Progesterone Saliva ELISA

Progesterone is a C-21 steroid hormone involved in
the female menstrual cycle, pregnancy (supports
gestation) and embryogenesis of humans and other
species. Progesterone is the major naturally occurring
human progestagen. Progesterone is important for
aldosterone (mineralocorticoid) synthesis, as 17- hydroxyprogesterone is for cortisol (glucocorticoid).
Progesterone levels are relatively low in children and
postmenopausal women. Adult males have levels
similar to those in women during the follicular phase
of the menstrual cycle. In women, progesterone levels
are relatively low during the preovulatory phase of the
menstrual cycle, rise after ovulation, and are elevated
during the luteal phase. If pregnancy occurs,
progesterone levels are maintained at luteal levels
initially. After delivery of the placenta and during
lactation, progesterone levels are very low. The fall in
progesterone levels following delivery is one of the
triggers for milk production. Progesterone is produced
in the adrenal glands, the gonads (specifically after
ovulation in the corpus luteum), the brain, and, during
pregnancy, in the placenta. Progesterone converts
the endometrium to its secretory stage to prepare the
uterus for implantation. If pregnancy does not occur,
progesterone levels will decrease, leading, in the
human, to menstruation. Progesterone belongs to the
group of neurosteroids that are found in high
concentrations in certain areas in the brain and are
synthesized there. Neurosteroids affect synaptic
functioning, are neuroprotective, and affect
myelinization. Progesterone has multiple effects
outside of the reproductive system. Progesterone is
thermogenic, it reduces spasm and relaxes smooth
muscle. Bronchi are widened and mucus regulated.
Progesterone acts as an antiinflammatory agent and
regulates the immune response. Progesterone also
assists in thyroid function, in bone building by
osteoblasts. Measurement of serum progesterone
concentrations have been used in evaluating ovarian
function.