Progesterone Radioimmunoassay

Radioimmunoassay for the in vitro quantitative measurement of human Progesterone in serum.

Progesterone is a C-21 steroid hormone (molecular weight: 314.5) which is synthesized from cholesterol via pregnenolone in the granulosa and theca cells of the corpus luteum under the influence of LH. The major production sites are ovary and placenta and somewhat the adrenal cortex in both men and women. Progesterone is rapidly metabolized in the liver. Blood levels are very low during the follicular phase whereas one does observe a sharply increase during the luteal phase of menstrual cycles reaching a maximum some 5 to 10 days after the midcycle LH peak.

Clinical applications

Serum progesterone levels, which are low during the follicular phase, increase during the luteal phase of menstrual cycle. Unless pregnancy occurs, the progesterone level declines 4 days before the next menstrual period. Thus, the measurement of progesterone levels constitutes a well-established method for detection of ovulation. But there are many cases where the progesterone measurements are also of interest:

• To check the effectiveness of ovulation induction;
• To monitor the embryo transfer and progesterone replacement therapy;
• To detect the patients at risk for abortion during the beginning of pregnancy;
• To aid in the diagnostic of ectopic pregnancy;
• To detect all ovarian tumor (benign and malign) in postmenopausal women;
• To diagnose luteinized unruptured follicle by the dosage of 17 beta-estradiol and progesterone levels in peritoneal fluid;
• The steroid profiles of follicular fluids and the ratio of E2/PROG allow detecting a normal or adysfunctional ovulation induction. (The empty follicular syndrome may reflect a dysfunctional ovulation induction).

For concrete data please consult the Instruction for Use in the download box on the top right side.