (ng/mL)
Borderline Risk · None
None determined for this test.
Low Risk · Within Reference Range
Reference Range:

Male::
0.2-1.4 (ng/mL)

Female::
Follicular: 0.2-1.5 (ng/mL)
Ovulation: 0.8-3.00 (ng/mL)
Luteal: 1.7-27 (ng/mL)
Postmenopause: 0.1-0.8 (ng/mL)
Testing Method Used
Competition electrochemical.

Sample is stable for 5 days at 2-8°C.

Please ship samples daily.
Improvements and Prevention
Your healthcare practitioner will determine diagnosis, or treatment based on the reason for ordering this test and your results.
Specimen Type
Serum
Fasting Required
No
Drawing and Processing
  1. Draw from a vein into a SST tubetube1
  2. Invert tube (do not shake) 1-2 times to mix adequately
  3. Let stand upright in tube rack for 30 minutes
  4. Centrifuge for 15 minutes at 3300rpm
  5. Do not leave at room temperature for more than 1 hour
  6. Keep cold in a refrigerator to maintain stability, until ready to ship
Shipping Instructions
  1. Freeze ice packs 24 hours prior to use
  2. Place ice packs inside the Styrofoam insulated kit
  3. Place processed tubes inside biohazard bag, place inside kit
  4. Seal box, print airbill and adhere to box and wait for courier to pick up
Rejection Criteria
QNS; temperature out of range upon receipt; grossly lipemic or hemolyzed; wrong specimen type; sample stability exceeded for this analyte; unlabeled or mislabeled specimen.
References

1. Baulieu E, Schumacher M (2000). “Progesterone as a neuroactive neurosteroid, with special reference to the effect of progesterone on myelination”.

2. Sofuoglu M, Mitchell E, Mooney M (2009). “Progesterone effects on subjective and physiological responses to intravenous nicotine in male and female smokers”

The information provided here is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used or substituted as medical advice. You should consult a healthcare practitioner regarding medical diagnosis or treatment.