Are estradiol (E2) levels of 183 pg/mL, progesterone (P4) levels of 7.17 ng/mL, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels of 160.3 mcg/dL within normal ranges for a 39-year-old female?

Interpretation of Hormone Levels in a 39-Year-Old Female

The hormone levels of estradiol 183 pg/mL, progesterone 7.17 ng/mL, and DHEA 160.3 mcg/dL are within normal ranges for a 39-year-old female, suggesting normal ovarian function consistent with the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.

Normal Hormone Ranges and Interpretation

Estradiol (E2)

• Estradiol level of 183 pg/mL falls within the expected range for the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle in a premenopausal woman 1
• This level is significantly higher than postmenopausal values, which would typically be much lower (<30 pg/mL) 2
• The measurement is consistent with normal ovarian function for a 39-year-old woman 1

Progesterone (P4)

• Progesterone level of 7.17 ng/mL indicates luteal phase levels, suggesting recent ovulation 1
• Mid-luteal phase progesterone typically ranges from 5-20 ng/mL, placing this value within normal parameters 1
• This level is significantly higher than follicular phase or postmenopausal values, which would typically be <1 ng/mL 3

DHEA

• DHEA level of 160.3 mcg/dL is within normal range for a woman of this age 4
• DHEA is primarily produced by the adrenal glands and serves as a precursor for other sex hormones 4
• Normal DHEA levels suggest proper adrenal function 5

Hormonal Patterns and Menstrual Cycle

• The combination of moderately elevated estradiol and progesterone >5 ng/mL strongly suggests the woman is in the luteal phase of her menstrual cycle 1
• These values represent a snapshot of a dynamic hormonal system that fluctuates throughout the menstrual cycle 1
• Day-specific sampling can significantly affect hormone measurements - progesterone peaks between days 17-21 of the cycle 1

Laboratory Considerations

• Hormone measurements have inherent variability - coefficients of variation for estradiol can range from 10-20% in premenopausal women 6
• Single measurements should be interpreted with caution, as they represent only one point in a fluctuating hormonal pattern 6
• Laboratory reproducibility for progesterone measurements in cycling women is generally reliable with intraclass correlation exceeding 90% 6

Clinical Implications

• These normal hormone levels suggest:

  • Intact hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis 5
  • Normal ovulatory function 1
  • Absence of premature ovarian insufficiency, which would present with low estradiol and high FSH 5
  • No evidence of adrenal dysfunction based on normal DHEA levels 5

• At age 39, monitoring ovarian reserve may be considered if fertility is a concern, though these specific hormone measurements don't directly assess ovarian reserve 5

Conclusion

The hormone profile with estradiol of 183 pg/mL, progesterone of 7.17 ng/mL, and DHEA of 160.3 mcg/dL represents normal values for a 39-year-old female, most consistent with luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. No further hormonal evaluation is necessary based on these results alone.