Progesterone - general concepts about biochemistry, function, normal indicators and the effect of hormonal imbalance on the body. The norm and interpretation of progesterone in women

When planning a pregnancy, you can sometimes encounter violations of the level of progesterone. What is the danger of his high or low rate? How can it be corrected? We find out.

What is progesterone

Progesterone is a hormone that the female body needs, mainly in the second period. menstrual cycle. How is it produced:

  • produced by the corpus luteum of the ovary
  • adrenal cortex,
  • seminal vesicles in men
  • placenta in pregnant women.

The production of progesterone is controlled by the pituitary luteinizing hormone, and during pregnancy by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).

Progesterone and estrogen are the most important hormones for frail women's health. If long-awaited pregnancy does not occur, then the reason may be hiding in a change in the level of estrogen or progesterone - both in too high and in low values.

What determines the level of progesterone

The level of progesterone in a girl's body is affected by the following: factors:

  • pregnancy;
  • menopause;
  • oral contraceptives;
  • nutrition;
  • stress.

But the phase of the menstrual cycle is of primary importance. The cycle consists of four phases:

  • The first phase is menstrual, which lasts an average of 5-7 days.
  • The second phase of the cycle is follicular, the duration of which can be from 7 to 22 days. During it, the maturation of the egg occurs. Progesterone is produced in very small amounts.
  • The third phase is the shortest (only 3 days) and important - ovulatory. During this time, the mature egg moves into the fallopian tubes. Right now, progesterone levels begin to skyrocket.
  • The fourth phase of the cycle is the luteal. Its duration is more stable and is about 13-14 days. At this time, the corpus luteum especially actively begins to produce progesterone, preparing the body for a possible pregnancy.

If pregnancy occurs, then the corpus luteum will work for about 16 more weeks, and the hormone level will rise. If conception does not occur, then the corpus luteum ceases to function, progesterone drops, and after a few days menstruation comes.

As a rule, a blood test for progesterone is taken on the 23-35th day of the menstrual cycle, approximately 7 days before the expected menstruation. What to do if progesterone is too low or high? In no case do not self-medicate! Be sure to visit a gynecologist-endocrinologist, who after necessary analyzes prescribe treatment.

Low and high progesterone levels

Signs of low or high progesterone can be pain in the area of ​​the mammary glands, bloating, bleeding, causeless mood swings.

low progesterone can signal:

  • about the absence of ovulation;
  • about violations of the ovaries;
  • can be .

For future mother low progesterone is especially dangerous, as it can cause miscarriage, fetal underdevelopment, or premature birth.

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The norm of progesterone in women

Fluctuations in progesterone levels in women depend on factors such as: pregnancy, menopause and intake.

Table of the norm of progesterone in women, depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle.

Table of the norm of progesterone in women during pregnancy.

Table of progesterone norms for women taking hormonal contraceptives.

Progesterone levels by day of cycle

Progesterone is called the pregnancy hormone for a reason. The hormone, the amount of which increases, secretes the corpus luteum. And if conception does not occur, the yellow body dies and menstruation begins.

The rate of progesterone in women depends on the phase of the menstrual cycle. If you are interested in the rate of progesterone by day of the cycle, we offer a table that will show how its amount changes.

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The norm of progesterone during pregnancy

The norm of progesterone in the body of a future mother differs from the norm of progesterone in women who are not expecting a child.

In the body of a pregnant woman, the level of progesterone begins to rise almost from the moment the unborn baby is conceived. Its level is getting higher with each new week of pregnancy.

Please note that in the proposed table of progesterone norms during pregnancy, only an approximate level of this hormone in female body. Medical advice and laboratory tests are required to obtain an accurate result.

