Health Information

Progesterone

Results

A progesterone test measures the amount of the Reference hormone Opens New Window progesterone in a blood sample.

Results are usually available within 24 hours.

Normal

The normal values listed here—called a reference range—are just a guide. These ranges vary from lab to lab, and your lab may have a different range for what’s 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** ^{Reference 1}
Days 1–14:	Less than 1 Reference nanogram per milliliter (ng/mL) Opens New Window or 0.5–2.3 Reference nanomoles per liter (nmol/L) Opens New Window
Days 15–28:	2–25 ng/mL or 6.4–79.5 nmol/L

**Progesterone levels during pregnancy** ^{Reference 1}
1st Reference trimester Opens New Window:	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** ^{Reference 1}
Normal:	Less than 1 ng/mL or less than 3.2 nmol/L

**Progesterone levels after menopause** ^{Reference 2}
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 values

High progesterone values may be caused by:

Pregnancy.
Cancer of the ovaries or adrenal glands.
A Reference molar pregnancy Opens New Window.
Overproduction of hormones by the Reference adrenal glands Opens New Window.

Low values

Low progesterone values may be caused by:

Problems with Reference ovulation Opens New Window.
Possible miscarriage.

By:	Reference Healthwise Staff	Last Revised: Reference May 18, 2011
Medical Review:	Reference Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine Reference Femi Olatunbosun, MB, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology