b-Pregnanediol (luteal range)

check icon Optimal Result: 600 - 2000 ng/mg.

Pregnanediol is a metabolite of the molecule of progesterone, which is important for fertility and for menstruation. Pregnanediol levels increase after ovulation and when the placenta releases the hormone. 

When pregnanediol levels fall during a menstrual cycle, it means that progesterone levels are less than ideal. It results in symptoms during the luteal phase. 

During the adaptation of the body to menopause, progesterone levels fall and estrogen dominance begins. That’s when progesterone supplements may be offered to manage the symptoms. Some of the symptoms include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood instability, low sex drive, sleep problems, brain fog, hair loss, loss of muscle mass and strength, weight gain and anxiety.

Various normal ranges*:

- Luteal (premenopausal) Range: 600 - 2000 ng/mg

- Postmenopausal Range: 60-200 ng/mg

- Follicular Range: 100-300 ng/mg

- Ovulatory Range: 100-300 ng/mg

- Oral Progesterone (100mg) - Range: 2000-9000 ng/mg

*the Luteal Range is the premenopausal range. When patients are taking oral progesterone this range for progesterone metabolites is not luteal and reflects the higher levels expected when patients take oral progesterone. This test is intended to be taken in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (days 19-22 of a 28 day cycle) for premenopausal women.

Sources:

http://www.labtesthelp.com/test/Pregnanediol

http://meridianvalleylab.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Urine-Hormone-Interp-Guide.pdf

https://www.gdx.net/product/complete-hormones-test-urine 

What does it mean if your b-Pregnanediol (luteal range) result is too high?

Generally high progesterone levels indicate you are high for the luteal phase.

High progesterone metabolites can occur with progesterone or pregnenolone supplementation. 

It can also occur with stress as the adrenals release more progesterone during stress, although ovarian production will exceed adrenal production with ovulation.

High progesterone is also seen in PCOS when ovulation occurs because of excessive luteinizing hormone secretion. Some women may naturally make high levels of progesterone and, if symptom free, it is usually not concerning. Symptoms of high progesterone may include bloating, fatigue and food cravings, especially high calorie foods.

-----

Important note: the Luteal Range is the premenopausal range. When you are taking oral progesterone this range for progesterone metabolites is not luteal and reflects the higher levels expected when people take oral progesterone.

The Oral Progesterone (100mg) - Range is 2000-9000 ng/mg

All Your Lab Results.
One Simple Dashboard.

What does it mean if your b-Pregnanediol (luteal range) result is too low?

b-Pregnanediol, also known as pregnanediol, is a metabolite of progesterone, a hormone that plays a crucial role in the menstrual cycle and in maintaining the early stages of pregnancy. The levels of b-pregnanediol are often measured through urine tests to reflect the amount of progesterone produced by the body.

The luteal phase is the latter phase of the menstrual cycle or the period between ovulation and the start of menstruation. During the luteal phase, the corpus luteum (which is formed in the ovaries from the follicle that has released an egg) produces progesterone. The role of progesterone is to prepare the uterine lining for a potential pregnancy.

If your b-pregnanediol levels are low during the luteal phase (luteal range), it suggests that your body is not producing enough progesterone during a time when it should be at its peak. 

Low levels of b-Pregnanediol during the luteal phase can be attributed to various factors, including:

→ Luteal Phase Defect: An inadequately functioning corpus luteum can lead to insufficient progesterone production.

→ Hypothalamic Amenorrhea: Stress, low body weight, and excessive exercise can lead to a condition where the hypothalamus stops triggering the hormonal cycle that causes ovulation and menstruation.

→ Poor Ovarian Reserve: Diminished ovarian reserve can lead to decreased hormone production, including progesterone.

→ Ovulatory Disorders: Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can disrupt the normal ovulation process, leading to lower progesterone levels.

→ Hyperprolactinemia: Elevated levels of prolactin can interfere with the secretion of hormones necessary for ovulation, affecting progesterone production.

→ Thyroid Dysfunction: Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can affect menstrual cycles and hormonal balance, including progesterone levels.

→ Stress and Lifestyle Factors: Chronic stress can disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, affecting hormone production. Extreme weight loss or gain and poor nutrition can also play a role.

→ Adrenal Disorders: Since the adrenal glands produce precursor hormones that lead to progesterone production, disorders of the adrenal glands can affect b-pregnanediol levels.