Gestational age (in weeks) Progesterone level (nmol/l)
5 - 6 18.57 +/- 2.00
7 - 8 32.98 +/- 3.56
9 - 10 37.91 +/- 4.10
11 - 12 42.80 +/- 4.61
13 - 14 44.77 +/- 5.15
15 - 16 46.75 +/- 5.06
17 - 18 59.28 +/- 6.42
19 - 20 71.80 +/- 7.76
21 - 22 75.35 +/- 8.36
23 - 24 79.15 +/- 8.55
25 - 26 83.89 +/- 9.63
27 - 28 91.52 +/- 9.89
29 - 30 101.38 +/- 10.97
31 - 32 127.10 +/- 7.82
33 - 34
35 - 36 112.48 +/- 12.27
37 - 38 219.58 +/- 23.75
39 - 40 273.32 +/- 27.77

progesterone in men

Do not be surprised, but progesterone is also produced in male body. True, it is lower than in women, and is 0.35-0.63 nmol / l.

The hormone is produced by the seminal vesicles of the testicles and adrenal glands. When its amount is within optimal limits, progesterone has positive influence on the man's health. In particular, it regulates fluid exchange and sugar levels, strengthens bones, improves skin condition, brain function and sleep, is the prevention of prostate cancer, and normalizes thyroid function.

However, if the norm of progesterone in men is exceeded, health problems may arise. In particular, activate tumor processes. And outwardly, an excess of the hormone is manifested by the fact that a man's figure changes, its outlines become effeminate.

Expertly

Elena Pakhar, chief physician clinic of women's health in Domodedovo, obstetrician-gynecologist-endocrinologist, reproductologist:“The level of progesterone in the blood in the first half of the menstrual cycle is 0.4-0.8 ng / ml. In the second half, the level of progesterone increases tenfold, on average, up to 3 - 30 ng / ml (the indicator depends on the day of the cycle). The maximum activity of the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone, falls on days 18-23 (if the menstrual cycle is 28 days). If at this time progesterone is below 7 ng / ml, then this is an indicator hormonal deficiency corpus luteum, which can cause hormonally dependent diseases, such as endometriosis, mastopathy, uterine fibroids. It is important to control the level of progesterone during pregnancy. In the first 12 weeks, values ​​​​from 15 to 25 ng / ml should be considered normal, and by the end of pregnancy - up to 200 ng / ml. Low level progesterone can cause miscarriage. Progesterone is very important for normal operation the body of every girl, whether she is planning a pregnancy or is already preparing to become a mother.

Elevated progesterone also requires close attention. One of the most joyful reasons for an increase in the hormone is the onset of pregnancy. But there are others, less pleasant:

  • corpus luteum cyst;
  • uterine bleeding;
  • impaired functioning of the kidneys or adrenal glands;
  • during pregnancy - deviations in the development of the placenta.

Typically, patients with low progesterone prescribe it natural or synthetic analogue, individually selecting the dose and duration of treatment. Most popular drugs- Utrozhestan, Progesterone 1%, Duphaston.

Unfortunately, all progesterone-based drugs have a number of unpleasant side effects, including liver dysfunction and the risk of blood clots.

Traditional medicine also does not bypass low progesterone. Usually, all popular remedies (consult your doctor!) Are taken in the luteal phase of the cycle, usually in the form of an infusion.

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Quite often, the fair sex finds themselves in a situation where they need to take one or another blood test. The most common hormone studied is progesterone.

General description of the hormone

Progesterone is produced by the female corpus luteum, which is formed in the ovary immediately after the release of the egg. It is worth saying that without this substance, pregnancy is impossible. That is why studies of this particular hormone are so often carried out.

Immediately after ovulation, a gradual increase in progesterone production begins. If pregnancy has occurred, the weeks of fetal development increase accordingly. In the event that conception did not take place, the level of the substance decreases, and the woman begins a new cycle.

The norm of progesterone on the 21st day of the cycle

It is worth saying that almost always an analysis for the study of this hormone is prescribed exactly three weeks from the first day of the last menstruation. Why at this particular time?

Normally, in a woman with a 28-day menstrual cycle, ovulation occurs two weeks after the first day of menstruation. Progesterone begins to be produced immediately after ovulation. However, its highest concentration it reaches only one week after the release of the egg, that is, on the seventh day. Using elementary addition, you can get the following conclusion: two weeks before ovulation plus one week after it, the result is exactly three weeks, that is, 21 days.

When pregnancy occurs, the level of this hormone does not decrease after the designated day, but, on the contrary, begins to rise. So, what is the rate of progesterone on the 21st day of the cycle and in the event of pregnancy?

