Progesterone, Serum (Concentration)
This test measures the amount of progesterone, a hormone produced mainly by the ovaries, in your blood. It helps assess reproductive health, fertility, and potential hormone-related conditions.
["Progesterone levels can guide treatment for menstrual irregularities, pregnancy support, or hormone-related disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 12818-1
- Short code
- Progest sp5 p chal SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Progest sp5 p chal SerPl-mCnc
- 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
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to evaluate ovulation, diagnose conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), check for pregnancy complications, or monitor hormone therapy. It’s also used in fertility treatments or to assess hormonal imbalances during menstrual cycles.
When Might You Need This Test?
You might need this test if you have irregular periods, symptoms of hormonal imbalances (like heavy bleeding or missed periods), suspected pregnancy complications, or if you’re undergoing fertility treatments. It could also be part of routine monitoring for certain reproductive health conditions.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but your provider may advise timing it around your menstrual cycle (e.g., mid-luteal phase for ovulation assessment). Avoid alcohol or certain medications that could affect results for 24 hours before testing.
What Happens During the Test?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, typically in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis. The process takes about 15 minutes, and you can resume normal activities afterward.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Progesterone levels help diagnose ovulation disorders, evaluate pregnancy viability, assess hormone-related symptoms, and guide treatment for conditions like endometriosis or menopause. Low levels may indicate issues with ovulation or luteal phase defects, while elevated levels could signal tumors or other hormonal imbalances.
Short name
Serum Progesterone
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
What do abnormal results mean?
Can diet or supplements affect 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