Progesterone, Serum or Plasma Concentration
This test measures the amount of progesterone, a hormone produced mainly by the ovaries, in your blood. Progesterone helps regulate your menstrual cycle and is crucial during pregnancy.
["Progesterone levels help track ovulation, monitor fertility treatments, or diagnose hormonal imbalances."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 99390-7
- Short code
- Progest Ovarian asp-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Progest Ovarian asp-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 86038
- 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 This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you’re experiencing irregular menstrual periods, trying to conceive, or managing conditions like endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or pregnancy complications. It can also be used during fertility treatments to check hormone levels.
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 test if serum is required. If you’re taking oral medications that affect hormones, let your provider know. Avoid smoking or excessive caffeine before the draw.
What Happens During the Test
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis. The test typically takes less than 24 hours to complete, depending on lab processing times.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to a reference range specific to your age, menstrual cycle phase (if applicable), and health status. Low levels may indicate ovulation issues, while high levels could signal pregnancy, ovarian tumors, or other conditions. Your provider will interpret results in the context of your overall health.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Progesterone Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes abnormal progesterone levels?
How often should I get this test?
Can diet or lifestyle 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