Progesterone in healthy women:

  • before ovulation - from 0.32 to 2.23 nmol / l;
  • during ovulation - from 0.48 to 9.41 nmol / l;
  • after ovulation - from 6.99 to 56.53 nmol / l.

In pregnant women:

  • in the first trimester - from 8.90 to 468.40 nmol / l;
  • in the second trimester - from 71.55 to 303.10 nmol / l;
  • in the third trimester - from 88.70 to 771.50 nmol / l.

When you receive oral contraceptives and the rate of progesterone on the 21st day of the cycle is much lower.

Possible deviations

Each woman may experience different deviations as a result of the analysis. Progesterone levels can be either higher or significantly lower required level. What does this meaning mean?

Level up

Progesterone above normal is observed in the following cases:

  • with the progression of pregnancy;
  • during and uterine bleeding;
  • with a large cyst corpus luteum;
  • during a violation of the kidneys and, possibly, the adrenal glands.

If during the bearing of a child the level of the hormone is greatly increased, this may indicate a malfunction of the placenta.

Downgrade

Norm, unfortunately, is very common. His low result speaks of:

  • violations female cycle and frequent bleeding
  • frequent anovulatory cycles;
  • inflammatory processes in the pelvis.

During pregnancy, a decrease in the level of the hormone may indicate a threat of miscarriage or wrong development embryo.

Correction

In the event that you donated progesterone on day 21, the norm was not found, but significant deviations were found, it is necessary to carry out an appropriate correction. Since there is no specific cure, the doctor prescribes supplemental progesterone in the second phase of the cycle for women planning a pregnancy. If the lady is not going to have offspring in the near future, then she will most likely be offered oral contraceptives, which will normalize the functioning of the ovaries and restore normal hormone production.

When to take an analysis?

Usually this study is prescribed to women when contacting a doctor with certain complaints. It can also be carried out by self-treatment in a private laboratory.

When prolonged absence pregnancy, subject to regular sexual activity, this analysis is prescribed. In this case, the individual norm of progesterone is examined on the 21st day of the cycle. This analysis must be carried out for several months, only in this case it will be possible to say about the presence or absence of pathology.

Also, the study is assigned to women with irregular bleeding and meager secretions. In this case, it is recommended to conduct an analysis after a certain number of days. Only in this way the doctor will be able to track how the hormone level changes and make his verdict.

An analysis to detect the amount of progesterone can be prescribed for pregnant women. Usually the reason for doing so is frequent pain in the lower abdomen unusual discharge from the genital tract and suspected non-developing pregnancy. In this case, there is no fundamental difference when and at what time to take a blood test for progesterone (hormone). The norm in women can increase daily in the first trimester of pregnancy. It is worth noting that in the second and third trimesters, such an analysis may be prescribed to determine the condition of the placenta.

Since in most cases the doctor appoints a standard day for the study, an unreliable result may be obtained. As already mentioned, a week after ovulation, progesterone (hormone) reaches its peak. The norm in women with a shortened or long cycle may not fit into these standards.

For example, a representative of the weaker sex regular cycle consists of 32 days. This is a normal variant and does not require treatment. Having made calculations, we can establish that a lady's ovulation occurs approximately on the 18th day of the cycle. Taking into account the fact that the analysis will be prescribed for her on day 21, only 3 days will pass from the moment of ovulation by this time. In this case, as a result, the woman will receive a significantly lower level of the hormone under study. That is why, before prescribing an analysis, the doctor must take into account the duration of the female cycle.

How to take an analysis?

Before conducting the study, it is not recommended to be nervous and expose your body to stress. Also for a few days it is necessary to abandon the use of hormonal drugs. On the night before the analysis, you should sleep well and be rested.

The blood test is taken mainly from a vein. Manipulation is carried out quite quickly and almost painlessly. You can get results within a few hours private clinic. Or a few days later in a state medical institution.

After receiving the result, you can independently study the norms and check with your data. If there are any deviations from the norm, it is necessary to consult a doctor for the appointment of a qualified treatment.

