Progesterone is the norm in women and the role of the hormone in the body. Progesterone - the norm in women at different stages of life

The hormone progesterone in the body of a pregnant woman for the first three months produces a special gland called the corpus luteum. After 13-16 weeks from the date of conception, this function is transferred to the placenta. Poor hormone production can cause early pregnancy termination.

For a woman in position, progesterone is one of the key hormones that helps her to successfully bear a baby, and her baby to develop properly. It is produced by the corpus luteum - a gland that is formed after the maturation and release of the egg. Next, fertilization of the egg occurs. The corpus luteum instantly ceases to exist if fertilization does not occur. If pregnancy has come, then the gland continues to actively produce progesterone.

About how it affects the female body:

1. Prepares the pelvic muscles and bones for separation during pushing and pushing the crumbs into the light.
2. Affects the growth of the breast, prepares it for lactation, provokes the production of colostrum during gestation. Colostrum can begin to stand out from the 30th week.
3. Removes the increased tone of the uterus, which can lead to spontaneous abortion. Maintains pregnancy.
4. Helps the uterus to grow, prepares it for an enlarged fetus.
5. When planning, it has an effect on the internal cavity of the female organ, preparing a place for the attachment of a fertilized egg.
6. Regulates metabolic processes in the mother's body.
7. Affects the endocrine system.
8. It has a beneficial effect on the central nervous system, improving sleep and appetite.
9. Activates the protective forces of the woman's immunity.
10. Affects the production of its subcutaneous fat.

For the fetus, progesterone is also an important element:

• Promotes the development of the main organs and tissues of the child.
• Thanks to progesterone, the female body does not perceive the embryo as a foreign body and does not reject it. Otherwise, the defense system would push the egg out like a foreign body - a foreign protein.
• Takes part in the production of steroid hormones in the baby.

What is the norm?

With each week of pregnancy, the level of progesterone in a woman's body rises. The concentration of this hormone shows the doctor the clinical picture of the development of the fetus and the condition of the placenta. The presence of progesterone depends on several factors, its amount may vary, but the averages are the same for all women who are expecting a baby. The first and second weeks are characterized by a minimum level of the hormone - 12–18 ng / ml, and in the last weeks the amount of progesterone can reach up to 172 ng / ml.

In the later stages, a low level of this hormone may indicate a delayed pregnancy.

Table of normal progesterone levels by week of pregnancy

With significant deviations, we should talk about a violation in the work of some systems of the expectant mother.

Causes of changes in progesterone concentration

A short-term change in the level of the hormone progesterone in the blood may be associated with taking certain drugs. Before donating blood to the laboratory for the content of this hormone, it is necessary to inform the laboratory assistant about the therapy. He will make a note on the card.

The reasons may be:

• hormone therapy;
• kidney failure;
• violation of placental development;
• chronic adrenal hyperplasia.

Deviations are detected by a routine blood test. Its peculiarity is the delivery on an empty stomach early in the morning. An analysis for progesterone is done for women who have crossed the threshold of the second trimester. Then the placenta begins to supply the body with a hormone.

If a pregnant woman drinks hormonal drugs, then an emergency progesterone test can be performed 3-4 days after they are canceled. If possible, wait three weeks. All stressful and emotional factors are excluded a day before the analysis. Nicotine should not enter the body of a pregnant woman at all, but if she smokes, then you need to wait two hours without a cigarette before going to the laboratory.

What threatens low or high progesterone

The consequences of a deficiency or excess of the hormone creates a risk of dangerous conditions for the mother and child. Progesterone deficiency can cause:

• miscarriage in the early stages;
• a noticeable delay in the development of organs and systems of the vital activity of the fetus;
• "frozen" pregnancy, when the embryo stops developing;
• an ectopic pregnancy, when the egg is attached in the tube or in the cervix, and not in its cavity. Such a pregnancy leads to a rupture of the tube, the embryo does not survive, there is a risk to the life of the woman;
• violation of the functioning of the placenta as an organ that supplies the fetus with oxygen and nutrients;
• the appearance of toxicosis in the early stages with dehydration;
• development of acute gestosis in the later stages in the form of edema;
• infertility in the future.

Consequences of excess hormone:

• a certain failure in the functioning of the placenta;
• violations of the kidneys;
• hyperplasia;
• increases the likelihood of having twins;
• need a systematic intake of hormonal drugs.

