1. Introduction to Progesterone

What is Progesterone? Progesterone is a steroid hormone primarily produced by the ovaries, placenta (during pregnancy), and adrenal glands. It plays a critical role in maintaining pregnancy, regulating the menstrual cycle, and preventing uterine contractions before childbirth. Progesterone levels are measured in blood to assess ovulation, monitor pregnancy, evaluate infertility, or diagnose conditions like luteal phase defects or adrenal disorders.

2. What is a Progesterone Unit Converter?

Definition: The Progesterone Unit Converter converts progesterone concentrations between various units, enabling standardization of laboratory results for clinical use.

Purpose: It assists clinicians and researchers in interpreting progesterone levels across different measurement units (e.g., nmol/L to ng/mL), ensuring accurate diagnosis and monitoring of reproductive and endocrine conditions.

3. Importance of Progesterone Unit Conversions

Converting progesterone concentrations between units is critical for:

• Standardizing Results: Different labs report progesterone in various units (e.g., nmol/L, ng/mL); conversion ensures consistency for diagnosis.
• Clinical Diagnosis: Accurate conversions aid in assessing ovulation, pregnancy viability, infertility, or adrenal dysfunction, and guiding hormone therapy.
• Research and Collaboration: Enables comparison of progesterone data across studies or institutions using different measurement standards.

4. Clinical Significance

Elevated Levels: High progesterone levels may indicate pregnancy, luteal phase cysts, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, or ovarian tumors. In men or non-pregnant women, elevated levels could suggest adrenal disorders or exogenous progesterone use.

Low Levels: Low progesterone levels in women may indicate luteal phase defects, anovulation, miscarriage risk, or ectopic pregnancy. In men or non-pregnant women, low levels are typically normal but may reflect adrenal insufficiency.

Normal Ranges:

• Women (follicular phase): 0.3–2.5 nmol/L (0.1–0.8 ng/mL).
• Women (luteal phase): 5.7–75.9 nmol/L (1.8–23.9 ng/mL).
• Pregnancy (1st trimester): 35.6–286 nmol/L (11.2–90 ng/mL).
• Men: < 3.2 nmol/L (< 1 ng/mL).
• Values vary by lab, sex, menstrual phase, and pregnancy status—consult a healthcare provider for interpretation.

5. Precautions

Interferences:

• Progesterone levels vary by menstrual cycle phase, pregnancy status, and time of day; timing of sample collection (e.g., mid-luteal phase) is critical.
• Medications (e.g., progesterone supplements, corticosteroids) or conditions like PCOS can affect results.
• Interpret progesterone levels with clinical history, other hormones (e.g., LH, estradiol), and ultrasound findings—consult a healthcare provider for accuracy.

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why are there different units for progesterone?
A: Different units reflect varying standards; nmol/L is the SI unit, while ng/mL and ng/dL are commonly used in clinical practice, particularly in different regions.

Q: What is a normal progesterone level?
A: Normal progesterone levels vary by context: 0.3–2.5 nmol/L (follicular), 5.7–75.9 nmol/L (luteal), 35.6–286 nmol/L (pregnancy), and < 3.2 nmol/L (men). Consult a healthcare provider for interpretation.

Q: Can this converter be used for other hormones?
A: No, this converter is specific to progesterone; other hormones (e.g., estrogen, testosterone) have different molecular weights and conversion factors—consult a healthcare provider for accuracy.