In case of receiving incorrect data, you can retake the analysis in the next cycle. Sometimes research errors occur. Especially with strong deviations from the norm and if treatment is necessary, experts strongly recommend a second study.

Monitor the level of hormones in your body and be healthy!

Progesterone is a hormone produced by the female sex glands, that is, the ovaries. Its importance for women's health is quite high. Based on the level of this component in the body, the doctor can assess the state of the reproductive system.

Progesterone is produced from the beginning of the ovulation period until the 16th week of pregnancy. If fertilization of the egg does not occur, the hormone ceases to be produced and menstruation begins. But the action of progesterone is not limited to this. Consider the main tasks of producing this substance:

  1. A normal progesterone level in women is one of the main conditions for conception. It is with his assistance that the fetal egg is introduced into the uterine wall.
  2. The hormone is responsible for the deposition of subcutaneous fat, stimulates the development of the skeleton and genitals. It is he who is the secretion product of the corpus luteum and adrenal glands.
  3. It also helps to reduce contractions of the uterine muscles, which helps to avoid rejection of the embryo. For the same purpose, progesterone reduces immune defense women so that the body does not reject the foreign protein of the embryo.

In this way, insufficient content in the female body, this hormone is a certain danger, since in this case the likelihood of spontaneous abortion increases. Also, with such indicators, the uterus cannot be maintained in the condition required for bearing a child.

To have a clearer idea of ​​the action of progesterone, you should familiarize yourself with the phases of the menstrual cycle:

  1. During the first phase, as a result of the work of the pituitary hormones and estrogens, the egg matures, and the mucous membrane forms in the uterine cavity.
  2. During the second phase, progesterone stops the formation of the mucosa, after which the production of substances necessary to maintain pregnancy begins.
  3. If conception does not occur, at the end of the cycle, the corpus luteum loses its ability to produce the hormone.

Changes in the concentration of the hormone progesterone in women

The hormonal background is not on the same indicator and varies depending on the menstruation. Most high content seen during ovulation. If fertilization has occurred, its level continues to increase, creating the required conditions for the development of the egg.

In the absence of conception, the content of the hormone declines and gradually reaches the level of the preovulatory phase. After that, menstruation begins. The most active activity of progesterone can be traced for 10 days after ovulation. During this period, it prepares the uterine endometrium for the placement of a fertilized egg.

Progesterone: the norm in women

The female hormonal background is affected various factors. It's pregnancy, offensive menopause taking medications on a hormonal basis. The hormone content is measured in ng/ml and nmol/l. When taking into account these factors, the content of progesterone must comply with certain standards. When taking contraceptives:

  • ovulation phase - 1.52-5.46;
  • follicular phase - 0.00-3.60;
  • postmenopause - 0.00-3.18;
  • luteal phase - 3.02-66.80.

During pregnancy:

  • first trimester - 29.60-105.60;
  • second trimester - 93.80-159.00;
  • third trimester - 264.60-508.80.

If a woman does not accept contraceptives and there is no pregnancy, the indicators should be within the following limits:

  • during the follicular phase - 0.32-2.23;
  • during ovulation - 0.48-9.41;
  • during the luteal phase - 6.99-56.63;
  • in the postmenopausal period - 0.64.

During the follicular phase, after the onset of menstruation, the production of the hormone is negligible. With the onset of the ovulatory phase, approximately on the 15th day of the cycle, its concentration gradually increases. When the follicle ruptures, from which the egg is released, the luteal phase begins.

The corpus luteum is formed from the follicle, which produces progesterone. The body receives a certain signal and begins to prepare for fertilization. At week 16, if pregnancy occurs, the placenta takes over the function of producing the hormone. The concentration during this period increases rapidly and exceeds the initial value by several hundred times.

Elevated progesterone in women: causes

If the level of this hormone in the female body exceeds the norm, as a rule, this means pregnancy. The lack of conception with an increased content of progesterone indicates the presence of certain health problems. It could be:

  • cycle irregularity;
  • bleeding;
  • diseases of the kidneys or adrenal glands;
  • also a corpus luteum cyst.

If progesterone is elevated in a woman, the reasons may be abnormal development placenta during pregnancy.

