MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Pregnanediol

Skip navigation


Medical Encyclopedia
Other encyclopedia topics:	A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9

Pregnanediol

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Definition How the test is performed How to prepare for the test How the test will feel	Why the test is performed Normal Values What abnormal results mean What the risks are Special considerations

Illustrations

Female urinary tract

Male urinary tract

Definition Return to top

This is a test that measures the amount of pregnanediol in urine.

How the test is performed Return to top

A 24-hour urine sample is needed. The health care provider will instruct you, if necessary, to discontinue drugs that may interfere with the test.

On day 1, urinate into the toilet upon arising in the morning.
Collect all subsequent urine (in a special container) for the next 24 hours.
On day 2, urinate into the container in the morning upon arising.
Cap the container. Keep it in the refrigerator or a cool place during the collection period. Label the container with your name, the date, the time of completion, and return it as instructed.

How to prepare for the test Return to top

The health care provider may advise you to discontinue drugs that can affect the test. (See "Special Considerations".)

How the test will feel Return to top

The test involves only normal urination, and there is no discomfort.

Why the test is performed Return to top

This test is usually performed to evaluate suspected problems with the ovaries or adrenal cortex. In the past, before progesterone blood tests, this test was also used to document problems of pregnancy.

Pregnanediol is an inactive product of progesterone metabolism. Urinary pregnanediol is an indirect measure of progesterone levels in the body. In women, progesterone is produced mainly by the corpus luteum following ovulation. Some progesterone is also produced by the adrenal cortex.

During pregnancy, most progesterone is produced by the placenta. The main function of progesterone is probably to increase the secretory phase of endometrial development, during which the uterus is prepared for possible implantation by a fertilized egg. After fertilization, progesterone is necessary for the development and maintenance of the placenta.

Normal Values Return to top

male: 0.1 to 0.7 mg/24-hours
female:
- follicular phase: < 1.0 mg/24-hours
- luteal phase: 2 to 5 mg/24-hours
- pregnancy at 20 weeks: 40 mg/24-hours
- pregnancy at 30 weeks: 80 mg/24-hours
- pregnancy at 40 weeks: 100 mg/24-hours
- postmenopausal: 0.2 to 1.0 mg/24-hours

Note: mg/24-hours = milligrams per 24 hours

What abnormal results mean Return to top

Higher-than-normal levels may indicate:

Lower-than-normal levels may indicate:

What the risks are Return to top

There are no risks.

Special considerations Return to top

ACTH may increase test measurements.
Birth control pills or progesterone may decrease test measurements.

Update Date: 7/30/2003

Updated by: Douglas A. Levine, M.D., Gynecology Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.