What’s progesterone test for?

Question

I see lots of posts about progesterone levels? I just finished my first round of Letrezol with an ovidrel shot and timed intercourse. BFN!! I never got called in for any blood tests during the tww. Just one at the start or cycle and on the day I got ovidrel. Is this something I should be demanding next cycle? Whats it for?

Answer

My doc only does bloodwork if my pre ovulation ultrasound and bloodwork (CD12-14) don’t show a large follicle/LH surge. First cycle I wasn’t surging, so we did progesterone bloodwork CD19 which indicated I ovulated. Second cycle showed LH surge CD13 and a 19mm follicle so he didn’t bother with bloodwork because he knew I would ovulate soon. I confirmed ovulation by doing BBT at home. Temp elevated on CD15, meaning CD14 was ovulation. Personally, I prefer the bloodwork to know for sure but I’m happy to be poked less.

Answer

Progesterone test is to test for ovulation. It is normally done 7 days after a positive LH surge. Progesterone spikes after you ovulate in preparation to create a good environment for your uterus! So most docs will have you do d21 progesterone assuming you ovulate day 14 but if you’re doing OPKs you’ll hopefully know if you have a positive OPK and your doc can adjust your progesterone test! Also if they are going to put you on meds I think it’s kind of pointless if you don’t even know if you’re ovulating or not or when you do! That’s the whole point of timing sex and doing the meds in the first place! I would be asking your doc some questions! However with that being said an ultrasound will show if you’re growing follicles! So maybe they are skipping all the blood work however if possible I would want both! I wouldn’t want to miss it!

What’s progesterone test for?

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