Low progesterone in women

Hormone deficiency can cause miscarriage. Most dangerous period in this situation, it is the first trimester. After fertilization, with the normal content of this hormone in the female body, certain physiological processes must occur that contribute to the preservation of pregnancy. With a lack of progesterone, a woman begins a new cycle, while the fetal egg is rejected.

The lack of progesterone in women is often a signal of certain abnormalities, namely:

  • imbalance hormonal background and threats of termination of pregnancy;
  • lack of ovulation;
  • lack of activity of the placenta or corpus luteum;
  • prolongation of pregnancy;
  • pathologies in the development of the fetus;
  • uterine bleeding;
  • availability inflammatory diseases in the female reproductive organs;
  • irregular periods.

With an insufficient concentration of progesterone, medications containing this hormone in their composition are prescribed. These medicines can be in tablet form or as injections. After conducting the required tests, the doctor decides which form of the drug will be most optimal for the patient. In most cases, injections are prescribed.

Injectable solutions are divided into three types depending on the concentration of the hormone and may contain 1%, 2% and 2.5% progesterone. Auxiliary component in these preparations is almond or olive oil. The solution is injected under the skin of the patient or intramuscularly. In this case, it affects the body faster than tablets, but the effect of taking it is more pronounced. These drugs allow you to increase progesterone in women and are prescribed for hormonal imbalance, delayed menstruation, or the threat of miscarriage.

However, keep in mind that receiving data medicines may have side effects such as edema, nausea, increased blood pressure. For this reason, they must be prescribed with extreme caution in cases where a woman has the following deviations:

  • disorders in the work of the kidneys;
  • diabetes;
  • epileptic seizures;
  • manifestations of migraine;
  • heart disease;
  • depressive states;
  • ectopic pregnancy;
  • bronchial asthma.

It is necessary to refuse to take these drugs in the presence of such diseases as: tumor formations in the breast, abnormalities in the liver and vaginal bleeding.

Lack of progesterone in women: symptoms

With a deficiency of progesterone, the body signals through the following symptoms:

  1. A woman may experience pain in the chest or bloating.
  2. She may experience vaginal bleeding, irregular cycles, and mood swings.

If you experience any of the above symptoms, please contact your medical institution. If progesterone is low in women during pregnancy, this can lead to spontaneous abortion. This situation is especially dangerous at week 20.

The procedure for passing tests

Each analysis must be taken at the appropriate time. This rule The same goes for progesterone testing. The most suitable is the period after the end of ovulation. In order to accurately determine right time you should use an ovulation test. In this case, it is worth considering the following features:

  1. If the cycle duration corresponds to 28 days, the analysis is taken on the 22nd or 23rd day after the start of menstruation.
  2. If the cycle lasts 35 days, the concentration of the hormone should be determined on the 28th or 29th day.
  3. To avoid errors in the delivery of tests, it is recommended that you first consult a doctor regarding this issue.

A blood test for progesterone content has its own characteristics depending on the cycle:

  1. If menstruation is regular, then the analysis should be taken 7 days before they begin.
  2. With an irregular cycle, the study is carried out several times.
  3. Determining the right time is not difficult if a woman measures basal body temperature and makes a schedule. In this case, the analysis should be carried out on the 6th or 7th day after the increase in temperature.
  4. There should be at least 6-8 hours between the meal and the time of blood donation. It is better to carry out this procedure in morning time on an empty stomach
  5. If during pregnancy a woman takes an analysis to determine the concentration of progesterone and at the same time takes any medical preparations, she should report this to the laboratory assistant so that he makes the appropriate notes. Otherwise, the results will be biased.

Conclusion

Thus, we examined the main subtleties regarding the production of progesterone: what is it in women, what norms are acceptable and what deviations indicate, etc. This hormone occupies an important place in the female body, in particular, in reproductive system. Its production provides everything the necessary conditions for the onset of conception and the successful bearing of the baby. A deficiency can lead to a lack of necessary physiological processes which will eventually lead to miscarriage.