→ Medications: Certain medications, including those that affect hormone production like steroids or those used in chemotherapy, can influence progesterone levels.

→ Premature Ovarian Failure: Also known as primary ovarian insufficiency, this condition involves the loss of normal ovarian function before age 40, affecting hormone levels.

→ Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: A group of inherited disorders affecting the adrenal glands can lead to an imbalance in steroid hormone production, including progesterone.

→ Environmental Factors: Exposure to certain environmental toxins or endocrine-disrupting chemicals may potentially affect hormone levels.

Low levels of b-pregnanediol, which reflect low levels of progesterone, can lead to a variety of reproductive and health issues, including:

→ Infertility: Since progesterone is essential for creating a supportive environment for a fertilized egg, low levels can make it difficult to conceive.

→ Menstrual Irregularities: Progesterone helps regulate the menstrual cycle; low levels can lead to irregular or missed periods.

→ Miscarriage: Adequate progesterone levels are necessary to maintain the lining of the uterus during the early stages of pregnancy. Low levels can increase the risk of miscarriage.

→ Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Imbalances in progesterone can contribute to the symptoms of PMS.

→ Hormonal Imbalance Symptoms: Low progesterone can cause symptoms such as mood swings, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.

→ Endometrial Hyperplasia: Progesterone normally counteracts the effects of estrogen on the uterine lining. Without enough progesterone, the lining may thicken excessively, potentially leading to complications like abnormal uterine bleeding or even an increased risk of endometrial cancer.

→ Bone Density Loss: Progesterone plays a role in bone metabolism; low levels over time can contribute to reduced bone density and an increased risk of osteoporosis.

It's important to note that not all low levels of b-pregnanediol will lead to these conditions. The clinical significance depends on the individual's overall health, hormonal balance, and whether they are trying to conceive. A healthcare provider can help to assess the implications of low b-pregnanediol levels in the context of the individual's health and recommend appropriate interventions.

The treatment for low levels of b-pregnanediol generally involves addressing the underlying cause of low progesterone. Here are several approaches that might be considered:

→ Hormone Therapy: Supplementing with progesterone or its analogs can be an effective way to raise progesterone levels. This can be done through various forms such as creams, vaginal suppositories, pills, or injections, depending on the individual's needs and the doctor's recommendations.

→ Clomiphene Citrate: For women with ovulation issues, clomiphene citrate may be prescribed to stimulate ovulation, which in turn can increase progesterone production during the luteal phase.

→ Fertility Treatments: In cases of infertility, assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be used, where progesterone supplements are a standard part of the protocol.

→ Lifestyle Modifications: Improvements in diet, exercise, stress reduction, and weight management can all help to improve hormonal balance.

→ Manage Underlying Medical Conditions: Conditions like thyroid disorders, adrenal dysfunction, or PCOS may require specific medical treatments to regulate hormone production.

→ Vitamins and Supplements: Certain nutrients, such as vitamin B6, vitamin C, zinc, and magnesium, have been suggested to support progesterone levels, though their effectiveness can vary and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

→ Herbs: Some herbal remedies are traditionally believed to support hormone balance (like chasteberry or Vitex agnus-castus), but their efficacy and safety are less well-documented, and they should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

→ Regulate Menstrual Cycles: For women not trying to conceive, oral contraceptives can be used to regulate menstrual cycles and provide a balance of hormones.

→ Reduce Stress: Since stress can impact hormone levels, techniques like mindfulness, yoga, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) may be recommended to help manage stress.

→ Monitoring and Adjusting Dosage: Regular monitoring of hormone levels through blood, saliva, or urine testing may be necessary to adjust treatment strategies to achieve optimal levels.

It's essential for any treatment plan to be developed in consultation with a healthcare provider, who can tailor the approach based on the individual's specific situation, health status, and goals (such as fertility planning). They can also monitor for side effects or interactions with other medications and adjust treatment as necessary.

Laboratories

Bring All Your Lab Results Together — In One Place

We accept reports from any lab, so you can easily collect and organize all your health information in one secure spot.

lab corp logo
genova diagnostics logo
quest diagnostics logo
dutch test logo
doctors data logo
vibrant america logo
diagnostic solutions logo
zrt laboratory logo
the great plains laboratory logo
cyrex laboratories logo
spectracell logo

Pricing Table

decoration

Personal plans

$15/ month

Complete Plan

Access your lab reports, explanations, and tracking tools.

