Progesterone Levels Test

What is progesterone?

Apart from estrogen, progesterone¹ is the other primary sex hormone in females. It plays a role in both menstruation and pregnancy.

Here’s how: The progesterone levels increase after ovulation, aka during the luteal phase. It thickens the uterine lining to support a potential pregnancy. Next, everything depends on whether or not the egg released during ovulation gets fertilized.

• No fertilisation? Means no pregnancy. Progesterone levels will drop, and you’ll get your period.

• Egg fertilised? Progesterone levels will further rise to maintain the uterine lining for embryo nourishment.

Who needs a progesterone levels test?

Progesterone testing can help determine fertility and pregnancy issues, and you may need it if:

• You are finding it difficult to get pregnant.

• You are undergoing fertility treatment and need routine monitoring.

• You are pregnant, and doctors need to assess the health of your pregnancy and the risk of miscarriage or other pregnancy complications.

• Your doctor suspects an ectopic pregnancy, meaning the fertilised egg is growing outside the uterus.

What is the normal progesterone range?

The normal range of progesterone levels in a regular menstrual cycle is approximately 0.5-20 ng/mL.

Note: Progesterone levels are different during every phase of the menstrual cycle. They are lowest during the follicular phase and highest around seven days after ovulation. Hence, when analyzing the progesterone test results, it’s essential to consider the phase you were in during the blood test.

What do the progesterone test results mean?

Consistently higher or lower than normal levels of progesterone in your blood may be associated with various health complications. The interpretation of results can vary depending on whether or not you are pregnant.

Test timing	What high progesterone may mean	What low progesterone may mean
You are not pregnant	Increased risk of breast cancer Ovarian cysts Rare type of ovarian tumours Adrenal gland problems	Amenorrhea Decreased function of ovaries Hypothyroidism Hyperprolactinemia Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
You are pregnant	Having two or more babies	Miscarriage or a high risk of miscarriage Premature labour

How much does a progesterone test cost?

In India, the price of a progesterone lab test ranges between ₹500 and ₹1,310.

Note: The price of the test may vary depending on your location and the lab you choose.

References

1. Cable JK, Grider MH. Physiology, progesterone.