The purpose of progesterone is to prepare the uterus for pregnancy, as well as maintaining pregnancy. Twelve weeks after gestation, the umbilical cord produces progesterone.
Progesterone is normally produced by the corpus luteum, peaking during the midluteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Progesterone levels are the best way to evaluate if ovulation occurred, health of the corpus luteum and chances of spontaneous abortion.
4-5 days after ovulation, progesterone levels rise and continue to do so in pregnancy for 9-32 weeks after gestation by as much as 100 times that of a non-pregnant female. Progesterone levels in females carrying twins are usually higher then single pregnancies. Progesterone levels used with β-HCG levels assists in assessing uterine pregnancies from ectopic pregnancies.
Progesterone levels are increased in:
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- Lipid ovarian tumor
- Chorionnepithelioma of the ovary
- Molar pregnancy
Progesterone levels are decreased in:
- Threatened spontaneous abortion
- Galactorrhea-amenorrhea syndrome (hypogonadism)
Progesterone in Post-Menopausal Women plays a significantly reduced role because the body no longer produces the hormone in large amounts. After menopause, which typically occurs around age 50, the ovaries cease their production of eggs and most reproductive hormones, including estrogen and progesterone. However, progesterone still has some relevance in the context of post-menopausal health and hormone therapy.
After menopause, progesterone levels decline significantly, and its role becomes minimal in the absence of the menstrual cycle. However, progesterone (or progestin) can be a key component of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women with a uterus, as it helps reduce the risk of endometrial cancer, manage menopausal symptoms, and support overall well-being. Its use should be carefully monitored due to potential risks associated with long-term hormone therapy.
Normal Progesterone Levels Postmenopause
- < 0.1 to 0.4 ng/mL
- In most postmenopausal women, progesterone levels are negligible.