What It Measures
A progesterone blood test measures the level of the hormone progesterone in the bloodstream. In women, it confirms whether ovulation has occurred, monitors pregnancy health, and helps evaluate causes of abnormal uterine bleeding or infertility. In men, it serves as a precursor hormone and can reflect adrenal function.
Progesterone is a steroid hormone produced primarily by the ovaries (corpus luteum) in women and in smaller amounts by the adrenal glands in both sexes and the testes in men. It plays a critical role in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy maintenance, and embryo implantation, and also influences mood, sleep, bone density, and cardiovascular health.
Current Value
What High Means
Elevated progesterone in women may indicate pregnancy, ovarian cysts, a molar pregnancy, congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), or certain ovarian tumors. In non-pregnant women, persistently high levels outside the luteal phase can signal adrenal overproduction or exogenous progesterone use. In men, elevated progesterone may indicate adrenal hyperplasia, testicular tumors, or use of progesterone-containing medications, and has been associated with inhibition of 5-alpha reductase activity.
Possible Symptoms
Bloating, breast tenderness, drowsiness and fatigue, mood swings, dizziness, water retention, decreased libido (in men), weight gain.
What Low Means
Low progesterone in women is associated with anovulation, luteal phase deficiency, threatened miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and estrogen dominance. It is a common contributor to infertility, irregular periods, and PMS symptoms. In men, low progesterone may contribute to estrogen dominance, reduced libido, and increased conversion of testosterone to DHT. Low levels in both sexes can impair GABA receptor activity, contributing to anxiety and insomnia.
Possible Symptoms
Irregular or absent periods, heavy menstrual bleeding, difficulty conceiving, recurrent early miscarriage, anxiety and irritability, insomnia or disrupted sleep, headaches and migraines (especially premenstrual), low libido, mood swings, hot flashes, brain fog.
Risk Factors
Infertility, recurrent miscarriage, luteal phase defect, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, estrogen dominance, osteoporosis, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), postpartum depression, adrenal insufficiency, hypothalamic amenorrhea.
Actionable Advice
Supplements
- •Vitex (Chasteberry)
- •Vitamin C
- •Vitamin B6
- •Zinc
- •Magnesium glycinate
- •Vitamin E
- •L-arginine
- •DIM (Diindolylmethane)
- •Selenium
- •Ashwagandha
- •Maca root
Diet & Lifestyle
- •Manage stress through meditation, yoga, or breathwork — chronic cortisol elevation steals progesterone precursors (pregnenolone steal)
- •Prioritize 7-9 hours of quality sleep to support hormonal balance
- •Eat adequate healthy fats (avocado, olive oil, nuts) as cholesterol is the precursor to all steroid hormones
- •Maintain a healthy body weight — both excess and insufficient body fat disrupt ovulation
- •Reduce exposure to xenoestrogens (BPA, phthalates, parabens) found in plastics and personal care products
- •Engage in moderate exercise — excessive intense exercise can suppress ovulation and progesterone
- •Limit alcohol consumption which impairs liver clearance of estrogen and disrupts hormonal balance
- •Ensure adequate dietary fiber to support estrogen metabolism and prevent estrogen dominance
- •Consider seed cycling (flax and pumpkin seeds in follicular phase, sesame and sunflower in luteal phase)
Ask AI
Ask questions about your Progesterone results, trends, and what you can do to optimize.
Only one data point — trend chart will appear after multiple tests.
Related Biomarkers
Resources & Studies
All Readings
| Date | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-06-27 | 0.17 ng/mL | — |