Progesterone level (serum/plasma)
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, pregnancy, and other reproductive functions.
["Progesterone helps prepare the uterus for pregnancy and supports early pregnancy until the placenta takes over hormone production."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 64662-0
- Short code
- Progesterone pattern use PhenX
- Synonyms
- Progesterone pattern use PhenX
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.1
- Ref high
- 20
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- phenx
- CPT
- 84144
- 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
When Is This Test Ordered?
Doctors may order this test to evaluate reproductive health, diagnose fertility issues, check for hormonal imbalances, or monitor conditions like endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or pregnancy complications. It can also be used during ovulation tracking or before certain fertility treatments.
What Does a Low or High Progesterone Level Indicate?
Low levels may suggest issues like ovarian dysfunction, early menopause, or problems with ovulation. High levels could indicate conditions like ovarian tumors, pregnancy complications (such as molar pregnancy), or certain hormonal therapies.
How Is This Test Performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is then sent to a lab where it is analyzed to measure progesterone concentration using an immunoassay method.
What Are Common Reasons for Testing?
Common reasons include assessing fertility, diagnosing menstrual irregularities, evaluating symptoms of hormonal disorders, or monitoring pregnancy-related conditions. It may also be part of a broader evaluation for unexplained infertility or recurrent miscarriages.
Reference range
Follicular: 0.1-1.5 ng/mL; Luteal: 2-20 ng/mLN/A
For females: inform if menstrual cycle status. For certain tests, timing within menstrual cycle may matter.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Serum/plasma progesterone
Frequently asked questions
Why might my doctor recommend this test?
What do my results mean?
How often should I get this test?
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