Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: No fasting is required. You should stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection.
- Turnaround: 3-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
What This Test Measures
The Progesterone Blood Test measures the amount of progesterone in your blood sample. Progesterone is a female hormone produced by the ovaries during ovulation. During pregnancy, the placenta produces high levels of it, starting at the end of the first trimester and continuing through birth.
This test measures progesterone only. Because progesterone levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, your result gives your healthcare provider one piece of information to consider alongside your symptoms and medical history.
Benefits
- Measures the amount of progesterone in your blood
- Helps your provider look into possible causes of infertility in women
- Helps track ovulation and monitor whether induced ovulation is successful
- Can help evaluate ectopic or failing pregnancy in early pregnancy
- Can help monitor placenta and fetal health in high-risk pregnancies
Who Is This Test For?
- Women who are having trouble getting pregnant
- People who are having fertility treatments
- People who have abnormal bleeding when they are not pregnant
- Pregnant individuals receiving progesterone therapy to prevent a miscarriage
- Pregnant individuals whose provider wants to check pregnancy health due to higher risk
- Pregnant individuals with signs of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, such as cramps or bleeding
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What is the purpose of this test?
This test measures progesterone, a hormone produced by the ovaries during ovulation and by the placenta during pregnancy. It may help your healthcare provider look into causes of infertility, track ovulation, and evaluate ectopic or failing pregnancy. It can also help monitor placenta and fetal health in high-risk pregnancies. It does not diagnose a condition on its own.
2. Who should consider this test?
This test may be useful if you are having trouble getting pregnant, are undergoing fertility treatments, or have abnormal bleeding when you are not pregnant. During pregnancy, it may be considered if you are receiving progesterone therapy to prevent a miscarriage, your provider wants to check your pregnancy health due to higher risk, or you have signs of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, such as cramps or bleeding. This test does not replace medical evaluation.
3. How does this test differ from other hormone tests?
This test measures progesterone only and does not include other hormones. Because levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, it is used specifically to look at ovulation and pregnancy-related concerns rather than as a complete evaluation of reproductive or endocrine function.
4. Do I need to prepare before this test?
No fasting is required. You should stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection.
5. How quickly will I get results?
3-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
6. How do I interpret my results?
The meaning of your progesterone result depends on your symptoms, medical history, and clinical context. Because progesterone levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle and rise substantially during pregnancy, your provider may consider your cycle timing or pregnancy status. Results are often reviewed alongside other findings, and one result alone does not confirm or rule out a condition. Please discuss your results with a qualified healthcare provider.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
7. What should I do if my results are abnormal?
Review your results with a qualified healthcare provider, who can explain what they may mean for you and decide whether additional evaluation is appropriate. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or supplement unless directed by your healthcare provider.
8. How often should I get tested?
How often you test depends on your situation and the reason for testing. Follow the schedule your healthcare provider recommends. More frequent testing is not always beneficial, so testing should be as directed by your healthcare provider.
Pre-Test preparation
No fasting is required. You should stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection.
