A reproductive hormone that varies through the menstrual cycle and is essential to pregnancy.
What is it
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
Progesterone is important to fertility evaluation, menstrual cycle assessment, and perimenopausal hormone changes in research literature.
Reference range
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
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
Often measured on cycle day 21 (or ~7 days post-ovulation) to confirm ovulation.
Related markers
Common questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
Progesterone is one signal among many. Answer a few quick questions and we’ll point you to the panel that fits.
Measured in
A complete look at your heart, hormones, metabolism, inflammation, and longevity systems — drawn at Quest or LabCorp, reviewed by a U.S.-licensed physician.
Explore the Apex Panel →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.