Hormones system

Progesterone

A reproductive hormone that varies through the menstrual cycle and is essential to pregnancy.

What is it

Progesterone — in plain English.

Progesterone is produced primarily by the ovaries (corpus luteum) in the second half of the menstrual cycle. It supports endometrial preparation and maintains early pregnancy.

Why it's measured

What Progesterone can reveal.

Progesterone is important to fertility evaluation, menstrual cycle assessment, and perimenopausal hormone changes in research literature.

Reference range

Where most laboratories draw the standard line.

Standard laboratory reference

Cycle-dependent ng/mL

Reference ranges vary by laboratory. Your individual reference range will appear on your test report and should be interpreted by your physician in the context of your overall health profile.

What results may indicate

Higher vs. lower Progesterone — at a high level.

Elevated

Reflects ovulation in cycle-day-7-after-ovulation testing; pregnancy in other contexts.

Lower

In luteal phase, has been associated with anovulation in published research.

These associations are general. They are not a personal diagnosis or prediction. Discuss your individual results with your physician in the context of your full health profile.

When it's measured

When Progesterone is typically run.

Often measured on cycle day 21 (or ~7 days post-ovulation) to confirm ovulation.

Related markers

Often measured alongside Progesterone.

Common questions

Questions people ask about Progesterone

What is Progesterone?

Progesterone is produced primarily by the ovaries (corpus luteum) in the second half of the menstrual cycle. It supports endometrial preparation and maintains early pregnancy.

Why is Progesterone measured?

It's one of the markers used to build a fuller picture of your health. On its own it tells you very little, so it's most informative when reviewed alongside related markers.

How is Progesterone tested?

It's measured from a standard blood draw at Quest or LabCorp. Progesterone is one of the markers included in the OPTML Apex Panel, where your results are read across systems and reviewed by a U.S.-licensed physician.

What should I do with my Progesterone result?

Reference ranges vary by laboratory, and a single value rarely tells the whole story. Review your result with a physician in the context of your other markers, symptoms, and history.

Not sure which panel is right for you?

Progesterone is one signal among many. Answer a few quick questions and we’ll point you to the panel that fits.

Measured in

Progesterone is one of 160 biomarkers in the Apex Panel.

A complete look at your heart, hormones, metabolism, inflammation, and longevity systems — drawn at Quest or LabCorp, reviewed by a U.S.-licensed physician.

Find the right panel
160 biomarkers13 body systemsPhysician-reviewed
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This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Lab results alone are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition and do not replace the advice of a healthcare provider. OPTML does not offer medical advice, a diagnosis, medical treatment, or any form of medical opinion.

Weight-loss medication disclaimer

OPTML offers compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide, prescribed and overseen by U.S.-licensed physicians. Compounded drug products are not approved or evaluated for safety, effectiveness, or quality by the FDA. OPTML is not associated with, endorsed by, or affiliated with the manufacturers of FDA-approved branded weight-loss medications, and does not sell or supply those branded products. Anyone interested in an FDA-approved branded medication should consult a licensed healthcare provider or pharmacist. Individual results vary; no specific result is promised, and weight management requires ongoing medical guidance.

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