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Progesterone

Progesterone too high or too low: what your level says about ovulation

Q: When is the best time to test progesterone?

Progesterone is typically tested about 7 days after ovulation, during the mid-luteal phase. Your healthcare provider can help determine the optimal timing based on your cycle length.

Q: Can progesterone confirm ovulation?

Yes, elevated progesterone during the luteal phase is one of the most reliable indicators that ovulation has occurred. Low levels may suggest anovulation.

Q: Do men also produce progesterone?

Yes, men produce small amounts of progesterone in the adrenal glands and testes. It serves as a precursor for testosterone and cortisol and plays a supporting role in male hormonal balance.

Progesterone is a cornerstone of women's reproductive health, essential for ovulation confirmation, cycle regularity, and pregnancy support. Monitoring progesterone empowers you to understand your hormonal patterns and fertility.

Doctor's Assessment Included

Reference Ranges

Reference ranges by group, in nmol/l
Sex	Cycle phase	Menopausal status	Reference range (nmol/l)	Relative scale
Female	· Follicular	· —	< 0,62 nmol/l	0,62
Female	· Ovulatory	· —	0,18–13,2 nmol/l	0,18 13,2
Female	· Luteal	· —	13,1–46,3 nmol/l	13,1 46,3
Female	· —	· Postmenopausal	< 0,4 nmol/l	0,4

0,18 46,3 nmol/l

Bijsluiterwaarde: 5e-95e percentiel per subgroep (n = 147 mannen; 142 postmenopauzaal; 85 folliculair; 81 ovulatie; 85 luteaal). Waarden onder de detectiegrens van de test (0,159 nmol/l) worden gerapporteerd als "< 0,159"; bij mannen, postmenopauzale vrouwen en in de folliculaire fase ligt het 5e percentiel daaronder, dus is er geen ondergrens. Het tijdstip van prikken bepaalt de uitslag: een midluteale progesteronbepaling hoort ongeveer 7 dagen voor de verwachte menstruatie (cycluslengte min 7 dagen), niet op een vaste dag 21 — bij een cyclus van 35 dagen is dag 21 nog folliculair. Vlak voor de menstruatie daalt progesteron weer. Een hormoonreferentiewaarde is assay-specifiek; deze waarden gelden voor de Roche Elecsys-methode.

Source: Roche Diagnostics Reference population: Roche referentiecohort (Elecsys Progesterone III bijsluiter)

Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. When you order a test, a BIG-registered doctor assesses your personal results in context. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Check your own value

Progesterone: what this test measures

Whether progesterone is too high or too low depends entirely on your cycle day. In the follicular phase it remains under 0.62 nmol/l. Around ovulation it climbs to 13.2 nmol/l. In the luteal phase, after ovulation, it belongs between 13.1 and 46.3 nmol/l.

After menopause progesterone stays below 0.4 nmol/l. For the follicular phase and after menopause no lower bound is set. The assay simply cannot detect levels that low. If you are pregnant these bands do not apply, because progesterone rises much higher then.

This test measures how much progesterone circulates in your blood. The corpus luteum produces this hormone once you have ovulated. So draw your sample about seven days before your expected period. A fixed day 21 only fits a 28-day cycle.

Progesterone comes in pulses, so one borderline value says very little. Your doctor will repeat the test on a better chosen day. On hormonal contraception the level stays low because ovulation does not occur.

Progesterone: why this value matters

For women, progesterone is vital for maintaining the uterine lining, supporting early pregnancy, and balancing estrogen. Tracking progesterone across your cycle can help identify conditions like luteal phase deficiency and support fertility planning.

Progesterone: how to prepare

Do you have a cycle? Pick the right day
Required

If you have a menstrual cycle, have the draw 7 days before your next expected period; if that cycle is irregular, repeat weekly until your period starts. Without a cycle, any day works.

Water is always fine. Drink as usual beforehand, it makes the draw easier.
Take your usual medication, unless your own doctor told you otherwise.

Progesterone: when is testing worthwhile?

Testing is typically recommended during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, about 7 days after expected ovulation. It may also be requested during early pregnancy or when investigating irregular cycles or infertility.

Progesterone: symptoms of a high or low value

Low Levels

Some people with low progesterone may experience irregular or heavy periods, spotting before periods, difficulty conceiving, mood changes, or sleep disturbances. Low progesterone may also be associated with early pregnancy complications.

High Levels

Elevated progesterone levels may be associated with bloating, breast tenderness, mood changes, or drowsiness. High levels outside of pregnancy could sometimes suggest ovarian cysts or adrenal conditions.

Progesterone: what to do about an abnormal value

Female

If Low

Low progesterone may indicate luteal phase defect, anovulation, or early pregnancy complications. Consider consultation with a gynecologist or fertility specialist.

If High

High progesterone is normal during pregnancy. Outside pregnancy, it may indicate ovarian cysts or adrenal disorders. Consult with your healthcare provider.

Progesterone: lifestyle and this value

Maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, and ensuring adequate sleep may support healthy progesterone levels. Some nutrients such as vitamin B6, zinc, and magnesium are often associated with progesterone support. Consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

Progesterone: frequently asked questions

When is the best time to test progesterone?

Progesterone is typically tested about 7 days after ovulation, during the mid-luteal phase. Your healthcare provider can help determine the optimal timing based on your cycle length.

Can progesterone confirm ovulation?

Yes, elevated progesterone during the luteal phase is one of the most reliable indicators that ovulation has occurred. Low levels may suggest anovulation.

Do men also produce progesterone?

Yes, men produce small amounts of progesterone in the adrenal glands and testes. It serves as a precursor for testosterone and cortisol and plays a supporting role in male hormonal balance.

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Test Products

This marker is included in the following test panels.

Hormones & Cycle

Progesterone Test

A progesterone test measures your progesterone level in the luteal phase, around day 21 of your cycle. No referral needed.

Progesterone

€69,-

Hormones & Cycle

Ovulation Confirmation

Day 21 progesterone test that may indicate ovulation, a commonly recommended test.

Progesterone

€69,-

Hormones

Hormones Women

A hormone test for women measures FSH, LH, estradiol, progesterone and prolactin. Together these five values make a hormonal imbalance visible.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone) Prolactin FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) Progesterone Estradiol (E2)

€139,-

Fertility & Pregnancy

IVF Blood Test Complete (Women)

Everything in the IVF panel plus full thyroid, preconception nutrients, progesterone and CMV immunity.

TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Prolactin AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) Estradiol (E2) FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) LH (Luteinizing Hormone) Free T4 (Thyroxine) Folate (Folic Acid) Vitamin B12 Ferritin Progesterone Vitamin D (25-OH) Chlamydia IgG HIV 1/2 Antibody + p24 Antigen Syphilis Screening Blood Type + Rh TPO Antibodies CMV IgG Hepatitis B Core Antibody Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Hepatitis C Antibody Rubella IgG Toxoplasmosis IgG Varicella Zoster D-Dimer Basic Blood Count

€495,-