In case of violation of the production of progesterone, the district gynecologist prescribes hormonal preparations that contain the desired hormone. Treatment is determined purely individually, the doctor focuses on the condition, test results and anamnesis of the pregnant woman. A course of injections or suppositories is prescribed. Candles are placed vaginally.

In case of emergency, the doctor decides on the urgent hospitalization of the woman. Doctors monitor the level of the hormone in the blood, carry out a set of measures necessary to normalize its concentration.

Progesterone injections are injections of a drug that has an oily structure, a weak smell, and a yellow to green color. Injections are given intramuscularly. The drug is instantly absorbed into the blood. The agent begins its action 40-50 minutes after the injection. The maximum concentration of the "pregnancy hormone" occurs 5-6 hours after the injection. Excreted from the body with urine.

The injections are absolutely painless, you should not be afraid of them. Beforehand, the preparation must be heated to room temperature. A small, hard nodule or bruise may form at the injection site. Progesterone is administered with caution to women who are predisposed to the formation of blood clots, suffering from bronchial asthma or other diseases of the pulmonary system, and diabetics. It is also necessary to coordinate injections with a doctor for a woman in a position with impaired functioning of the cardiovascular system.

In the last weeks of gestation, such therapy is contraindicated, since progesterone is designed to prevent abortion. During lactation, progesterone injections are also not practiced.

Even after discharge, until the end of the pregnancy, a woman controls the level of progesterone by constantly taking tests.

Each woman is able to independently minimize the risk of progesterone levels deviating from the specified parameters. To do this, follow the recommendations:

1. Pregnancy should be long-awaited, its planning consists in a medical examination, taking vitamin complexes, giving up bad habits, and normalizing nutrition.
2. The use of any medications during pregnancy must be approved by the attending physician.
3. Eliminate stress factors, emotional jumps.

By following these simple rules, the expectant mother will take care of herself and her child.

The main hormone of pregnancy, ensuring its preservation, preparing the female body for the upcoming birth, as well as controlling the functioning of organs and organ systems under the conditions of this physiological process, is progesterone. What level is considered normal, what causes an increase and decrease in the content of this hormone in the blood, and what is its effect on the body of a pregnant woman, we will understand further.

The value of the norm of progesterone during pregnancy

The level of progesterone gives reason to judge the course of pregnancy in general, the state of the placenta, as well as the development of the fetus. That is why it is very important to monitor and know what progesterone is during pregnancy: the norms depend on the trimester. The number in each subsequent one exceeds the previous one. So, in the first it is 8.9-468.4 nmol/l, in the second - 71.5-303.1; third - 88.7-771.5.

Deviations from the above norms indicate any violations.

Complications caused by a decrease and an increase in progesterone

If the level of the pregnancy hormone is too low, then, unfortunately, it is not always possible to maintain the further course of the physiological process in a woman. The most common complications caused by a lack of progesterone are:

1. insufficient function of the placenta or corpus luteum;
2. delayed fetal development in the womb;
3. threatened abortion;
4. prolongation of pregnancy, entailing a deterioration in the health of the child due to a lack of essential nutrients;
5. the birth of a newborn with problems of any organs or their systems and with a small body weight.

Exceeding the norm of progesterone is also a cause for concern. A high content of this hormone in the blood of a pregnant woman indicates the presence of abnormalities in the development of the placenta.

With a lack of progesterone in the body of a future woman in labor, it is possible to increase its rate with the help of medications. An example of the latter can be duphaston (a synthetic analogue of progesterone) and utrogestan (natural micronized progesterone, well absorbed by both the intestines and the vagina). The same funds are prescribed in the 1st and 2nd trimesters (up to 24 weeks) for women who have a threat of abortion.

Progesterone and its effect on women

Progesterone in the initial stages of pregnancy is produced by the adrenal glands and ovaries of a woman, in the second trimester - by the placenta.

The importance of this hormone is indicated by the consequences that its deficiency or excess leads to.

As you can see, progesterone is an important pregnancy hormone, therefore, in order to maintain its norm, first of all, it is necessary to lead a healthy and proper lifestyle, or rather, be less nervous, eat well, use medications prudently. It is in this case that it is possible to avoid problems associated with hormonal imbalances and, accordingly, due to this, bear a healthy child.

