Progesterone — Luteal-Phase Confirmation
Progesterone is made mainly after ovulation. Read a mid-cycle draw against the lab's range (MedlinePlus: 5–20 ng/mL). The cycle day of the draw decides which range applies.
Progesterone is made mainly in the ovaries after ovulation, so a blood test taken in the second half of the cycle helps show whether the ovaries are releasing eggs normally — read against the lab's mid-cycle range, which MedlinePlus gives as 5–20 ng/mL.
The biomarker
- Name: Progesterone (Luteal, Women)
- Units: ng/mL
- Standard reference range: pre-ovulation < 1; mid-cycle 5–20 (ranges vary by lab)
How to read your result
| Value | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| 5–20 ng/mL (mid-cycle) | Within the MedlinePlus mid-cycle range |
| Below range (mid-cycle) | A question for your clinician about whether ovulation is occurring normally |
| Pre-ovulation | < 1 ng/mL expected |
The cycle day of the draw decides which range applies. The level starts to rise midway through the cycle, keeps rising for about 6 to 10 days, then falls if the egg is not fertilized. Record the day.
What to do with the result
- Timing the draw. Record the cycle day of the draw — the level changes through the cycle, so you may need to be tested more than once.
- Clinician referral. An OB/GYN is the right next step if cycles are irregular — this test describes the cycle, it does not explain why.
Why this test is worth asking for
- It helps a clinician see whether the ovaries are releasing eggs normally, which is particularly useful for anyone having trouble getting pregnant.
- It needs only a blood sample, timed to the cycle.
Related protocols
Sources
AgeGen lab guides are educational only. We do not provide medical diagnosis, prescribe brands, or recommend specific doses. Talk to a licensed clinician before changing your supplement or medication routine.
