How to Test for Low Progesterone Levels

Low progesterone levels can cause complications with the menstrual cycle and make it difficult for a woman to sustain a pregnancy successfully. Testing for progesterone levels must be done after ovulation and before menstruation, as progesterone levels will fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, making it difficult to achieve an accurate result at other times. A doctor checks progesterone levels, called P4, through bloodwork. To test progesterone levels, it is necessary to know when ovulation occurred.

Instructions

    • 1

      Begin a new menstrual cycle. This may be natural or brought on by taking bioidentical progesterone, either over the counter or by prescription. Withdrawal from the progesterone will bring on a menstrual period.

    • 2

      Determine when ovulation occurred. This can be done by using an ovulation predictor kit, which detects the surge of luteinizing hormone that heralds ovulation. It can also be done by taking a temperature reading each morning before getting out of bed, using a thermometer called a basal body temperature thermometer. The day of ovulation, the body temperature will rise and remain high over the next several days until menstruation occurs. Alternatively, a doctor can determine that ovulation occurred using a transvaginal ultrasound to view the ruptured follicle.

    • 3

      Have your progesterone levels tested by your doctor after ovulation. This can be done three to seven days past ovulation, when the level of progesterone in the blood peaks. The level of progesterone in the blood will determine whether successful ovulation occurred. If a pregnancy is in progress, the level of progesterone must remain high in order to support the pregnancy. Women who have low progesterone during this time may be prescribed progesterone supplements to continue the pregnancy.

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