Features of hormone production are presented in the video:

Progesterone (progestin) is steroid hormone synthesized in male and female organisms. In men, progesterone is produced in the cells of the testicles, in women in the ovaries, and in both sexes it is synthesized in small amounts by the adrenal cortex. Its main function is to regulate the state of the inner layer of the uterus and prepare it for the fixation of a fertilized egg after ovulation. In men, progesterone is the precursor to other hormones (such as testosterone). In the case of successful fertilization of the egg, the ovaries continue to produce the hormone for the active development of the placenta, which itself begins to synthesize progesterone after a few weeks. For this reason, progestin is called the pregnancy hormone.

The balance of progesterone in the female body experiences tangible fluctuations depending on the cycle time, age, and the level of other hormones. Therefore, it is important to plan the analysis taking into account menstruation.

The entire menstrual cycle in women is usually divided into four phases. The first is characterized menstrual bleeding and lasts from 5 to 7 days. The second lasts until the middle of the cycle. The third (ovulatory) is caused by ovulation (the release of a finished egg). The fourth (luteal) completes the cycle. In the luteal phase, progesterone levels are higher than in others. In this phase, it is recommended to conduct a study on progesterone (19, 20, 21, 22, 23 days of the cycle).

Table 1 shows the reference values ​​of progesterone depending on the time of the menstrual cycle (the norm for men is 0.89–2.9 nmol/l). It is important to note that the data is given in nmol/l (nanomoles per liter). Some laboratories also use the unit ng/mL (ng = gram/106). To convert ng / ml to nmol / l, you must calculate according to the following formula: nmol / l \u003d ng / ml * 3.18. For simplicity, the table shows data in both dimensions (nmol/l is more common).

Table 1. Progesterone, the norm in women, depending on the day of the cycle

As can be seen from this table, the maximum level of progesterone is found in women in the luteal phase after ovulation on days 19, 20 and 21 of the cycle, remaining high on days 22 and 23. For this reason, women are advised to take a blood test for progesterone at this time. The standard for such a study is the norm of progesterone on the 21st day of the cycle. If you perform this analysis at other times of the menstrual cycle (for example, immediately after menstruation in the follicular period), then it is likely false result due to the lack of sensitivity of the study.

It is worth paying attention that the content of the hormone on the 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd days of the cycle is quite high. For this reason, self-diagnosis is not recommended. High performance may indicate normal hormonal balance, and about pregnancy, and about pathologies.

If the level of progesterone in the luteal phase (after ovulation on days 19, 20, 21, 22, 23) is higher than normal, then this indicates pregnancy. The content of the hormone in the blood with successful fertilization begins to increase every week, becoming higher and higher towards the end of the pregnancy. The second table shows the reference values ​​of progesterone in women, depending on the week of pregnancy.

Table 2. The norm of progesterone depending on the week of pregnancy

It is important to note that all hormone indicators, depending on the week of pregnancy, are approximate and individual for each woman. To control childbearing and proper development of all systems of his body, consultation with a doctor of the appropriate profile is necessary.

Deviations from the norm of the analysis indicators (higher or lower than the reference values) for progesterone in the luteal phase (19, 20, 21, 22, 23 days of the cycle) indicate a hormonal imbalance in the body and the development of pathology.

It is worth noting that the doctor prescribes an analysis for progesterone not only in the luteal phase. Hormone test in rare cases must be carried out both in the follicular, and menstrual, and in ovulatory periods cycle to monitor fluctuations in progesterone levels. Such a tactic for controlling hormonal balance makes it possible to diagnose pathologies of the synthesis and activity of progesterone in the blood.

The test for the level of progesterone in the luteal phase (after ovulation on the 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd day of the cycle) is carried out by immunochemiluminescent analysis. For this, several ml are taken venous blood. In order for the results not to be or true, it is necessary to prepare for the study. For this:

  • it is important to guess the time of the study so that it falls on the 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd day of the menstrual cycle (luteal period);
  • if you accept hormonal preparations, then the analysis should be carried out in agreement with the doctor (if necessary, stop taking the medication);
  • do research on an empty stomach;
  • avoid strong physical and emotional stress (in case of stress, the result of the analysis may be higher than the true values).

