Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: No special preparation is required
- Turnaround: 7–10 business days. May take longer based on weather, holidays, or lab delays.
What This Test Measures
This test measures progesterone in the blood using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Progesterone is a steroid hormone involved in the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and pregnancy.
In women, progesterone levels normally rise after ovulation as the corpus luteum produces progesterone during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Measuring progesterone can therefore provide information about whether ovulation has occurred and help assess luteal phase function.
Progesterone testing may be used as part of a fertility or reproductive hormone evaluation. Results should be interpreted according to the timing of the menstrual cycle and other relevant clinical information.
This is a single-analyte test that specifically measures progesterone and does not include other reproductive hormones.
Benefits
- Measures progesterone using mass spectrometry methodology
- Helps assess whether ovulation has occurred
- Provides information about luteal phase function
- Supports fertility and reproductive hormone evaluation
- Provides a progesterone result that can be reviewed alongside menstrual cycle timing and other clinical findings
Who Is This Test For?
- Women undergoing evaluation of ovulation
- Women undergoing fertility evaluation
- Individuals undergoing assessment of luteal phase function
- Individuals with irregular menstrual cycles undergoing hormone evaluation
- Individuals having progesterone measured alongside other reproductive hormones
- Individuals whose healthcare provider recommends progesterone monitoring
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What does this test measure?
This test measures the amount of progesterone in the blood. Progesterone is a steroid hormone involved in ovulation, the menstrual cycle, and pregnancy. It is a single-analyte test, so it does not include estradiol, FSH, LH, hCG, testosterone, or other reproductive hormones.
2. Why might progesterone levels be tested?
Progesterone may be measured as part of a fertility or reproductive hormone evaluation. Testing can help provide information about whether ovulation has occurred and about progesterone production during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.
3. Can a progesterone test tell whether I ovulated?
Progesterone levels normally increase after ovulation, so measuring progesterone at an appropriate point in the menstrual cycle can provide evidence that ovulation has occurred. Because of this, the result should be interpreted in relation to cycle timing and other clinical information.
4. When should progesterone be tested for ovulation?
Timing depends on the individual's menstrual cycle. Progesterone is generally evaluated during the luteal phase after ovulation rather than on one universal cycle day. A healthcare provider can recommend appropriate timing based on your cycle and reason for testing.
5. Can this test confirm pregnancy?
No. Progesterone levels can change during pregnancy, but a progesterone test is not a pregnancy confirmation test. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) testing is used to determine whether pregnancy is present.
6. Do I need to fast before this test?
No special preparation is required.
7. How do I interpret my results?
Progesterone results should be interpreted using the reference interval provided by the laboratory that performed the test. Expected progesterone levels vary considerably according to factors such as sex and, in women, menstrual cycle phase.
A progesterone result should not be interpreted in isolation. When progesterone is being measured for ovulation or fertility evaluation, the timing of the blood draw in relation to the menstrual cycle is particularly important.
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.
8. What should I do if my results are abnormal?
Review abnormal or unexpected results with a qualified healthcare provider. Your provider can consider your symptoms, medical history, medications, and other laboratory findings, along with your cycle timing, to determine whether additional evaluation is appropriate.
9. How often should I get tested?
There is no universal testing schedule for progesterone. Testing frequency depends on the reason for testing and should be determined with your healthcare provider.
Pre-test Preparation
No special preparation is required.
