Here is a brief "scientific" explanation of how progesterone and ovulation are linked:
The "ovulatory phase" begins with a surge in two hormones (produced by the pituitary gland): LH and FSH. LH stimulates egg release (ovulation), which usually occurs 16 to 32 hours after the surge begins. The estrogen level peaks during the surge, and the progesterone level starts to increase.
The estrogen and progesterone's purposes are then to stimulate the uterus to prepare for possible fertilization.
When the egg is not fertilized, the progesterone level decreases, and menstruation occurs.
As far as the progesterone level range, it is important to ask for a written copy of the lab results, as each lab's "normal ranges" differ slightly. You can call your doctor's office, to request a copy. The lab result will have your number (14.6), along with the normal range. As mentioned above, the progesterone levels change dramatically, depending on what "phase" you are in, related to your cycle.
I think it is important to talk with the nurse or doctor about what this number means for you specifically, as I can only provide basic lab result ranges, and do not know how they relate to your situation. What did your doctor recommend?
Here are one lab's progesterone ranges, depending on cycle phase. Please know these are approximations, to give you an idea of what your 14.6 means:
Follicular phase (before ovulation) 0.2 - 1.4 ng/mL
Luteal phase (1-8 days after ovulation) 3.3 - 25.0 ng/mL
Mid-luteal phase (9-14 days after ovulation) 4.4 - 28.0 ng/mL
Please confirm this with your doctor, but your results of "14.6 one week after suspected ovulation" falls within the normal range for being in the luteal phase, within the 7 days after ovulation.
I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions, and here is another source of information:
http://www.babyhopes.com/articles/progesterone.html
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Hi Tonya,
Here is a brief "scientific" explanation of how progesterone and ovulation are linked:
The "ovulatory phase" begins with a surge in two hormones (produced by the pituitary gland): LH and FSH. LH stimulates egg release (ovulation), which usually occurs 16 to 32 hours after the surge begins. The estrogen level peaks during the surge, and the progesterone level starts to increase.
The estrogen and progesterone's purposes are then to stimulate the uterus to prepare for possible fertilization.
When the egg is not fertilized, the progesterone level decreases, and menstruation occurs.
As far as the progesterone level range, it is important to ask for a written copy of the lab results, as each lab's "normal ranges" differ slightly. You can call your doctor's office, to request a copy. The lab result will have your number (14.6), along with the normal range. As mentioned above, the progesterone levels change dramatically, depending on what "phase" you are in, related to your cycle.
I think it is important to talk with the nurse or doctor about what this number means for you specifically, as I can only provide basic lab result ranges, and do not know how they relate to your situation. What did your doctor recommend?
Here are one lab's progesterone ranges, depending on cycle phase. Please know these are approximations, to give you an idea of what your 14.6 means:
Follicular phase (before ovulation) 0.2 - 1.4 ng/mL
Luteal phase (1-8 days after ovulation) 3.3 - 25.0 ng/mL
Mid-luteal phase (9-14 days after ovulation) 4.4 - 28.0 ng/mL
Please confirm this with your doctor, but your results of "14.6 one week after suspected ovulation" falls within the normal range for being in the luteal phase, within the 7 days after ovulation.
I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions, and here is another source of information:
June 23, 2009 - 2:12pmhttp://www.babyhopes.com/articles/progesterone.html
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