Progesterone, Serum (Concentration)
This test measures the amount of progesterone, a hormone produced mainly by the ovaries, in your blood. Progesterone plays a key role in regulating the menstrual cycle and supporting pregnancy.
["Progesterone levels help diagnose fertility issues, monitor ovulation, or check hormone imbalances."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 47187-0
- Short code
- Progest 45M p chal SerPl-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Progest 45M p chal SerPl-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 4.5
- Ref high
- 12
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 84436
- SNOMED
- 302345006
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Might This Test Be Ordered?
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you're experiencing irregular menstrual periods, trouble getting pregnant, symptoms of hormonal imbalances, or if you’re undergoing fertility treatments. It can also help assess conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or evaluate ovarian function.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the draw if your lab requires it. Wear a comfortable shirt for easy access to your arm.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will insert a small needle into a vein in your arm to collect a blood sample. You may feel a slight pinch, but it typically only takes a few minutes. The blood is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What Does the Test Result Mean?
Results are compared to a general reference range to help identify whether your hormone levels are within normal limits or if further evaluation is needed. Your provider will discuss the results with you in the context of your health.
Reference range
Adult: 4.5-12.0 μg/dLN/A
Take your thyroid medication after the blood draw if applicable. No fasting required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Progesterone levels can indicate ovulation timing, help diagnose conditions like luteal phase deficiency (which may affect fertility), or signal hormonal disorders. Low levels might suggest issues with ovulation or ovarian function, while high levels could be seen in pregnancy or certain tumors. Always interpret results with your healthcare provider’s guidance.
Short name
Serum Progesterone
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get this test?
What are common reasons for abnormal results?
Can lifestyle changes affect progesterone levels?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy