Skip to main content
Your session has expired. Reloading...
Hormones

Progesterone too high or too low: your result by cycle phase

Progesterone plays a role in recovery, sleep quality, and hormonal balance for active individuals. For active women, monitoring progesterone can help understand how training interacts with the menstrual cycle and overall performance.

Doctor's Assessment Included

Reference Ranges

See the value that applies to you:

Choose male or female — this range differs by sex.

Enter your age — this range changes with age.

This range also depends on context such as cycle phase or sample material; the highlighted rows apply to your group.

Your reference range
nmol/l
0,18 46,3 nmol/l
Reference ranges by group, in nmol/l
Male < 0,47 nmol/l
0,47
Female · Follicular < 0,62 nmol/l
0,62
Female · Ovulatory 0,18–13,2 nmol/l
0,18 13,2
Female · Luteal 13,1–46,3 nmol/l
13,1 46,3
Female · Postmenopausal < 0,4 nmol/l
0,4
0,18 46,3 nmol/l

Bijsluiterwaarde: 5e-95e percentiel per subgroep (n = 147 mannen; 142 postmenopauzaal; 85 folliculair; 81 ovulatie; 85 luteaal). Waarden onder de detectiegrens van de test (0,159 nmol/l) worden gerapporteerd als "< 0,159"; bij mannen, postmenopauzale vrouwen en in de folliculaire fase ligt het 5e percentiel daaronder, dus is er geen ondergrens. Het tijdstip van prikken bepaalt de uitslag: een midluteale progesteronbepaling hoort ongeveer 7 dagen voor de verwachte menstruatie (cycluslengte min 7 dagen), niet op een vaste dag 21 — bij een cyclus van 35 dagen is dag 21 nog folliculair. Vlak voor de menstruatie daalt progesteron weer. Een hormoonreferentiewaarde is assay-specifiek; deze waarden gelden voor de Roche Elecsys-methode.

Source: Roche Diagnostics Reference population: Roche referentiecohort (Elecsys Progesterone III bijsluiter)

Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. When you order a test, a BIG-registered doctor assesses your personal results in context. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Check your own value

Progesterone: what this test measures

Progesterone too high or too low means nothing without the cycle day. The luteal phase is the benchmark and runs from 13.1 to 46.3 nmol/l. Before ovulation the level stays below 0.62 nmol/l. During ovulation itself it sits between 0.18 and 13.2 nmol/l.

In men the upper limit is 0.47 nmol/l, after menopause 0.4 nmol/l. Neither group has a lower bound. Their normal values fall below what the assay can detect. These bands do not apply in pregnancy: progesterone then rises far above the luteal range.

This test measures the progesterone released after ovulation. That hormone lifts your basal body temperature in the second half of the cycle. Low energy intake can suppress ovulation and push the value down. Draw the sample seven days before the expected period, not on a fixed day.

The hormone comes out in pulses, so a borderline result needs a repeat. On hormonal contraception the result stays low because no ovulation occurs.

Progesterone: why this value matters

For performance-focused individuals, progesterone fluctuations may influence energy levels, body temperature regulation, and recovery capacity across the menstrual cycle. Understanding these patterns can help optimize training periodization.

Progesterone: how to prepare

  1. Do you have a cycle? Pick the right day

    Required

    If you have a menstrual cycle, have the draw 7 days before your next expected period; if that cycle is irregular, repeat weekly until your period starts. Without a cycle, any day works.

  • Water is always fine. Drink as usual beforehand, it makes the draw easier.
  • Take your usual medication, unless your own doctor told you otherwise.

Progesterone: when is testing worthwhile?

Testing is typically recommended during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, about 7 days after expected ovulation. It may also be requested during early pregnancy or when investigating irregular cycles or infertility.

Progesterone: symptoms of a high or low value

Low Levels

Some people with low progesterone may experience irregular or heavy periods, spotting before periods, difficulty conceiving, mood changes, or sleep disturbances. Low progesterone may also be associated with early pregnancy complications.

High Levels

Elevated progesterone levels may be associated with bloating, breast tenderness, mood changes, or drowsiness. High levels outside of pregnancy could sometimes suggest ovarian cysts or adrenal conditions.

Progesterone: what to do about an abnormal value

Male

If Low

Low progesterone in men is generally not concerning and rarely requires treatment.

If High

Elevated progesterone in men may indicate adrenal disorders or certain tumors. Consult with an endocrinologist for evaluation.

Female

If Low

Low progesterone may indicate luteal phase defect, anovulation, or early pregnancy complications. Consider consultation with a gynecologist or fertility specialist.

If High

High progesterone is normal during pregnancy. Outside pregnancy, it may indicate ovarian cysts or adrenal disorders. Consult with your healthcare provider.

Progesterone: lifestyle and this value

Maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, and ensuring adequate sleep may support healthy progesterone levels. Some nutrients such as vitamin B6, zinc, and magnesium are often associated with progesterone support. Consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

Progesterone: frequently asked questions

When is the best time to test progesterone?

Progesterone is typically tested about 7 days after ovulation, during the mid-luteal phase. Your healthcare provider can help determine the optimal timing based on your cycle length.

Can progesterone confirm ovulation?

Yes, elevated progesterone during the luteal phase is one of the most reliable indicators that ovulation has occurred. Low levels may suggest anovulation.

Do men also produce progesterone?

Yes, men produce small amounts of progesterone in the adrenal glands and testes. It serves as a precursor for testosterone and cortisol and plays a supporting role in male hormonal balance.

Test Products

This marker is included in the following test panels.

Health Checkups

InsideTracker

A 35-biomarker performance and longevity panel inspired by InsideTracker Ultimate — covering heart, hormones, metabolism, inflammation, recovery and iron status.

SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) LDL Cholesterol GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase) Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) Free Testosterone Total Testosterone Folate (Folic Acid) Vitamin B12 Calcium Ferritin Iron (Serum) Magnesium Potassium Progesterone Sodium Transferrin CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) HDL Cholesterol Total Cholesterol Albumin AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Vitamin D (25-OH) Insulin (Fasting) Leukocyte Differential Creatine Kinase (CK) Transferrin Saturation Triglycerides Basic Blood Count
€399,-
Whoop

Whoop Women's Health

A 54-biomarker women's health panel inspired by the WHOOP Women's Health Panel — fertility, cycle and thyroid hormones plus a complete metabolic and nutrient base.

Complete Blood Count (CBC) ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Albumin Total Protein Bilirubin (Total) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) Total Cholesterol LDL Cholesterol HDL Cholesterol Triglycerides Lipoprotein(a) Urea (BUN) Creatinine eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Calcium Bicarbonate Chloride Sodium Potassium Magnesium Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) LH (Luteinizing Hormone) SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) Total Testosterone Free Testosterone TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) Insulin (Fasting) HOMA-IR CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Homocysteine Ferritin Iron (Serum) Transferrin Transferrin Saturation Vitamin D (25-OH) AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) Progesterone Prolactin TPO Antibodies Free T3 (Triiodothyronine) Free T4 (Thyroxine) Leptin Vitamin B12 Folate (Folic Acid) Phosphorus Bilirubin (Direct) Bilirubin (Indirect)
€709,-

Medical reviewer

Medical standards

Dr. Naimi oversees the medical standards behind our content and assessments.

Medical policy
CIBG Ministerie van Volksgezondheid,
Welzijn en Sport Official BIG registration BIG 49928676701 Opens in a new tab

Progesterone

€34,-