In evaluating infertility, mid-luteal phase measurement of which hormone can confirm ovulation?

To confirm ovulation in the context of evaluating infertility, the measurement of progesterone during the mid-luteal phase is highly significant. After ovulation, the corpus luteum forms and secretes progesterone, which plays a critical role in preparing the uterine lining for a potential implantation of a fertilized egg. Typically, progesterone levels rise significantly following ovulation, reaching their peak during the luteal phase.

If the progesterone levels are found to be elevated in the mid-luteal phase, it indicates that ovulation has occurred because it reflects the function of the corpus luteum post-ovulation. In contrast, if these levels are low, it may suggest anovulation or insufficient luteal phase function. Thus, measuring progesterone is an effective way to confirm that ovulation has taken place.

Thyroid stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and prolactin have different roles and are used to assess other aspects of reproductive health but are not direct indicators of whether ovulation has occurred. Thyroid stimulating hormone assesses thyroid function, luteinizing hormone helps trigger ovulation but does not confirm that it has occurred, and prolactin is involved in lactation and can influence menstrual cycles but is not a direct marker