Home › Lab tests › Progesterone

Progesterone

Hormones & Fertility · also called P4

What it measures

Progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum after ovulation and later by the placenta. A mid-luteal level is used to confirm ovulation and to support assessment of early pregnancy.

Specimen and preparation

Specimen: Serum or lithium-heparin plasma
Tube: Gold top
Preparation: For ovulation check, collect about 7 days before the expected period (day 21 of a 28-day cycle).

Reference range

Group	Range
Female, follicular phase	<1.0 ng/mL
Female, mid-luteal	5–20 ng/mL
Pregnancy, 1st trimester	11–44 ng/mL
Adult male	0.2–1.4 ng/mL

Reference ranges differ between laboratories, methods and populations. Always use the range printed on your own lab report.

Causes of high values

Ovulation and luteal phase
Pregnancy (multiple pregnancy higher)
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Progesterone therapy

Causes of low values

Anovulation
Threatened miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy
Luteal phase defect

Method

Chemiluminescent immunoassay

Good to know

A mid-luteal value above 3–5 ng/mL generally confirms ovulation.

📱 Practise with a timer, track your score and earn certificates in the free MLT Globe app – Google Play or practise online.