Progesterone, Serum (Concentration)
This test measures the amount of progesterone, a hormone produced by the ovaries, in your blood. Progesterone plays a key role in regulating the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and other reproductive functions.
["Progesterone levels help assess fertility, monitor ovulation, or evaluate hormonal imbalances."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 12819-9
- Short code
- Progest sp6 p chal SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Progest sp6 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 Might This Test Be Ordered?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for ovulation, diagnose hormonal disorders, evaluate fertility issues, or monitor conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or pregnancy-related hormonal changes. It can also be used during fertility treatments or to assess complications in pregnancy.
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 blood draw if your test involves a specific timing (e.g., mid-luteal phase). Wear comfortable clothing and plan to rest after the draw.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. The process is quick and typically painless. You may feel a slight pinch, but the area will numb quickly. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What Are Possible Results?
Results are expressed in mass concentration units (e.g., ng/mL or pmol/L) and will be compared to your healthcare provider’s reference ranges. These can vary by lab and individual health status.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Progesterone levels can indicate ovulation (peaking mid-cycle), pregnancy (rising during early pregnancy), or hormonal imbalances (e.g., low levels may suggest ovulation disorders or adrenal issues). Abnormal results may prompt further evaluation, including additional tests or imaging.
Short name
Serum Progesterone
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
What does a low progesterone level mean?
Can diet or supplements 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