The Progesterone Test measures the level of progesterone, a hormone produced mainly by the ovaries (in women) and in smaller amounts by the adrenal glands (in both men and women). In pregnant women, the placenta also produces progesterone. This hormone plays a crucial role in regulating the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and pregnancy.
A doctor may order a Progesterone Test to:
✅ Confirm ovulation (in women trying to conceive)
✅ Monitor fertility treatments or hormone therapy
✅ Assess luteal phase defects (shortened second half of the menstrual cycle)
✅ Evaluate the risk of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy
✅ Monitor pregnancy health (especially in high-risk pregnancies)
✅ Diagnose adrenal gland disorders
✅ Check progesterone-producing tumors
| Phase | Normal Range (ng/mL) |
|---|---|
| Follicular Phase (Before Ovulation) | <1.5 ng/mL |
| Ovulation (Mid-Cycle) | 5 – 20 ng/mL |
| Luteal Phase (After Ovulation) | 10 – 25 ng/mL |
| Postmenopausal | <1.0 ng/mL |
| First Trimester (Early Pregnancy) | 11 – 44 ng/mL |
| Second Trimester | 25 – 83 ng/mL |
| Third Trimester | 58 – 214 ng/mL |
🔹 Normal range: 0.1 – 1.2 ng/mL
Progesterone plays a minor role in males, contributing to testosterone balance and sperm function.
| Progesterone Level | Possible Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Low (<10 ng/mL in luteal phase or pregnancy) | Ovulation may not have occurred, risk of miscarriage, or luteal phase defect |
| Normal (10-25 ng/mL in luteal phase) | Indicates successful ovulation |
| High (>25 ng/mL in luteal phase or very high in pregnancy) | May indicate pregnancy, ovarian cysts, or adrenal disorders |
🔻 Anovulation (Failure to Ovulate) – No egg is released, affecting fertility
🔻 Luteal Phase Defect – Insufficient progesterone production after ovulation
🔻 Ectopic Pregnancy – Progesterone does not rise normally
🔻 Miscarriage Risk – Low progesterone can lead to early pregnancy loss
🔻 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – Hormonal imbalance affecting ovulation
🔻 Menopause – Ovarian function declines, reducing progesterone production
🔺 Pregnancy – Normal during gestation
🔺 Ovarian Cysts or Tumors – Can produce excess progesterone
🔺 Adrenal Gland Disorders – Such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)
🔺 Hormone Therapy – Use of progesterone-based medications
🔬 Additional Tests May Be Ordered:
💊 Treatment & Management: