Lara Briden's Forum

Hi! I have read from Dr. Briden that progesterone fluctuates in 90 minute cycles. I was wondering if progesterone blood tests (always mid-luteal, 5-7 days before next period) can really show an accurate picture of overall progesterone levels due to this? Or does the progesterone result only have value in answering definitively whether you ovulated or not?

I know some doctors will give exogenous progesterone to women early in pregnancy if their blood result shows lowish progesterone, so it's a confusing topic to me.

I am suffering symptoms of excess estrogen, and I know I am ovulating based on blood tests. I am supplementing with a B complex including b6, so I'm hoping to see an increased progesterone result relative to estradiol on my next test...but it doesn't sound like progesterone tests can be used in that way...would that be correct?

Exactly. The fluctuation of progesterone means a lowish progesterone serum result should be interpreted with caution because it may just reflect a low point in the fluctuation.

Charting temperatures is really the best way to get a clear picture of progesterone.

All that said, a low progesterone reading is not a prerequisite for a progesterone prescription. Progesterone can be prescribed based on symptoms and miscarriage risk.