Progesterone
hormoneA prescription hormone that protects the uterine lining during estrogen therapy and supports fertility treatment.
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Lab test
What is a progesterone test, and what are normal progesterone levels?
A progesterone test measures the hormone that prepares the uterus for pregnancy, made mainly by the ovaries after ovulation. It is used to check whether ovulation occurred, to look into infertility and to monitor some pregnancies. ARUP Laboratories lists up to 25.55 ng/mL on days 16 to 28 of the menstrual cycle and 6.25 to 45.46 in the first trimester.
What does the progesterone test measure?
Progesterone is a hormone made mainly by the ovaries. In the second half of the menstrual cycle, after an ovary releases an egg, progesterone rises to prepare the uterus for pregnancy. MedlinePlus
Why is the progesterone test ordered?
- To help show whether low progesterone is causing infertility, and to check whether fertility treatment is working. MedlinePlus
- To help assess miscarriage risk or an ectopic pregnancy, and to monitor a high-risk pregnancy. MedlinePlus
- To help find the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding or an adrenal gland problem. MedlinePlus
What are typical progesterone ranges?
ARUP Laboratories publishes progesterone limits by day of the menstrual cycle and by trimester. ARUP Laboratories
Reference ranges differ between laboratories and testing methods, and many also differ by age, sex, pregnancy or the phase of the menstrual cycle. The range printed on your own report is the one that applies to your result, and a clinician interprets it alongside your history.
| Group | Reference interval |
|---|---|
| Menstrual cycle days 1 to 6 | 0.17 ng/mL or less |
| Menstrual cycle days 7 to 12 | 1.35 ng/mL or less |
| Menstrual cycle days 13 to 15 | 15.63 ng/mL or less |
| Menstrual cycle days 16 to 28 | 25.55 ng/mL or less |
| Postmenopausal | 0.10 ng/mL or less |
| Pregnancy, 1st trimester | 6.25 to 45.46 ng/mL |
| Pregnancy, 2nd trimester | 15.40 to 52.10 ng/mL |
What can affect progesterone results?
- Results depend on where you were in the menstrual cycle when blood was taken and whether you are pregnant, so you may need to know the first day of your last period. MedlinePlus
- Because levels change through the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, you may need to be tested several times. MedlinePlus
When should you talk to a clinician about a progesterone result?
- Never stop a medicine before the test unless your provider tells you to; ask them what your result means for your situation. MedlinePlus
- An ectopic pregnancy can be a medical emergency, so symptoms in early pregnancy need prompt medical care whatever a test has shown. MedlinePlus
DiscoverMedica explains what a test measures and what named sources publish. It does not interpret individual results; the clinician who ordered your test, or one you choose, does.
Where can you get a progesterone test?
A clinician can order it as part of routine or follow-up care. Some services also let you order lab tests yourself; check that a service’s panel includes this marker, which laboratory runs it, and who reviews the result with you.
- Function HealthAnnual membership for broad lab panels, drawn at Quest sites or at home.
- Quest HealthOrder individual lab tests from Quest Diagnostics online, without a doctor’s visit.
Progesterone Test: questions, answered
What is a normal progesterone level?
It depends on the day of the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. ARUP Laboratories lists 0.17 ng/mL or less on days 1 to 6 and up to 25.55 ng/mL on days 16 to 28 for adult women, 0.10 or less after menopause, and 6.25 to 45.46 ng/mL in the first trimester.
When should progesterone be tested?
Progesterone rises after ovulation, in the second half of the menstrual cycle, so the clinician ordering it chooses the day based on the question. MedlinePlus notes you may need to know the first day of your last period and may need several tests. ARUP’s ranges by day of the menstrual cycle show how much the expected level changes.
Is a progesterone test used in pregnancy?
Yes. MedlinePlus lists checking miscarriage risk, helping diagnose an ectopic pregnancy and monitoring a high-risk pregnancy among its uses. ARUP publishes separate ranges for each trimester. Results in pregnancy are interpreted by the clinician caring for it. Ask that clinician what a result means for you.
Sources
Last reviewed October 7, 2026. Every source above was checked on or before that date. Educational information only, not medical advice; it does not replace a conversation with a licensed clinician. DiscoverMedica does not employ clinicians.
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