Progesterone belongs to the female sex hormones and performs a number of necessary functions in the body. First of all, this refers to the ability of a woman to conceive and bear a child. Therefore, progesterone is also called the hormone of pregnancy. However, this hormone is also synthesized in small amounts in men (by seminal vesicles)

Any deviation from the norm in the direction of increasing or decreasing progesterone indicates a malfunction in the body and requires correction.

Functions of progesterone in the body

Progesterone in the female body is produced by the ovaries and slightly by the adrenal glands. The level of progesterone is directly related to the phase of the menstrual cycle.

In the first, follicular phase, its content in the body is insignificant, since at this stage the level of estrogens is increased.

During ovulation, the level of estrogen decreases, the follicle bursts, an egg is released from it, and a corpus luteum forms in place of the main follicle. It is the corpus luteum that produces progesterone in the second, luteal phase. Progesterone promotes the proliferation of the endometrium, preparing it for the acceptance (implantation) of a fertilized egg. Also, the pregnancy hormone prevents uterine contractions, which prevents spontaneous abortion in the first trimester of pregnancy. The corpus luteum after fertilization exists for up to 16 weeks, and after the function of producing progesterone, the placenta takes over. Normally, the second phase of the menstrual cycle lasts 12-14 days (at least 10). If pregnancy does not occur, then the level of progesterone decreases by the end of the luteal phase and rejection of the decidua occurs - menstruation.

In addition, progesterone during pregnancy blocks menstruation and ovulation, is involved in the proliferation and development of the mammary glands, preparing them for lactation. Also, this hormone has a pyrogenic property, which explains the increase in basal temperature in the second phase of the menstrual cycle and subfebrile condition (up to 37.5 degrees) in pregnant women in the first trimester. Other properties of progesterone include its immunosuppressive effect, which prevents the woman's body from rejecting the fetus as a foreign object.

Progesterone during pregnancy stimulates the growth of the uterus. The hormone is involved in the production of sebum, determines the development of secondary sexual characteristics, has a hypertensive effect, regulates clotting and blood sugar, and prevents the development of fibrous cysts in the uterine mucosa. A connection was noted between the lack of progesterone and the development of premenstrual and menopausal syndromes.

Norms of progesterone in women

Progesterone in non-pregnant women should be determined at the end of the luteal phase, approximately 5 to 7 days before the onset of menstruation. With a 28-day menstrual cycle, progesterone should be taken on days 22-23. Blood is taken on an empty stomach, in the morning, at least 8 hours after a meal.

Progesterone levels:

• the first phase (follicular) - 0.32 - 2.23 nmol / l;
• ovulation phase - 0.48 - 9.41 nmol / l;
• the second phase (luteal) - 6.99 - 56.63 nmol / l;
• postmenopausal - less than 0.64 nmol / l;

women taking oral contraceptives:

• follicular phase 0.00 - 3.6 nmol/l;
• luteal phase 3.02 - 66.8 nmol / l;

During pregnancy:

• first trimester - 8.9 - 468.4 nmol / l;
• second trimester - 71.5 - 303.1 nmol / l;
• third trimester - 88.7 - 771.5 nmol / l.

Causes of progesterone deviations from the norm

A low level of progesterone during pregnancy indicates a delay in the development of the fetus and the threat of interruption. In addition, a lack of the hormone is observed with anovulation, amenorrhea, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, true pregnancy overshoot, a short (less than 10 days) luteal phase, chronic inflammatory diseases of the reproductive system, and with an excess of estrogens. Also, a low content of progesterone is noted with the use of certain medications (danazol, combined oral contraceptives, rifampicin, carbamazepine, prostaglandins).

The increased content of progesterone in the blood is primarily observed during pregnancy. But there are a number of pathological conditions in which the level of progesterone rises:

• corpus luteum cyst;
• malignant hormone-producing tumor of the ovary;
• kidney failure;
• dysfunctional uterine bleeding;
• pathology of the placenta during pregnancy;
• violation of the formation of sex hormones in the adrenal glands;
• taking pharmacological drugs (progesterone, mifepristone, tamoxifen, corticotropin);
• lengthening of the second phase of the menstrual cycle.

