What is this test?
The test measures progesterone, a hormone that changes throughout the menstrual cycle and plays an important role in ovulation and maintaining pregnancy.
Why might it be ordered?
- To assess whether ovulation has occurred with an irregular cycle or difficulty conceiving.
- For monitoring at selected stages of pregnancy or during hormone treatment when requested by your clinician.
What sample is needed?
A healthcare professional collects a venous blood sample. Depending on the method, the laboratory uses serum or plasma.
How should you prepare?
The day of the menstrual cycle matters. Confirm when the sample should be collected and report pregnancy or hormone treatment. Tell the laboratory about all medicines, hormone treatments, vitamins and supplements you take. Do not stop or change treatment unless your clinician tells you to. Follow any instructions about fasting and the time of collection.
How should you understand the result?
The expected range depends strongly on the day of the cycle, ovulation, pregnancy and any hormone treatment. Your result is interpreted using the reference interval on the laboratory report and in the context of your symptoms, medical history and other test findings.
Sources and editorial status
This patient-facing text is an editorial draft. It should be approved by a laboratory physician before official publication.