Menu

An expert resource for medical professionals
Provided FREE as a service to women’s health

The Alliance for
Global Women’s Medicine
A worldwide fellowship of health professionals working together to
promote, advocate for and enhance the Welfare of Women everywhere

An Educational Platform for FIGO

The Global Library of Women’s Medicine
Clinical guidance and resourses

A vast range of expert online resources. A FREE and entirely CHARITABLE site to support women’s healthcare professionals

The Global Academy of Women’s Medicine
Teaching, research and Diplomates Association

Laboratory Tests

This section provides detailed information on a wide range of laboratory tests relevant to women's medicine

A rapid reference

Progesterone

Progesterone is a female hormone, produced primarily in the ovary, primarily during the second half ("luteal phase") of the menstrual cycle. Men also produce progesterone, but only very small amounts.

Shortly after ovulation, progesterone levels rise quickly and remain elevated for about 10 days. 

  • If pregnancy occurs, the progesterone levels remain elevated. 
  • If pregnancy does not occur, then progesterone levels fall, provoking a menstrual flow.

Progesterone levels are sometimes used to evaluate a possible ectopic pregnancy:

  • If progesterone > 25, ectopic pregnancy is very unlikely
  • When less than 25, the results are not conclusive either way.

Elevations found in:

  • Pregnancy
  • Second half of the menstrual cycle
  • Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
  • Some hormone-producing tumors of the ovary

Decreases found in:

  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCO, Stein-Levinthal Syndrome)
  • Amenorrhea-Galactorrhea Syndrome
  • Luteal phase defects
  • Menopause
  • Ovarian failure

Normal Values*

Men < 1.0 ng/ml  < 2 nmol/L

Women 
(Proliferative Phase)

< 1.5 ng/ml  < 5 nmol/L
Women
(Luteal Phase)
3-20 ng/ml  20-60 nmol/L

*These are general values taken from a variety of sources. The actual normal values may vary from lab to lab and from one type of testing protocol to another.