Indications for determining the level of progesterone

A blood test to determine the amount of progesterone is prescribed for women:

• with infertility,
• with metrorrhagia,
• if there is a threat of termination of pregnancy,
• to determine the cause of pregnancy overdose,
• in the absence of ovulation,
• with a short luteal phase of the menstrual cycle,
• if you suspect an ovarian tumor,
• with premenstrual and menopausal syndromes,
• with severe side effects from taking progesterone-containing drugs (edema, increased blood pressure).

Correction methods

The gynecologist-endocrinologist is engaged in the normalization of the level of progesterone in the blood. With a reduced content of the hormone, drugs are prescribed, which include natural or artificially synthesized progesterone. There are injectable and tablet forms of progesterone. Progesterone solutions for injection are 1%, 2% and 2.5% 1 ml each and are administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously from the 14th to the 25th day of the menstrual cycle for a period of at least 6 months (with amenorrhea, hyperestrogenism and insufficiency of the second phase). It is possible to take duphaston (10 mg 2 times a day) or utrogestan (1 capsule 2 times a day orally or 2-4 capsules intravaginally) in the second phase of the menstrual cycle or with the threat of interruption.

Also, when menstruation is delayed, a 3-day scheme of intramuscular injection of 1-2.5% progesterone solution 1.0 ml is used, after which it is recommended to continue taking oral three-phase contraceptives for six months (for example, femoston).

When diagnosing a tumor or ovarian cyst, which caused elevated progesterone, surgical treatment is performed. With an overdose of progesterone-containing drugs and severe side effects, the dose of drugs is reduced.

The normal concentration of hormones in the female body is responsible for the full functioning of the reproductive system. One of the most important hormones is progesterone, which promotes pregnancy. What is the norm of progesterone in women, and how dangerous is the violation of this indicator? This is what we'll talk about today.

What is progesterone responsible for in the female body?

The hormone progesterone is responsible for fertilization and the full bearing of the fetus until the delivery period. In a woman's body, this hormone is produced mainly by the ovaries, or rather, the luteal body. A small percentage of progesterone is produced by the adrenal glands.

Depending on the concentration of this hormone in the female body, the menstrual cycle is divided into several periods. To a greater extent, progesterone is secreted during the onset of ovulation and the subsequent luteal phase. The corpus luteum, formed at the site of a mature follicle, begins the active production of progesterone so that the fetus attaches to the uterine walls and can develop normally.

In addition, it is this hormone that is responsible for the course of pregnancy: the normalization of metabolic processes and a change in the level of physical activity on the female body. At different stages of the menstrual cycle, the concentration of this hormone changes. Any deviation from the norm can lead to the development of complicated consequences. If the content of progesterone in the blood does not correspond to the normal value, then pregnancy will not occur, and in case of conception, there may be a spontaneous abortion.

You can determine the concentration of progesterone in the female body by taking blood on a certain day of the menstrual cycle. As a rule, the rate of progesterone is determined on the 22nd day of the cycle. If your menstruation cycle is clear and does not have any deviations, then one blood test will be enough. Otherwise, an obstetrician-gynecologist may insist on a systematic blood donation at different periods of the menstruation cycle, based on basal temperature measurement charts. Blood sampling is performed exclusively from a venous vessel and always on an empty stomach. A comparative study is carried out in laboratory conditions. When examining a blood sample, specialists take into account a number of factors:

• the period of the menstrual cycle;
• gestation;
• state of climacteric pause;
• taking any hormone replacement therapy drugs or oral contraceptives.

Your attention is presented a table that clearly demonstrates the normal level of progesterone concentration at various periods of the menstrual cycle. Any deviations may indicate the development of pathology.

The norm of progesterone in women can be measured in various units, in particular, ng / ml, nmol / l and mcg / l. As you can see, during the onset of the ovulatory phase, the concentration of progesterone increases dramatically, and during the formation of the luteal body, these figures can increase by 9 times. During gestation in each trimester, progesterone levels also differ significantly. By the time of delivery, its concentration can reach 160 mcg / l.

To determine the concentration of progesterone by weeks of gestation, you can use the following table, which reflects the normal levels of this hormone during pregnancy.

What is 17-OH progesterone?