Actual to pass the study several times (the second test in a month). This is done to monitor progesterone levels depending on the week of pregnancy. If the indicator is higher or lower than normal in a certain week, then this may indicate pathologies in the development of the fetus (ectopic pregnancy, developmental arrest).

In the article, we will consider what phase happens on the 22nd day of the cycle.

The menstrual cycle is the time interval that passes between successive periods. This segment is divided into phases, which are characterized by their own specifics, which determine the state of the woman's body. If a woman is guided in the phases of her cycle, she will be able to understand herself well, explain changes in well-being, mood swings and other features.

Often ladies ask the doctor - on the 22nd day of the cycle, what phase?

Menstrual cycle: description

The menstrual cycle is understood as a time period, the beginning of which is the first day of the onset of menstruation, and the end is the day before the next menstruation. This process is repeated every month in all women with normal state health, except for breastfeeding and pregnant women.

Every month, nature prepares a woman for possible conception child and does everything to ensure that the child is in a favorable and comfortable conditions in which it can harmoniously develop and grow.

When a girl is born, there are many eggs in her ovaries (about two million), but by puberty there are a maximum of four hundred thousand. As a rule, one egg is spent during one cycle.

The regular cycle of menstruation is impossible to imagine without the participation of hormones and structures of the brain of the head. The sequence of phenomena that are observed during the normal cycle is explained by the close relationship between the functioning of the endometrium, hypothalamus, ovaries and anterior pituitary lobe. Its average duration is 28 days. However, a cycle that lasts between 21-35 days is also normal. On day 22 menstrual cycle what phase, we will tell below.

Follicular phase

The onset of bleeding, that is, the first day, means the onset of the follicular stage. It covers a period of time of 14-15 days, ending with the arrival of ovulation. The body of a woman at this stage is cleared of an excessive amount, the uterine cavity is freed from the old endometrium, and a follicle matures in the ovary. The necessary conditions are created for the growth of the embryo, the new endometrium grows and thickens.

What phase is on the 21st and 22nd day of the cycle, every woman should know.

Features of the ovulatory phase

The second phase of the menstrual cycle is understood as the onset of the period of ovulation, which is due to the concentration of luteinizing hormone in the female body. This circumstance causes the destruction of the follicle, as a result of which the finished egg enters directly into the uterine tube. It is this period of time that is most successful in order to conceive a child. The duration of the ovulation phase is set individually, it can last from 16 to 32 hours.

Drawing pains in the lower abdomen, emotional instability - many women are forced to face such symptoms on the first or second day. Also, the appearance of headaches is not ruled out.

What phase is the fifth day of the cycle?

This is still the same follicular stage, but the woman's well-being gradually returns to normal, along with it her mood improves, irritability goes away.

From the seventh to the eleventh day, an excellent mood is observed in almost all women. This period is characterized by satisfaction, big plans for the future, high efficiency.

So, let's figure it out, on the 22nd and 23rd day of the cycle, what phase?

The luteal phase - what you need to know about it

Periods of the cycle of menstruation and hormones are closely interconnected, due to which the next phase stands out. Ovulation ends and is replaced by the luteal stage. The duration of this period has an average of two weeks, it ends when the next menstruation comes. The preparation of a woman's body for pregnancy does not stop, so she can still come.

The girl in the first three or four days of this phase enjoys excellent health, is distinguished by her ability to work and cheerfulness.

What phase falls on the 21st day of the cycle?

This is the same luteal period, however, the state of the woman's body begins to deteriorate sharply, which is due to natural processes in the body and should not be surprising.

In the absence of fertilization of the egg high concentration progesterone and estrogen stops. The female body is gradually preparing for the onset of the next menstruation. Premenstrual syndrome, which has gained sad popularity, is rightfully considered the most negative period in the life of all women.

Day 22 of the cycle - what phase?

It enters the second half of the luteal period, when such manifestations as emotional instability (dramatic improvements or deterioration in mood), depressive mood are noted. There are also external symptoms, many women note lumbar pain, hypersensitivity mammary glands swelling affecting the face and limbs. By 28 days of the cycle, all unpleasant phenomena pass.

