Progesterone Testing
FAQ
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What is a progesterone test?
A progesterone blood test measures the level of this hormone in your blood. Progesterone is produced in the ovaries and is necessary to develop the uterine lining and prepare the body for pregnancy. This test may be useful if:
- You're trying to get pregnant
- You've experienced an early miscarriage
- You have irregular periods
- You suspect you are infertile
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How to test for progesterone levels?
A simple blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm can be used to measure your progesterone levels.
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When to test progesterone levels?
Depending on what you are looking to monitor with your progesterone test, it can be done at specific times during your cycle to determine:
- If you're currently ovulating
- When you'll ovulate
- If an ectopic or failing pregnancy is suspected during early pregnancy
- The effectiveness of progesterone replacement therapy
- If there is abnormal uterine bleeding
- The health of the fetus and placenta
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What can affect the results of a progesterone test?
The time of your cycle in which you perform the test can affect the results since progesterone levels change through the cycle, increasing after ovulation and lowering right before your period. The best time to perform it will vary depending on what you're trying to discover from your progesterone tests. Speak to your doctor for guidance on what is the best time for you to test.
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Do I need to visit a doctor?
No doctor visit needed.
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How do I get my results?
You get your results via email as soon as they are available.
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Does my lab prescription expire?
Your lab prescription never expires.*
- Low prices since 2005
- Same day lab order by email
- Labs within 1 mile of 90% of the US
- Lab test prescriptions NEVER expire*
- Over 650 blood work labs to choose from
- Secure, encrypted & accurate testing
- Low prices since 2005
- Same day lab order by email
- Labs within 1 mile of 90% of the US
- Lab test prescriptions NEVER expire*
- Over 4000 blood work locations + 650 different blood tests to choose from
- Secure, encrypted & accurate testing
Progesterone (Quest Diagnostics) Same day lab order delivery
In males, progesterone increases levels of testosterone in your body and enhances its effects. It also reduces estrogen and its effects.
A significant deviation from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.
No fasting required.
Estimated turnaround for results is 3 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.
Progesterone (LabCorp) Same day lab order delivery
In males, progesterone increases levels of testosterone in your body and enhances its effects. It also reduces estrogen and its effects.
A significant deviation from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.
No fasting required.
Estimated turnaround for results is 1 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.
What is a Progesterone Test?
Progesterone tests are used to measure the amount of the progesterone hormone present in a patient’s blood. Progesterone is produced by a woman’s ovaries throughout the process of releasing a mature egg from their ovary during ovulation and helps prepare the endometrium (uterine lining) to receive the egg in the event it is fertilized by a man’s sperm. However, if the mature egg goes unfertilized, levels of progesterone decrease, causing a woman to begin menstruation. If the woman does become pregnant, her placenta then begins to produce high levels of the hormone, beginning around the end of the first trimester and increasing until birth.
Who May Need a Progesterone Test?
Progesterone tests are used for a number of reasons, most commonly to determine the cause of infertility in female patients, as well as for monitoring the success of medications given to women to treat their infertility and treatments involving progesterone supplementation. They can also be utilized to determine if ovulation is occurring, to assess the possibility of miscarriage, monitor ovary and placenta functioning, and sometimes diagnose issues relating to the adrenal glands and some forms of cancer.
What Should I Expect from My Progesterone Test?
A progesterone test begins with drawing a blood sample from a patient in order for it to be examined by a medical laboratory. Women who are having chronic issues with their menstrual cycle or difficulty achieving pregnancy may be asked to take this test regularly. While there is a normal reference range common to these tests among laboratories, some labs may have different ranges for you and your physician. Speak to your doctor regarding your results to get more information on how your results concern to you and your health specifically.