Progesterone 17-OH is produced directly by the adrenal glands. The hormone produced by them also takes an active part in the process of fertilization, gestation and normalization of the menstruation cycle. At various stages, the norm of 17-OH progesterone in women differs significantly, especially in the trimesters of pregnancy. The concentration of progesterone 17-OH is also affected by the woman's age. With a deviation from normal indicators in the body, a serious pathology can develop.

Often, many of the fair sex try to decipher the results of laboratory tests on their own, because experiences do not allow them to calmly wait for a visit to an obstetrician-gynecologist. A visual table will help you determine the level of concentration of 17-OH progesterone depending on age.

When a baby is born, 17-OH progesterone has an overestimated rate, which decreases significantly after a few days. The same indicator is maintained until the onset of puberty, and then the level of 17-OH progesterone changes in accordance with the age category.

What are deviations from the norm?

A change in the concentration of progesterone in the blood often leads to the development of complicated consequences and serious diseases. So, a low content of this hormone can signal the presence of the following pathologies:

• about the absence of the ovulatory period and directly ovulation;
• about the violation of the concentration of the level of other hormones;
• about bleeding of the uterine type;
• about a violation of the development of the fetus, in particular, a delay in its growth;
• about the development of pathology of an infectious, inflammatory or chronic nature in the small pelvic organs;
• about the violation of the full functioning of the organs of the endocrine system.

An increase in the concentration of progesterone may be due to the following reasons:

• the onset of pregnancy;
• violation of the cycle of menstruation;
• pathological development of the placenta;
• kidney failure;
• long-term use of drugs from a number of hormone replacement groups.

Deviation from the norm during pregnancy can provoke the development of any pathology in the baby or spontaneous abortion. At other times, a woman's low or excessively high concentration of progesterone can cause uterine bleeding or anovulation.

If any symptoms appear, for example, chronic fatigue, menstrual irregularities, breast tenderness, excessive menstrual flow, you should immediately contact an obstetrician-gynecologist and undergo a full-scale examination. First of all, you need to take a blood test.

The following signs may indicate an excessive content of the hormone progesterone in the female body:

• excessive body weight;
• the appearance of a pustular rash;
• sudden change of mood;
• unreasonable fatigue.

As for 17-OH progesterone, this hormone, as already mentioned, is produced by the adrenal glands. Subsequently, it is transformed into other hormones. A change in its concentration in the body can signal a violation of the full functioning of the adrenal cortex, as well as their hyperplasia. Such a pathology may be congenital. As practice shows, in some cases, a deviation from normal indicators may be associated with a disease such as polycystic ovaries or the development of a neoplasm.

Progesterone is considered a female sex hormone that regulates menstrual cycles and supports pregnancy. Produced by the adrenal gland and corpus luteum.

The hormone is involved in the most important processes of the female body. The main functions are: preparing the uterus for a future pregnancy, preventing rejection of the fetal egg, developing the mammary gland for lactation, preparing the nervous system for childbirth, normalizing pressure, controlling blood sugar.

The role of the hormone for pregnant women

Progesterone is produced intensively immediately after ovulation until fertilization and continues to be produced by the corpus luteum until the 16th week of pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, then the corpus luteum dies, hormone production stops and then menstruation begins. For fertilization, the norms of progesterone in women must be observed.

The importance of this hormone for procreation cannot be underestimated, as it strongly affects the female body, supporting reproduction. It is progesterone that allows the fertilized egg to attach to the wall of the uterus, and reduce uterine contractility. Without the help of the hormone, the fetal egg will be rejected, and when pregnancy occurs, there is a risk of miscarriage. He is also responsible for lactation after childbirth.

Estradiol is also important. The phase of the menstrual cycles affects the blood, as well as has various indicators depending on the phase of the cycle.

The 1st phase is characterized by an increase in the level of estradiol and progesterone, where the maximum value is reached at the time of ovulation. At the beginning of the 1st trimester, the level of progesterone and estradiol in the blood increases, creates favorable conditions for the growth of the embryo and prevents the threat of miscarriage. If there is no fertilization, then the level of estradiol and progesterone decreases to a concentration in the 1st phase of the cycle, then menstruation begins.

The second phase lasts at least 10 days. In the second phase. With a short second phase, the endometrium does not have enough time to prepare for the adoption of the fetal egg, and conception does not occur.

It can be concluded that for a pregnant woman, the hormone is the main component in all trimesters. It also creates a suitable environment for pregnancy in the uterus, promotes the attachment of the fetal egg, increases the likelihood of embryo survival, preserves the endometrium, which supports the preservation of pregnancy.

Effect on the body

It also performs several other functions that are not related to pregnancy: it prevents the formation of fibrous cysts in the glandular tissue, promotes the conversion of adipose tissue into energy, and restores blood clotting and sugar levels.

Repeated scientific studies have proven the existence of a relationship between premenstrual and menopausal syndromes.

For this reason, the norms of progesterone in women are always important for the proper functioning of the body, and not only for periods of bearing a child. women also differ during periods of hormonal changes.

Long periods of pregnancy, menopause, the use of contraceptives affect the concentration of the hormone. Norms for women (not pregnant) and women who do not use contraceptives should have certain indicators depending on the phase of the cycle.

Hormone rate

There are the following indicators of normal progesterone during pregnancy:

• in the follicular norm of progesterone is 0.32 - 2.25 nmol / l;
• in the ovulatory - 0.49 - 9.41;
• in the luteal phase - 6.95 - 56.53 nmol / l;
• in postmenopause - no more than 0.64;
• 1st trimester of pregnancy: 8.9 - 468.5 nmol / l;
• 2nd trimester: normal values ​​are 71.5 - 303.2;
• 3rd trimester: 88.7 - 771.5 nmol / l.

Normal hormone levels in those taking hormonal drugs:

• In the follicular phase: up to 3.6 nmol/l;
• in the ovulatory phase: 1.52 - 5.45;
• in the luteal phase: 3.01 - 66.8 nmol / l;
• postmenopausal: no more than 3.19 nmol / l.

progesterone for IVF

This hormone during IVF is of great importance for conception, because IVF needs a lot of hormonal help. Before IVF, progesterone is prescribed to stimulate the ovaries. The effectiveness of the hormone during IVF depends on the way it enters the body, divided into vaginal and intravaginal, as well as on its properties.

After IVF, natural progesterone is prescribed in a micronized form, it is almost the same as natural in its characteristics and does not entail side effects, does not affect metabolic processes, blood pressure, etc.

Progesterone administered vaginally increases its bioavailability. It affects only the uterus and endometrium and increases the level of the hormone in the blood after a few hours.

When to take tests?

In the absence of special medical recommendations, the analysis is taken on the twenty-second or twenty-third day of menstruation, always on an empty stomach. The study is carried out before lunch, after the last meal, at least eight hours must pass.

It is very important in the study to take into account the duration of the cycle (number of days). For example, if the cycle consists of 32 days, then by making calculations, you can determine that ovulation will occur on the 18th day of menstruation. Considering that the analysis will be scheduled for the 21st day of the cycle, by this time only 3 days will pass after ovulation.

If the study is carried out in a pregnant woman, then it contains information about the week of pregnancy, indicates the day of menstruation, and about taking birth control pills.

A high level may indicate the presence of amenorrhea, pregnancy, the formation of a corpus luteum cyst, a deviation in the development of the placenta, kidney and adrenal disease. Low in the blood indicates a violation of the cycle, the malfunction of the corpus luteum, the presence of chronic inflammation of the ovaries, the absence of ovulation.

During pregnancy in any trimester, a lack of a hormone indicates a delay in the development of the fetus, indicates a threat of miscarriage or a prolonged pregnancy. Women need to monitor the content - the most important hormones for a woman's body.

How to maintain the norm?

During pregnancy, the doctor observing the pregnant woman decides to restore the normal level of progesterone, together with the endocrinologist.

A self-pregnant woman and women with a deviated hormone level can do the following to restore its concentration in a natural way: purchase food that is not in plastic or plastic packaging; use glassware in the microwave; use purified water in cooking and drinking; use hair dye with caution.

It is worth reviewing the daily routine, night rest should last at least 8 hours, it is necessary to do breathing exercises in the fresh air on a daily basis. Use vegetables and fruits fortified with vitamin C and E in the diet.

It is very important to lead an active and healthy lifestyle, to eat environmentally friendly and wholesome food. Take care of your health, and with minor manifestations of malfunctions in the reproductive system, immediately contact a specialist.

Pregnant women need to remember that they are responsible not only for their own health, but also for the health of their unborn child, so it is very important to follow the advice of a specialist.