Why are progesterone levels measured?
A progesterone test helps find the cause of infertility, monitor the success of medications for infertility or the effect of treatment with progesterone, determine whether ovulation is occurring, assess the risk of miscarriage and monitor the function of the ovaries and placenta during pregnancy. Progesterone tests also help diagnose problems with the adrenal glands and some types of cancer. If your doctor found it necessary for you to have a progesterone test you should stop taking medications, including birth control pills that contain estrogen or progesterone or both, for up to 4 weeks before having the test. You should also tell your health professional if you have had a test that used a radioactive substance within the last 7 days. Recent tests such as a thyroid scan or bone scan that used a radioactive tracer can interfere with the test results for progesterone levels. Let your health professional know the first day of your last menstrual period and if your bleeding pattern is li
