📅 Last Updated: April 2026 | 🩺 Medically Reviewed by: Edward Salko, D.O., Medical Director | 🧪 Lab Partner: Labcorp
Also Known As
PGSN
Purpose of the Progesterone Blood Test
Female hormone testing is an important tool for tracking fertility. Progesterone is a hormone produced in the ovaries that is vital to the menstrual cycle and supports pregnancy and fetal growth. A test of progesterone helps:
- Determine the cause of infertility
- Track ovulation
- Diagnose a failing pregnancy
- Determine the causes of abnormal uterine bleeding
- Monitors an expecting mother’s health as well as therapy associated with progesterone replacement
What Does the Test for Progesterone Measure?
Progesterone testing measures the level of this hormone in your blood.
Who Should Take a Progesterone Lab Test?
Women having difficulty conceiving can get valuable information from a test for progesterone. This test can be part of infertility work-ups or ovarian function tests. It may also be used by women undergoing infertility therapy as a way to monitor their treatment.
Progesterone Testing Preparation
You don’t need to do any special preparation for the blood draw.
Progesterone Test Results
High levels of progesterone are one indicator of a possible pregnancy. However, elevated progesterone may also be a sign of potential health issues, including cysts or ovarian cancer, or a problem with the adrenal glands. A progesterone deficiency may cause miscarriage and infertility. You should discuss any abnormal results, low or high, with a physician. You may also need more prenatal testing to pinpoint your fertility issues.
Progesterone Normal Ranges — What Your Results Mean
| Group | Normal Range | Clinical Meaning |
|—|—|—|
| Women — Follicular Phase | 0.1–0.9 ng/mL | Pre-ovulation baseline — low is normal |
| Women — Ovulatory Phase | 1.0–12.0 ng/mL | Rising as ovulation approaches |
| Women — Mid-Luteal (Day 21) | Above 10 ng/mL | Confirms ovulation occurred |
| Women — Postmenopausal | Below 0.20 ng/mL | Low estrogen state |
| Pregnancy (1st Trimester) | 11–90 ng/mL | Rising rapidly — low levels risk miscarriage |
| Men | 0.2–1.4 ng/mL | Adrenal precursor hormone |
| Women on HRT | Varies by formulation | Monitor per protocol |
The Most Important Use of Progesterone Testing — Confirming Ovulation
Progesterone testing on day 21 of a 28-day cycle is the standard clinical method to confirm ovulation occurred. A mid-luteal progesterone above 10 ng/mL confirms ovulation. Below 10 ng/mL on day 21 suggests anovulation — no egg was released
— which is a primary cause of unexplained infertility.
Why day 21 specifically: ovulation typically occurs on day 14. Progesterone rises sharply after ovulation as the empty follicle becomes the corpus luteum. It peaks approximately 7 days post-ovulation — which is day 21 in a textbook 28-day cycle.
For women with irregular cycles, the test should be done 7 days before the expected next period rather than on a fixed day 21 — because the luteal phase is always 14 days from ovulation regardless of total cycle length.
Luteal phase defect — progesterone between 3 and 10 ng/mL on day 21 despite ovulation occurring suggests inadequate corpus luteum function. This is a recognized cause of recurrent early miscarriage. Progesterone supplementation during the luteal phase is the standard treatment.
Women on bioidentical or synthetic progesterone should test 6-8 weeks after starting or adjusting therapy to confirm therapeutic levels.
Reviewed by Edward Salko, D.O., Medical Director, Personalabs
Where Can I Get a Progesterone Blood Test Done Near Me?
Getting a progesterone lab test is simple with Personalabs. It can be done in just a few easy steps:
- Visit the fertility test section of our site and select the progesterone test. Once you’ve purchased the test, download the lab order. (Note: You may not need a doctor to approve testing, depending on the state where you live.)
- Schedule your blood draw. We have 4,000-plus labs across the country for you to choose from, so you can find a location that’s convenient for you.
- Arrive at the facility for your progesterone test, bringing the lab order with you.
- Receive the results report (typically within 2 to 10 business days) at your private Personalabs portal.
Our fertility tests are part of our comprehensive collection of women’s health tests designed to empower you and give you control over your healthcare decisions. Shop all of our lab tests online today.
Frequently Asked Questions: Progesterone Blood Test
What is a normal progesterone level on day 21?
Progesterone above 10 ng/mL on day 21 of a 28-day cycle confirms ovulation occurred. Levels below 10 ng/mL suggest anovulation or luteal phase defect. Some fertility specialists use a higher threshold of above 15 ng/mL to confirm adequate luteal function. For women with irregular cycles test 7 days before the expected next period rather than on a fixed day 21.
What does low progesterone cause?
Low progesterone in the luteal phase — called luteal phase defect — is associated with difficulty conceiving, irregular periods, premenstrual spotting, and recurrent early miscarriage. Symptoms include short cycles (under 25 days), spotting 1-2 days before period, anxiety, poor sleep, and PMS. Progesterone supplementation during the luteal phase is the standard clinical treatment.
When should I get a progesterone test?
For ovulation confirmation — day 21 of a 28-day cycle, or 7 days before your expected next period if your cycle is irregular. For early pregnancy monitoring — repeat testing every 2-3 days to confirm levels are rising appropriately. For HRT monitoring — 6-8 weeks after starting or adjusting progesterone therapy. Available through Personalabs without a doctor’s visit.
Do I need to fast for a progesterone blood test?
No fasting required for a progesterone test. Timing within your cycle matters more than fasting. Test on day 21 for ovulation confirmation. Available through Personalabs without a doctor’s visit — results in 24 to 48 hours.