  • Import lab results from any provider
  • Track all results with visual tools
  • Customize your reference ranges
  • Export your full lab history anytime
  • Share results securely with anyone
  • Begin with first report entered
  • Cancel or upgrade anytime

$250/ once

Unlimited Account

Pay once, access everything—no monthly fees, no limits.

  • Import lab results from any provider
  • Track all results with visual tools
  • Customize your reference ranges
  • Export your full lab history anytime
  • Share results securely with anyone
  • Receive 10 reports entered for you
  • Skip the $15/month subscription — no recurring payments ever

$45/ month

Pro Monthly

Designed for professionals managing their clients' lab reports

  • Import lab results from any provider
  • Track lab results for multiple clients
  • Customize reference ranges per client
  • Export lab histories and reports
  • Begin with first report entered by us
  • Cancel or upgrade anytime

About membership

What's included in a Healthmatters membership

microscope icon Import Lab Results from Any Source

person icon See Your Health Timeline

book icon Understand What Your Results Mean

textbook icon

textbook icon Visualize Your Results

folder icon

folder icon

card icon Securely Share With Anyone You Trust

Let Your Lab Results Tell the Full Story

What Healthmatters Members Are Saying

5 stars rating

I have been using Healthmatters.io since 2021. I travel all over the world and use different doctors and health facilities. This site has allowed me to consolidate all my various test results over 14 years in one place. And every doctor that I show this to has been impressed. Because with  any health professional I talk to, I can pull up historical results in seconds. It is invaluable. Even going back to the same doctor, they usually do not have the historical results from their facility in a graph format. That has been very helpful.

Anthony

Unlimited Plan Member since 2021

5 stars rating

What fantastic service and great, easy-to-follow layouts! I love your website; it makes it so helpful to see patterns in my health data. It's truly a pleasure to use. I only wish the NHS was as organized and quick as Healthmatters.io. You've set a new standard for health tracking!

Karin

Advanced Plan Member since 2020

5 stars rating

As a PRO member and medical practitioner, Healthmatters.io has been an invaluable tool for tracking my clients' data. The layout is intuitive, making it easy to monitor trends and spot patterns over time. The ability to customize reports and charts helps me present information clearly to my clients, improving communication and outcomes. It's streamlined my workflow, saving me time and providing insights at a glance. Highly recommended for any practitioner looking for a comprehensive and user-friendly solution to track patient labs!

Paul

Healthmatters Pro Member since 2024

Use promo code to save 10% off any plan.

Frequently asked questions

Healthmatters is a personal health dashboard that helps you organize and understand your lab results. It collects and displays your medical test data from any lab in one secure, easy-to-use platform.

  • Individuals who want to track and understand their health over time.
  • Health professionals, such as doctors, nutritionists, and wellness coaches, need to manage and interpret lab data for their clients.

With a Healthmatters account, you can:

  • Upload lab reports from any lab
  • View your data in interactive graphs, tables, and timelines
  • Track trends and monitor changes over time
  • Customize your reference ranges
  • Export and share your full lab history
  • Access your results anytime, from any device

Professionals can also analyze client data more efficiently and save time managing lab reports.

Healthmatters.io personal account provides in-depth research on 4000+ biomarkers, including information and suggestions for test panels such as, but not limited to:

  • The GI Effects® Comprehensive Stool Profile,
  • GI-MAP,
  • The NutrEval FMV®,
  • The ION Profile,
  • Amino Acids Profile,
  • Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones (DUTCH),
  • Organic Acids Test,
  • Organix Comprehensive Profile,
  • Toxic Metals,
  • Complete Blood Count (CBC),
  • Metabolic panel,
  • Thyroid panel,
  • Lipid Panel,
  • Urinalysis,
  • And many, many more.

You can combine all test reports inside your Healthmatters account and keep them in one place. It gives you an excellent overview of all your health data. Once you retest, you can add new results and compare them.

If you are still determining whether Healthmatters support your lab results, the rule is that if you can test it, you can upload it to Healthmatters.

shield icon

We implement proven measures to keep your data safe.

At HealthMatters, we're committed to maintaining the security and confidentiality of your personal information. We've put industry-leading security standards in place to help protect against the loss, misuse, or alteration of the information under our control. We use procedural, physical, and electronic security methods designed to prevent unauthorized people from getting access to this information. Our internal code of conduct adds additional privacy protection. All data is backed up multiple times a day and encrypted using SSL certificates. See our Privacy Policy for more details.

gdpr compliance image hipaa compliance image