- Fasting and prep
- Time the draw about 7 days before your next expected period (day 21 of a 28-day cycle). With longer or irregular cycles, count back 7 days from your expected period. No fasting needed.
- Turnaround
- Usually 1 to 3 days.
- Also called
- progesterone test, progesterone blood test, day 21 progesterone, ovulation test blood
What it measures
After an egg releases, the leftover follicle (the corpus luteum) makes progesterone, which thickens the uterine lining. Levels stay low in the first half of the cycle, rise about a week after ovulation, then fall before a period. Pregnancy keeps levels high. Hormonal birth control, progesterone supplements, and fertility drugs change the result.
Who should consider it
- People trying to conceive who want to confirm ovulation
- People with irregular or missing periods
- Anyone tracking a progesterone treatment their clinician prescribed
How to read your result
- Read the result against the cycle phase printed on your report. A low number early in the cycle is expected.
- A clearly raised mid-luteal level suggests ovulation happened. Labs and fertility clinics use different thresholds, so ask your clinician which one they use.
- A low mid-luteal level can mean no ovulation that month, or a draw on the wrong day. One cycle does not prove a fertility problem.
- Progesterone alone does not confirm or rule out pregnancy. Use an hCG test for that.
Reference ranges differ between labs. Use the range printed on your own report.
What to do next
If the level comes back low, repeat it in another cycle with careful timing. Ongoing irregular periods or trouble conceiving deserve a visit with a clinician or fertility specialist.
Where to order Progesterone
These sellers include an independent physician order. You pay online and visit a partner lab. Availability, price, and lab network vary, so confirm at checkout.
Private MD Labs
Online lab seller- Order
- Every order reviewed by a physician. Says you pay $1 to start and the rest after results.
- Results
- Secure online portal with plain-English explanations. Says many results arrive overnight.
HealthLabs
Online lab seller- Order
- Online or by phone. No doctor referral or insurance needed.
- Results
- Secure HealthLabs account. Says 1 to 3 business days.
Walk-In Lab
Online lab seller- Order
- Online, no insurance or doctor order needed. Shows a $6 physician fee per order on popular tests.
- Results
- Online account. Turnaround not stated on its homepage.
Quest Health
Lab-run- Order
- Buy online and book a Quest appointment. An independent provider is involved.
- Results
- Online as soon as ready, with an email alert. Provider discussion included at no extra cost.
Seller details come from each seller's own site and can change. Confirm price, lab location, and state availability at checkout.
Ordering several tests? Plan them together · Filter all sellers
Questions people ask
When should I test progesterone?
About 7 days before your next expected period. That's day 21 in a 28-day cycle, later in longer cycles.
What does a low progesterone level mean?
It often means ovulation didn't happen that cycle, or the test was drawn too early or late. Repeat it with better timing before drawing conclusions.
Can I order a progesterone test without a doctor?
Yes. Many online lab sellers offer it with a physician order included, and you get drawn at a local lab.
Related tests
- EstradiolMeasures the main, most active form of estrogen.
- FSH and LHTwo pituitary hormones that drive the ovaries and testes.
- Pregnancy blood testConfirms pregnancy and measures the exact hCG level.
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