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Blutwerte · Marker

Progesteron

Progesterone · P4

Hormone — ReproduktionsachseZeitabhängig
Einheit:
ng/mL
Abbreviation
P4

Progesterone test quantifies the level of the steroid hormone progesterone in the blood.

Reference Ranges

Reference
128ng/mL
1
28
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Unit · ng/mL

Ranges vary by menstrual cycle phase and pregnancy status; higher in luteal phase and pregnancy.

Overview

Übersicht

Progesterone (P4) is a steroid hormone playing a crucial role in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and embryogenesis in humans. It is synthesized mainly in the ovaries, placenta, and adrenal glands. Progesterone prepares the endometrium for potential pregnancy after ovulation, supports gestation, and modulates the immune response during pregnancy. Researchers have found that progesterone levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, reflecting its dynamic role in reproductive physiology. Clinically, progesterone is significant in assessing reproductive health, diagnosing conditions like luteal phase defects, and monitoring high-risk pregnancies. Elevated progesterone levels may indicate conditions such as ovarian cysts or adrenal hyperplasia, while low levels can suggest luteal phase insufficiency or ectopic pregnancy. In the context of athletic performance and biohacking, progesterone's influence on mood, energy levels, and fluid balance is of interest, though direct impacts on performance metrics are less clear. Researchers observed that progesterone levels can be influenced by factors such as time of day, with levels typically peaking in the morning, and by fasting status, which may affect baseline measurements. Additionally, exogenous hormone use, stress, and certain medications can interfere with accurate assessment of endogenous progesterone levels.

Klinische Bedeutung

Elevated progesterone levels can indicate ovarian cysts, adrenal hyperplasia, or pregnancy. Reduced levels may suggest luteal phase defects, ectopic pregnancy, or risk of miscarriage.

Dynamics

Trend Interpretation

Rising Values

Progressively rising progesterone levels may indicate pregnancy or ovarian cysts. Re-test in 4 weeks if clinically indicated.

Falling Values

Falling progesterone levels may suggest luteal phase insufficiency or risk of miscarriage.

Re-test Interval

4 weeks if outside optimal range

Etiology

Causes — High & Low

Cause

Elevated Levels

  • Pregnancy
  • Ovarian cysts
  • Adrenal hyperplasia
  • Hormone replacement therapy
  • Certain medications
Cause

Low Levels

  • Luteal phase defect
  • Ectopic pregnancy
  • Miscarriage risk
  • Hypogonadism
  • Anovulation
Protocol

How to Optimize

Lever

Lifestyle

  • Manage stress levels
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Regular physical activity
Lever

Nutrition

  • Consume adequate dietary fat
  • Include zinc-rich foods
  • Ensure sufficient vitamin B6 intake
Lever

Supplementation

  • Vitex agnus-castus
  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Magnesium

Note:

Consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplementation, especially if pregnant or on medication.

Testing Guidelines

Fasting Not Required
🕐Time-Sensitive

Progesterone levels peak in the morning; consistent timing is recommended for serial measurements.

Testing Frequency

As needed based on clinical assessment, more frequent in fertility treatments.

Interfering Factors

  • Exogenous hormone use
  • Stress
  • Certain medications

Related Peptides & Hormones

Estradiol

Correlated with

hormone

Open Research Questions

Current research suggests that robust reference intervals for progesterone in various contexts, such as hormone therapy and menstrual cycle phases, remain incomplete. Researchers have not yet established optimal targets for progesterone in relation to neonatal menstruation and its potential clinical significance. Additionally, unanswered clinical questions include the mechanisms of progesterone withdrawal in human parturition and its implications for pregnancy outcomes.

25 Research Publications

899

Total Citations

6

Human/RCT

2.7

Avg. Influence

2025

Latest

Sort
Filter
#01

Neuroprotection by Estrogen and Progesterone in Traumatic Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Injury.

ReviewInfluence5.0
197
This review discussed the neuroprotective effects of estrogen and progesterone following traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. Researchers found that these hormones may improve neurological outcomes and reduce neuronal apoptosis, highlighting the need for further research.
View on PubMed
#02

Progesterone withdrawal: key to parturition.

