Progesterone
Measures progesterone hormone levels to assess ovulation, fertility, and reproductive health: no doctor visit required.
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LevelPanel has no business or affiliate relationship with Quest or LabCorp. These links are provided as a public service.
Lab testing services linked from this site are not available to residents of Alaska, Arizona, or Hawaii, unless otherwise noted on the lab's own website.
This publication is not intended to solicit the purchase of laboratory testing from any individual consumer.
What this test measures
Progesterone is a hormone produced primarily by the corpus luteum in the ovary after ovulation, with smaller amounts contributed by the adrenal glands. Its central role in the reproductive system is preparing the uterine lining (endometrium) for the potential implantation of a fertilized egg and then supporting early pregnancy if implantation occurs. Progesterone also relaxes uterine smooth muscle to prevent contractions and stimulates breast tissue development in preparation for lactation.
Progesterone levels follow a characteristic pattern across the menstrual cycle: they remain low during the follicular phase (the first half of the cycle), rise sharply after ovulation during the luteal phase, and decline again if pregnancy does not occur, triggering menstruation. A blood draw timed to the mid-luteal phase (typically around day 21 of a standard 28-day cycle) captures the expected post-ovulatory peak and serves as a reliable indicator of whether ovulation has occurred. This makes the test particularly valuable in fertility evaluations, where confirming ovulation and assessing luteal-phase hormone support are key clinical questions.
Who should consider this test
You might consider this test if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Individuals having trouble getting pregnant or going through fertility treatment, as healthcare providers may check progesterone levels to see if ovaries are releasing eggs (ovulating) normally
- Those wanting to monitor and track ovulation, as measuring progesterone levels can help confirm when ovulation has occurred
- People who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, or unusual bleeding, since progesterone plays an important role in supporting a healthy pregnancy
- Individuals experiencing symptoms of hormone imbalance such as irregular periods, mood changes, or sleep disturbances, or those with conditions like PCOS that may affect menstrual cycles
- People with signs of low progesterone such as irregular menstrual periods, hot flashes, and trouble sleeping, or signs of high progesterone such as vaginal dryness and bloating
What to expect
Preparation
For 12 hours before specimen collection, patients should not take multivitamins or dietary supplements (e.g., hair, skin, and nail supplements) containing biotin (vitamin B7). Certain medicines, such as birth control pills or steroids, may affect results. Be sure your provider knows about all medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements being taken. This includes medicines that don't need a prescription and any illegal drugs. Timing is important: progesterone is usually checked six to eight days after ovulation, around day 21 if you have a 28-day cycle.
Sample Type
A blood sample is needed. Most of the time, blood is drawn from a vein located on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand.
Collection
The person drawing blood will start by cleaning an area of skin directly over a vein. Next, they will insert a needle into the vein. They will draw blood through the needle into a vial or tube. Then they will send the blood sample to a laboratory for testing. You may feel slight pain or a sting when the needle is inserted.
Turnaround
Results are typically available within 1-2 business days after the laboratory receives the sample.
Understanding your results
Progesterone levels vary dramatically depending on menstrual cycle phase, pregnancy status, and menopausal status. During the luteal phase, serum progesterone concentrations above approximately 10 ng/mL generally confirm that ovulation has occurred and that progesterone production is adequate. Levels below 10 ng/mL during this window may suggest anovulation (failure to ovulate), insufficient luteal-phase progesterone production, or mistimed sample collection. During pregnancy, progesterone rises progressively throughout the first trimester. Healthcare providers interpret the result in the context of cycle timing, symptoms, and reproductive goals to determine next steps.
| Population | Reference Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Females (pre-ovulation) | Less than 1.0 ng/mL | Normal range for the beginning of menstrual cycle |
| Females (mid-cycle/luteal phase) | 5-20 ng/mL | Normal range during mid-cycle after ovulation |
| First trimester pregnancy | 11-44 ng/mL | Range during early pregnancy |
| Males and postmenopausal females | Less than 1.0 ng/mL | Normal baseline levels |
Reference ranges shown are general guidelines. Your lab report will include the specific reference range used by the laboratory that processed your sample, which is the authoritative range for interpreting your results.
What does a “Low” result mean?
Lower-than-normal progesterone levels may be associated with irregular menstrual cycles, amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), menorrhagia (heavy periods), PMS, mood changes, and fertility challenges. Low progesterone may indicate not ovulating normally, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), high stress, or perimenopause. During pregnancy, low levels may be linked to ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage or a high risk of miscarriage, or pre-eclampsia. Low progesterone levels can indicate a luteal phase defect, where the corpus luteum does not produce enough progesterone, which can affect the uterine lining's ability to prepare for implantation, potentially leading to difficulties with fertility or early pregnancy loss.
What does a “High” result mean?
Increased progesterone concentrations are occasionally seen with some ovarian cysts, molar pregnancies, rare forms of ovarian cancer, adrenal cancer, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and testicular tumors. Higher-than-normal progesterone levels may indicate pregnancy, ovarian cysts, elevated stress levels, hormone replacement therapy, and (rarely) ovarian cancer or congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Higher than expected progesterone levels during pregnancy may mean carrying twins or more babies. High progesterone levels may also be a sign of a molar pregnancy, which is an abnormal growth of tissue in the uterus. When levels are elevated: either moderately or slightly: this may suggest hormone supplementation, an underlying health condition, or simple biological variation.
Privacy & confidentiality
All test orders are authorized and results reviewed by an independent, board-certified physician who is not the patient's personal doctor. Understanding fertility and hormone health is deeply personal, and many individuals prefer discretion when testing progesterone levels. LevelPanel prioritizes complete confidentiality throughout the testing process. Results are delivered directly to individuals through a secure online portal and are <u>not reported to your doctor</u> unless you choose to share them. Test results are <u>not part of your medical records</u> and will <u>not appear on insurance statements</u> or explanations of benefits, ensuring complete privacy from employers and insurance providers. The testing process is designed to be discreet and professional. All samples are processed by certified laboratories with strict privacy protocols, and personal information is protected according to healthcare privacy regulations. Whether seeking answers about ovulation, fertility concerns, or general reproductive health, individuals can test with confidence knowing their results remain completely confidential. LevelPanel empowers people to take control of their health information, allowing them to make informed decisions about when and with whom to share their progesterone test results.
Frequently asked questions
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Last reviewed: April 2026
CPT Code: 84144
This test may not be available in: NY, NJ, RI
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider regarding any health concerns. LevelPanel does not diagnose, treat, or prescribe.
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LevelPanel has no business or affiliate relationship with Quest or LabCorp. These links are provided as a public service.
Lab testing services linked from this site are not available to residents of Alaska, Arizona, or Hawaii, unless otherwise noted on the lab's own website.
This publication is not intended to solicit the purchase of laboratory testing from any individual consumer.
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