Progesterone
What This Test Measures
Calming hormone; opposes estrogen, supports pregnancy
Conventional vs. Functional Optimal Range
The gap between these ranges is why you feel terrible with "normal" labs. Conventional medicine waits for disease. Functional medicine optimizes for health.
Gabriel's Take
Progesterone is crucial for women in the luteal phase (>10 ng/mL about a week after ovulation). It swings a lot even in normal cycles, so one low value is not a diagnosis. Low progesterone = estrogen dominance → PMS, anxiety, insomnia, heavy periods. Also needed for fertility and pregnancy. Integrative clinicians support it through lifestyle, and a licensed clinician decides on bioidentical progesterone.
When This Test Is High
Pregnancy, ovarian cyst
When This Test Is Low
Luteal phase deficiency, anovulation, menopause
Related Conditions
PMS, anxiety, infertility, estrogen dominance
Recommended Follow-Up
Check 5-7 days after ovulation (not by calendar day 21); if low, support ovulation or ask a clinician about bioidentical progesterone