AromatheraphyProgesterone Levels
Progesterone is a female hormone that prepares the lining of the uterus into which the fertilized egg will implant. Progesterone levels may not same for every woman. Progesterone levels vary from woman to woman and from cycle to cycle. Progesterone levels don't remain constant; it increases or decreases during a menstrual cycle. A woman with low progesterone levels may have difficulty in conceiving.
Normal Progesterone Levels
As you know progesterone levels vary from woman to woman as all woman are not the same. Progesterone levels also depend upon the health of a woman. Therefore there is no definite figure or exact number that will give you normal progesterone levels. Progesterone levels are measured in nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml). Given below is a table that gives a range of normal progesterone levels during different phases.
Phases |
Normal Progesterone Levels in ng/ml |
Follicular phase |
0.2 - 1.4 |
Luteal phase |
3.3 - 25.0 |
Mid-luteal phase |
4.4 - 28.0 |
During follicular phase, that is during first half of the menstrual cycle normal progesterone levels are very low. During the luteal phase, that is during second half of the cycle the progesterone levels increase a bit. And during mid-luteal phase, that is middle of second half of the cycle progesterone levels are higher.
Progesterone Levels at Ovulation
A progesterone level above 3-6ng/ml indicates ovulation. Progesterone levels are low until ovulation. But at the time of ovulation, progesterone levels rise rapidly to provide a fertile environment for the fertilized egg. But why does this happen? The answer is simple.
At the time of ovulation an egg is released from follicle, which is now known as corpus leteum. The corpus leteum begins producing high levels of progesterone after an egg release. This increased progesterone thickens the uterus lining so that it can carry a fertilized egg. But if fertilization doesn't take place, progesterone levels suddenly drops and causes the uterus lining to shed, which comes out in a form of menstrual flow. Because of this, progesterone levels are very low during menstruation.
Progesterone Levels during Pregnancy
Normal progesterone levels are necessary during pregnancy as low progesterone levels during early pregnancy period may cause miscarriage. Progesterone levels keep on rising throughout the entire pregnancy. Progesterone levels during pregnancy are roughly 10 times more than progesterone levels during normal condition. Table below shows the normal progesterone levels during different trimesters of pregnancy.
Trimesters |
Normal Progesterone Levels in ng/ml |
First trimester |
11.2 - 90.0 |
Second trimester |
25.6 - 89.4 |
Third trimester |
48.4 - 422.5 |
Maintaining normal progesterone levels during pregnancy are very important as they influence growth and development of the fetus. Progesterone levels also encourage the growth of blood vessels that nourishes the fetus during pregnancy. Thus high progesterone levels during pregnancy helps in maintaining healthy pregnancy.
Clomid and Progesterone Levels
Clomid also called, as Clomiphene citrate is one of the fertility drugs used by most of the couples that are trying to conceive. It can be taken orally or in form of an injection. It is found that clomid works by increasing the levels of progesterone. By increasing progesterone levels clomid makes you ovulate thereby increasing the chance of pregnancy. Clomid can also improve the infrequent and irregular periods.