Progesterone, Serum (Total)
This test measures the total amount of progesterone hormone in your blood. Progesterone is important for reproductive health, especially during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
["Progesterone levels help track fertility, ovulation, and potential pregnancy readiness."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 38503-9
- Short code
- Sperm Prog 3 NFr Smn
- Synonyms
- Sperm Prog 3 NFr Smn
- 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 reproductive health, diagnose fertility issues, check for hormonal imbalances, or monitor conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis. It can also be used during pregnancy to assess early development or rule out complications.
What Does a Progesterone Test Tell You?
Progesterone levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Low levels may indicate problems with ovulation or egg release, while abnormal spikes could signal conditions like ovarian cysts or hormonal disorders. During pregnancy, consistent progesterone supports a healthy pregnancy.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. You may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test, but this depends on your provider’s instructions. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis and typically processed within hours.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is always required, but your provider may advise fasting, avoiding certain medications, or timing the test around your menstrual cycle if it’s for fertility evaluation. Always follow their guidance to ensure accurate results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Progesterone plays a critical role in preparing the uterus for pregnancy, maintaining early pregnancy, and regulating the menstrual cycle. Abnormal levels can affect fertility, menstrual irregularities, or pregnancy outcomes. This test helps diagnose underlying hormonal imbalances or conditions that may impact reproductive health.
Short name
Serum Progesterone
Frequently asked questions
When might I need this test?
What do my results mean?
Can I eat or drink before 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