Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw from arm or finger-prick collection
- Fasting: No fasting required
- Turn-around: 3–5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delay.
Benefits
- Track ovulation precisely to optimize conception timing
- Monitor early pregnancy health and detect potential complications
- Confidential results delivered securely online
Who Is This Test For?
- Women trying to conceive who want to confirm ovulation
- Individuals experiencing fertility challenges or irregular cycles
- Pregnant women monitoring early pregnancy health
- Those investigating abnormal uterine bleeding
- Patients on progesterone therapy requiring level monitoring
- Women with previous miscarriage history seeking assessment
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - No prescription needed, choose lab draw or at-home kit
- Collect sample - Visit lab for blood draw or use finger-prick kit
- Get results - Secure online delivery in 3-5 days with interpretation
FAQ
When should I take this test for ovulation tracking? Order 7 days before your expected period (typically day 21 of a 28-day cycle) for accurate ovulation confirmation.
Can this test predict pregnancy outcomes? Low progesterone levels (<3.2-6 ng/mL) indicate non-viable pregnancy with 99.2% probability when combined with clinical symptoms (BMJ 2012).
Do I need to prepare for this test? No fasting required. Stop biotin supplements 72 hours before testing as they may interfere with results.
What if my results are abnormal? Consult your healthcare provider for interpretation. Additional tests like hCG or ultrasound may be recommended.
How accurate is this test? Highly accurate when timed properly. Uses immunoassay or LC/MS-MS methodology with standardized reference ranges (Mayo Clinic 2024).
Can men take this test? Yes, though it's primarily used for female reproductive health. Normal male levels are <1 ng/mL.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The progesterone blood test measures circulating levels of this critical reproductive hormone to determine ovulation status, evaluate fertility issues, monitor pregnancy health, diagnose ectopic pregnancies, and investigate abnormal uterine bleeding (Mayo Clinic 2024). Progesterone is essential for preparing the uterine lining for pregnancy and maintaining early gestation.
This test provides precise hormone measurements using immunoassay or liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Results help healthcare providers and patients make informed decisions about fertility treatments, pregnancy monitoring, and reproductive health management.
Who would benefit from this test?
This test benefits women trying to conceive, those experiencing infertility, pregnant women (especially high-risk pregnancies), individuals with irregular menstrual cycles, and those on progesterone therapy (Johns Hopkins 2025). It's particularly valuable for confirming ovulation has occurred during conception attempts.
Healthcare providers often recommend this test for women with recurrent pregnancy loss, abnormal uterine bleeding, or suspected hormonal imbalances. Direct-to-consumer availability makes it accessible for proactive reproductive health management without requiring initial physician referral.
When should I order a Progesterone Blood Test?
For ovulation tracking, order 7 days before your expected period (typically day 21 of a 28-day cycle). For pregnancy monitoring, testing may be recommended throughout early pregnancy, especially with symptoms of complications. For fertility evaluation, timing depends on your specific situation and should align with your menstrual cycle patterns.
Women experiencing irregular cycles should track their patterns first to determine optimal testing timing. Those with fertility treatments may need serial testing to monitor induced ovulation success.
How do I interpret the results?
Pre-ovulation
- Normal Range: < 1.0 ng/mL
- Meaning: Normal before ovulation occurs
Mid-cycle / Luteal Phase
- Normal Range: 5–20 ng/mL
- Meaning: Confirms ovulation has occurred
First Trimester
- Normal Range: 10–44 ng/mL
- Meaning: Supports healthy early pregnancy
Second Trimester
- Normal Range: 19.5–82.5 ng/mL
- Meaning: Indicates normal pregnancy progression
Third Trimester
- Normal Range: 65–290 ng/mL
- Meaning: Reflects healthy late pregnancy levels
Postmenopausal
- Normal Range: < 1.0 ng/mL
- Meaning: Expected level after menopause
Progesterone levels during pregnancy are approximately 10 times higher than non-pregnant levels to support healthy gestation.
Low levels may indicate lack of ovulation or pregnancy complications, while elevated levels could suggest pregnancy, ovarian cysts, or certain disorders.
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.
Pre-test preparation
No fasting is required before this test. Stop biotin supplements at least 72 hours before collection as they may interfere with results. Note the date of your last menstrual period for accurate result interpretation.
For optimal accuracy in ovulation tracking, precisely time the test for 7 days before your expected period. If using at-home collection, follow kit instructions carefully and mail samples the same day using provided packaging.
How often should I get tested?
- Fertility tracking: Monthly during luteal phase
- Early pregnancy monitoring: As recommended by provider
- Progesterone therapy: Per treatment protocol
- Irregular cycles: Multiple cycles to establish patterns
- High-risk pregnancy: Provider-determined schedule
Why early detection matters
Early detection of progesterone abnormalities enables timely intervention for fertility issues and pregnancy complications. Low progesterone in early pregnancy may indicate risk of miscarriage, allowing for potential progesterone supplementation therapy.
For fertility concerns, identifying ovulation patterns helps optimize conception timing and guide treatment decisions. Research shows that proper progesterone monitoring can significantly improve pregnancy outcomes in high-risk cases (ACOG 2023).
Related tests you may consider
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) Test, Quantitative - Provides pregnancy confirmation and complements progesterone testing for comprehensive early pregnancy assessment, particularly valuable for diagnosing ectopic pregnancies.
Pregnancy Progression Blood Test Panel - Detects and measures hCG and progesterone levels in the blood to help monitor pregnancy progression.
Fertility Hormone Blood Test Panel - Includes additional reproductive hormones like estradiol, AMH, FSH, and LH to provide complete reproductive health picture when progesterone abnormalities are detected.