Approximately on the 22nd day of the cycle, there is maximum content progesterone. During this period, the endometrium thickens even more, only due to the formation of a secret by the uterine glands and an increase in cell sizes (the third stage of secretion). At the end of the luteal phase, its thickness can be from 12 to 14 millimeters.

If conception does not occur, the concentration of hormones (LH, FSH, progesterone, estrogen) begins to gradually decrease. Their minimum amount starts menstruation, and the next cycle begins. This process may change due to bad habits, stress and past illnesses. What phase is on the 22nd and 24th day of the cycle is now clear.

Period diary: why is it needed?

Gynecologists advise all women to keep a diary of their menstrual cycle. Currently, you do not need to start a special notebook for this. Now you can simply install the application on your phone and do not forget to enter the necessary information there. This diary is needed in order to know the average time of one cycle. It will also help control the level of progesterone. What is the phase on the 22nd day of the cycle, we explained.

The norm of progesterone by day of the menstrual cycle

The rate of progesterone in women is set depending on the time of the menstrual cycle. Each phase will have its own meaning. In the luteal phase, progesterone reaches maximum performance- this indicates the beginning of ovulation and uterine preparation for egg implantation.

With a low level of the hormone at this time and the onset of fertilization, miscarriage. Women who are planning a pregnancy, which is why they must control the content of progesterone during the second phase of the cycle.

The doctor prescribes a blood test on the 22-23rd day of the cycle, however, for a more detailed picture, it is recommended to take it several times in a row to monitor the dynamics. So, what level of the hormone is normal? It must be said that women taking hormonal contraceptives will have significant differences in performance. Each stage of the cycle has its own standard values:

  • From 1 to 15 days - from 0.97 to 4.73 nmol / l.
  • From 17 to 22 days of the cycle - from 2.39 to 9.55.
  • From 22 to 29 days - from 16.2 to 85.9.

But not all women will be exactly like that.

The indicator of the norm for those who take hormonal contraceptives:

  • from 1 to 15 days - up to 3.6 nmol / l.
  • from 17 to 22 days of the cycle in the luteal phase - from 1.52 to 5.45.
  • from 22 to 29 days - from 3.01 to 66.

In a postmenopausal woman hormonal level should be in the range of 0.32-2.51.

If pregnancy has come, the hormone is growing rapidly, and the pregnant woman will have the following indicators:

  • from 1 to 13 weeks of pregnancy - from 14.9 to 107.9;
  • from 14 to 27 - from 61.7 to 159;
  • from 28 to 41 - from 17.3 to 509.1.

The hormone level suddenly drops two days before delivery, reaching a value of 2.3. This is necessary so that the uterus is able to contract and thereby stimulate tribal activity. However, the amount of progesterone will still be high, as it takes part in stimulating milk production.

Increased and reduced progesterone levels: what does it affect?

With a reduced amount of the hormone in the first trimester, a miscarriage occurs, as the uterus shrinks sharply, the endometrium in insufficient degree ready to hold the amniotic egg. However, if the problem is only in progesterone, it can be solved by special means which are prescribed by a gynecologist.

With a decrease in the content of progesterone, the level of estrogen also changes - it rises, and as a result, the woman has:

  • convulsions;
  • sweating;
  • puffiness;
  • sleep disturbance;
  • weight gain.

Estrogen should normally be in the range of 11-191 pg / ml. During menopause in women, its content is 5-90 pg / ml.

If the level of progesterone in the female body is elevated, the following conditions may be the causes:


Doctors say that progesterone is the most important hormone for woman. If there are problems with pregnancy and conception, tests for its content in the blood are given first. If necessary, synthetic substances are prescribed that replace the hormone or stimulate its production.

To determine the level of progesterone, it is necessary to take a blood test. However, before delivery, you should consult with a gynecologist who will tell you right choice day. Often, doctors prescribe a study on the twentieth day, but this is not entirely correct, since the following factors must be taken into account:


It must be remembered that during observation during the period of blood donation, ailments, as well as treatment with certain drugs, you can get unreliable results. In this case, they are retaken in a month or at the end of therapy.

We examined which phase is on the 22nd day of the cycle.