When should progesterone be measured to evaluate anovulation in adult females?

Measuring progesterone levels at midcycle, specifically just after the LH (luteinizing hormone) peak, is crucial for evaluating ovulation in adult females. This timing is significant because the rise in progesterone is indicative of luteal phase activity, which occurs after ovulation. During ovulation, the ovarian follicles release an egg, and the corpus luteum formed from these follicles produces progesterone.

If the progesterone levels are adequately elevated at this time, it suggests that ovulation has occurred. Conversely, low levels of progesterone during this phase can indicate anovulation, which is when the ovaries do not release an egg. Therefore, assessing progesterone levels after the LH surge provides essential information for determining whether or not ovulation has taken place.

Evaluating progesterone at other times, such as at the onset of menses or during the first 7 days of the menstrual cycle, may not provide accurate insights into anovulation. The end of the menstrual cycle may also yield misleading information because hormone levels can vary significantly depending on individual cycles and factors affecting menstrual health. Therefore, the most informative time to assess progesterone for ovulation evaluation is indeed during midcycle right after the LH peak.