ReviewInfluence6.0
191
This study reviewed the mechanisms of progesterone withdrawal during labor. Researchers found that while progesterone is crucial for maintaining pregnancy, its withdrawal is necessary for labor initiation, with differences observed between humans and other mammals.
View on PubMed
#03

Estrogen and progesterone receptors in breast cancer.

ReviewInfluence2.0
127
This study reviewed the importance of estrogen and progesterone receptors in breast cancer management. Researchers found that hormone receptor status is a significant predictive and prognostic biomarker, influencing treatment decisions and patient outcomes.
View on PubMed
#04

The Role of Progesterone Receptors in Breast Cancer.

ReviewInfluence1.0
110
This study examined the role of progesterone receptors in breast cancer, highlighting their importance as prognostic biomarkers. Researchers found that high expression of progesterone receptors is more common in tumors with better prognoses, such as luminal A, compared to those with poorer prognoses, like luminal B.
View on PubMed
#05

Proteomics-driven noninvasive screening of circulating serum protein panels for the early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma.

HumanInfluence2.0
77
Researchers found that a proteomics-driven serum biomarker panel can accurately distinguish hepatocellular carcinoma from liver cirrhosis and healthy individuals. The P4 panel demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity, predicting liver disease progression up to 11.4 months before imaging.
View on PubMed
#06

90 YEARS OF PROGESTERONE: Progesterone and progesterone receptors in breast cancer: past, present, future.

Review
47
This review summarized the history and current understanding of progesterone and its receptors in breast cancer. Researchers found that progesterone receptors are critical for predicting treatment responses and have complex roles in tumor biology, including potential links to cancer stem cells.
View on PubMed
#07

Ovulation timing. Concepts and controversies.

ReviewInfluence2.0
30
Researchers found that recent advancements in progesterone and luteinizing hormone assays allow for accurate ovulation timing in veterinary practice. This development enhances the ability to predict ovulation compared to previous methods.
View on PubMed
#08

Clinical Application of Image Analysis in Pathology.

Review
24
Researchers found that digital image analysis methods are increasingly used for quantifying biomarkers in cancer pathology, including progesterone receptors. The study highlights the benefits of this technology over manual quantitation, despite existing barriers to its adoption.
View on PubMed
#09

In Defense of Progesterone: A Review of the Literature.

Meta-AnalysisInfluence1.0
21
This review examined the safety and benefits of natural progesterone compared to synthetic progestins in postmenopausal women. Researchers found that natural progesterone is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer and may offer protective effects against other cancers.
View on PubMed
#10

P4 Medicine or O4 Medicine? Hippocrates Provides the Answer.

Review
20
Researchers analyzed the concept of P4 medicine, which emphasizes extensive biomarker testing for disease prevention. The study contrasts this with O4 medicine, highlighting potential drawbacks such as overtreatment and overdiagnosis, contributing to the ongoing discussion about healthcare resource use.
View on PubMed

Clinical Trials (4)

4

Total Trials

564

Total Enrolled

Natural Progesterone for the Treatment of Recurrent Glioblastoma

NCT05091866Early Phase 1TERMINATED
Sponsor

Emory University

Enrollment

4

Started

2022

Primary outcome

Natural progesterone blood levels

GliosarcomaRecurrent Glioblastoma

Micronized Progesterone Versus Norethisterone Acetate in Combination With Estrogen as Menopausal Hormone Therapy

NCT05586724Phase 3RECRUITING
Sponsor

Angelica Lindén Hirschberg

Enrollment

520

Started

2022

Primary outcome

Mammographic breast density

Menopausal Symptoms

Progesterone Supplementation for HIV-positive Pregnant Women on Anti-Retrovirals

NCT02400021Phase 2UNKNOWN
Sponsor

Mount Sinai Hospital, Canada

Enrollment

40

Started

2015

Primary outcome

Total enrollment / eligible population per year

HIV-1 Infection

Vaginal Progesterone as a Treatment for Women Active Preterm Labor

NCT01206998WITHDRAWN
Sponsor

University of Rochester

Enrollment

0

Started

2010

Primary outcome

Latency to delivery

Labor, Premature

Publication Trend

Research publications about Progesteron over time

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