Progesterone Test
Reviewed
Also called: Serum progesterone, PGSN
A progesterone test measures the level of progesterone in a blood sample. Progesterone is a hormone made mainly by the ovaries that prepares the uterus for pregnancy and helps maintain a healthy pregnancy. The test is used to evaluate ovulation, fertility treatment response, pregnancy health, risk of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, abnormal uterine bleeding, and certain ovarian or adrenal gland disorders.
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 special preparation. 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. 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. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. 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
The meaning of your test results depends on why you were tested, where you were in your menstrual cycle when your blood sample was taken, and whether or not you're pregnant. Your provider can explain what your test results say about your health.
- High progesterone levels (when not pregnant): May be linked to a cyst on the ovaries, ovarian cancer, or adrenal gland problems including adrenal gland cancer or congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Limitation: These are possible associations; further evaluation by your healthcare provider is needed. Next step: Prompt
- Higher than expected progesterone levels (when pregnant): May mean you're having two or more babies. May also be a sign of a molar pregnancy (abnormal growth of tissue in the uterus that must be removed). Limitation: Molar pregnancy is a serious condition that requires medical attention. Next step: Prompt
- Low progesterone levels (when not pregnant): May be linked to not ovulating normally, not having a menstrual period (amenorrhea), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), high stress, perimenopause, or low cholesterol. Limitation: These are possible associations; further evaluation by your healthcare provider is needed. Next step: Routine
- Low progesterone levels (when pregnant): May be linked to ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage or a high risk of miscarriage, or pre-eclampsia. Limitation: Ectopic pregnancy can be a medical emergency. Miscarriage risk and pre-eclampsia require prompt evaluation. Next step: Urgent
- 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 and recommend any necessary follow-up.
- 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?