What do the results of a progesterone test mean?

A progesterone test measures the amount of the hormone progesterone in a blood sample.

Results are usually available within 24 hours.

The normal values listed here%u2014called a reference range%u2014are just a guide. These ranges vary from lab to lab, and your lab may have a different range for what%u2019s normal. Your lab report should contain the range your lab uses. Also, your doctor will evaluate your results based on your health and other factors. This means that a value that falls outside the normal values listed here may still be normal for you or your lab.

Progesterone levels during the menstrual cycle:

• Days 1 to 14: Less than 1 nanogram per milliliter (ng/mL) or 0.5–2.3 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L)
• Days 15 to 28: 2–25 ng/mL or 6.4–79.5 nmol/L

• 1st trimester :   10–44 ng/mL or 32.6–140 nmol/L
• 2nd trimester: 19.5–82.5 ng/mL or 62–262 nmol/L
• 3rd trimester: 65–290 ng/mL or 206.7–728 nmol/L

Progesterone levels in men:

Normal:

• Less than 1 ng/mL or less than 3.2 nmol/L

Progesterone levels after menopause:

• Normal: Less than 1.0 ng/mL or less than 2 nmol/L

Many conditions can change progesterone levels. Your doctor will discuss any significant abnormal results with you in relation to your symptoms and past health.

High progesterone values may be caused by:

• Pregnancy.
• Cancer of the ovaries or adrenal glands.
• A molar pregnancy.
• Overproduction of hormones by the adrenal glands.

Low progesterone values may be caused by:

• Problems with ovulation.
• Possible miscarriage.