Progesterone Test
Reviewed
Also called: Serum progesterone, PGSN
A progesterone test measures the level of progesterone in a sample of your blood.
Specimen: blood
Why this test may be ordered
- Trouble getting pregnant (infertility)
- Monitoring fertility treatments
- Abnormal uterine bleeding when not pregnant
- Signs of low progesterone (irregular periods, hot flashes, trouble sleeping)
- Signs of high progesterone (vaginal dryness, bloating) when not pregnant
Preparation and collection
You usually don't need any other preparations for a progesterone test. In certain cases, you may need to know the first day of your last menstrual period. Your provider will tell you if you need to stop taking any medicines before the test. But never stop taking medicine unless your provider tells you.
A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. This usually takes less than five minutes.
There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.
Understanding results
Because progesterone levels change throughout your pregnancy and menstrual cycle, you may need to be tested several times.
- High progesterone levels (when not pregnant): High progesterone levels: When you're not pregnant may be linked to: A cyst on your ovaries. Adrenal gland problems, including adrenal gland cancer, or an inherited disorder called congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Limitation: Because progesterone levels change throughout your pregnancy and menstrual cycle, you may need to be tested several times. Next step: Your provider can explain what your test results say about your health.
- Higher than expected progesterone levels (when pregnant): Higher than expected progesterone levels when you are pregnant, may mean you're having two or more babies. High progesterone levels may also be a sign of a molar pregnancy, which is an abnormal growth of tissue in the uterus. Limitation: Because progesterone levels change throughout your pregnancy and menstrual cycle, you may need to be tested several times. Next step: Your provider can explain what your test results say about your health.
- Low progesterone levels (when not pregnant): Low progesterone levels: When you're not pregnant, may be linked to: Not ovulating normally. Not having a menstrual period (amenorrhea). Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition that causes missed periods and unpredictable ovulation. Limitation: Because progesterone levels change throughout your pregnancy and menstrual cycle, you may need to be tested several times. Next step: Your provider can explain what your test results say about your health.
- Low progesterone levels (when pregnant): When you're pregnant, may be linked to: Ectopic pregnancy. Miscarriage or a high risk of miscarriage. Limitation: Because progesterone levels change throughout your pregnancy and menstrual cycle, you may need to be tested several times. Next step: Your provider can explain what your test results say about your health.
- Progesterone levels change throughout the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, so you may need to be tested several times.
- Results must be interpreted in the context of your menstrual cycle timing, pregnancy status, and clinical history.
- This test alone does not diagnose all conditions; further testing and clinical evaluation are often needed.
What to do next
Your provider can explain what your test results say about your health. Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results.
- Why is this test being ordered for me?
- What do my results mean in my specific situation?
- Do I need any follow-up tests or appointments?
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.