Progesterone, Serum Concentration
This test measures the amount of progesterone, a hormone produced by the ovaries, in your blood serum. It helps assess reproductive health, especially during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or hormone-related conditions.
["Progesterone levels can indicate fertility, pregnancy, or hormonal imbalances."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 14890-8
- Short code
- Progest SerPl-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Progest SerPl-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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 Done?
A serum progesterone test may be ordered to evaluate menstrual cycle irregularities, diagnose infertility, check for pregnancy (early or ectopic), or monitor hormone therapy. It’s often taken during specific phases of the menstrual cycle or pregnancy to track hormone fluctuations.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but your doctor may advise timing the test around your menstrual cycle (e.g., mid-luteal phase) or pregnancy stage. Avoid smoking or alcohol 24 hours before testing if instructed.
What Happens During the Test
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, typically in your arm. You may feel a slight pinch, but it’s quick and painless. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis.
What the Results Mean
Results provide a quantitative measure of progesterone concentration in your blood. While reference ranges vary by lab, they help identify whether your hormone levels are within expected ranges for your cycle stage or condition.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Progesterone plays a critical role in reproductive health, including ovulation support, preparing the uterine lining for pregnancy, and maintaining early pregnancy. Abnormal levels may signal conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), ovarian dysfunction, or miscarriage risk.
Short name
Serum Progesterone
Frequently asked questions
Why did my doctor recommend this test?
What do my results indicate?
Can I adjust my diet or lifestyle before the 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