Progesterone
Hormone important for menstrual cycle and pregnancy
13 of 22 providers
Sex Hormones (Female)
Follicular:<1.0 ng/mL, Luteal:2.0-25.0 ng/mL, Postmenopausal:<1.0 ng/mL
What is Progesterone?
Progesterone is a steroid hormone produced primarily by the corpus luteum in the ovaries after ovulation in women, and in smaller amounts by the adrenal glands in both sexes and the testes in men. In women, progesterone is THE dominant hormone of the luteal phase (second half of menstrual cycle, days 15-28) and is essential for preparing the uterus for pregnancy, regulating the menstrual cycle, supporting pregnancy, and balancing the effects of estrogen. Progesterone has calming, anti-anxiety effects on the brain and is critical for sleep quality.
Here's what most people misunderstand:progesterone is not just a "pregnancy hormone."It's protective against estrogen dominance, supports mood and sleep, has neuroprotective effects, and is critical for bone health and breast tissue protection. Low progesterone in premenopausal women is common and often causes PMS, irregular cycles, anxiety, insomnia, and increased risk of estrogen-dependent cancers. In menopause, both estrogen AND progesterone decline, but replacing estrogen without progesterone (if uterus is intact) increases endometrial cancer risk.
Progesterone levels vary dramatically across the menstrual cycle. It's very low in the follicular phase (<1 ng/mL), then spikes after ovulation to 5-25 ng/mL in the luteal phase. Testing progesterone on day 21 of a 28-day cycle (or 7 days after ovulation) confirms ovulation occurred. Low progesterone despite normal estrogen=anovulation or luteal phase deficiency, common causes of infertility and menstrual irregularity.
Why Progesterone Matters for Longevity (Women)
- Balances estrogen:Progesterone opposes estrogen's proliferative effects on breast and uterine tissue, reducing cancer risk. Estrogen dominance (low progesterone relative to estrogen) increases breast and endometrial cancer risk.
- Sleep and mood:Progesterone metabolite allopregnanolone acts on GABA receptors, promoting relaxation, sleep, and reducing anxiety. Low progesterone worsens PMS, anxiety, insomnia.
- Bone density:Progesterone stimulates osteoblasts (bone-building cells). Low progesterone accelerates bone loss, especially in perimenopause.
- Fertility and pregnancy:Progesterone prepares uterine lining for implantation and maintains pregnancy. Luteal phase deficiency causes infertility and miscarriage.
- Neuroprotection:Progesterone has neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects in the brain. May protect against cognitive decline.
- Cardiovascular health:Unlike synthetic progestins, bioidentical progesterone does not negatively impact lipid profile and may be cardioprotective.
Optimal vs Standard Ranges
Optimal (Luteal Phase)10-25 ng/mL▼
- Mid-luteal phase (day 21 of 28-day cycle)
- Confirms ovulation occurred and adequate progesterone production
Optimal (Follicular Phase)<1 ng/mL▼
- Progesterone should be very low before ovulation
- Elevated progesterone in follicular phase may indicate luteinized unruptured follicle or adrenal issue
Optimal (Pregnancy - First Trimester)10-90 ng/mL▼
Progesterone rises dramatically in pregnancy, produced by corpus luteum then placenta.
Optimal (Postmenopausal on HRT)1-5 ng/mL▼
Bioidentical progesterone HRT (oral or topical) maintains levels to protect endometrium if taking estrogen.
Scientific Evidence
Low progesterone in luteal phase <5 ng/mL indicates luteal phase deficiency or anovulation. Common cause of PMS, infertility, and estrogen dominance.
Sedation, drowsiness (if very high dose)|Dizziness|Bloating|Breast tenderness|Mood changes (rare with bioidentical;more common with synthetic progestins)
Anovulation:Most common cause of low progesterone. No ovulation=no corpus luteum=no progesterone. Causes:PCOS, hypothalamic amenorrhea, thyroid dysfunction, hyperprolactinemia.|Luteal phase deficiency:Ovulation occurs but corpus luteum produces insufficient progesterone. Causes infertility, short luteal phase (<10 days), PMS.|Chronic stress:Cortisol suppresses progesterone production and disrupts ovulation.|Perimenopause and menopause:Declining ovarian function leads to irregular ovulation and low progesterone (before estrogen decline).|Low body weight, excessive exercise:Hypothalamic amenorrhea suppresses LH surge, preventing ovulation.|PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome):Insulin resistance and hormonal imbalance cause chronic anovulation.|Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI):Premature ovarian failure before age 40.
Ovarian cyst (corpus luteum cyst):Persistent corpus luteum continues producing progesterone after cycle.|Adrenal tumor (very rare):Adrenal glands produce small amounts of progesterone;tumors can overproduce.|Pregnancy:Progesterone rises dramatically to support pregnancy.|Congenital adrenal hyperplasia:Rare enzyme deficiency causes overproduction of progesterone precursors.
Progesterone and Estrogen Balance
Progesterone opposes estrogen's proliferative effects on breast and uterine tissue. "Estrogen dominance"(high estrogen relative to progesterone) increases risk of breast cancer, endometrial hyperplasia, fibroids, and endometriosis. This is common in perimenopause (progesterone declines before estrogen) and anovulatory women.
Source:Prior JC. Progesterone for symptomatic perimenopause treatment. Menopause. 2018;25(12):1453-1455.
Progesterone and Sleep
Progesterone metabolite allopregnanolone acts on GABA-A receptors (like benzodiazepines), promoting sleep and reducing anxiety. Women with low progesterone often report insomnia, especially premenstrually. Oral micronized progesterone 100-200 mg at bedtime improves sleep quality.
Source:Caufriez A, et al. Progesterone prevents sleep disturbances and modulates GH, TSH, and melatonin secretion. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011;96(4):E614-623.
Bioidentical vs Synthetic Progestins
Bioidentical progesterone (Prometrium, compounded) is chemically identical to human progesterone. Synthetic progestins (medroxyprogesterone acetate/Provera, norethindrone) have different structure and effects:they may increase breast cancer risk, negatively affect lipid profile, and have more side effects. Bioidentical progesterone preferred for HRT.
Source:Asi N, et al. Progesterone vs. synthetic progestins and the risk of breast cancer. Syst Rev. 2016.
Which Providers Test Progesterone?
Full Provider Comparison
| Provider | Includes | Annual Cost | Biomarkers |
|---|---|---|---|
 Superpower | ✓ | $199 | 100+ (150 with ratios) |
 WHOOP Advanced Labs | — | $349 | 65 |
 Labcorp OnDemand | — | $398 | 30+ |
| ✓ | $486 | 40+ | |
| ✓ | $444 | 288 | |
| ✓ | $349 | 100+ | |
| ✓ | $761 | 54 | |
 Function Health | ✓ | $365 | 160+ |
| — | $250 | 65 | |
| ✓ | $495 | 70+ | |
| ✓ | $895 | 100+ | |
| ✓ | $1950 | 150+ | |
| ✓ | $375 | 80+ | |
| — | $Varies | 75+ | |
| — | $190 | 100+ | |
| — | $99 | 50 | |
| ✓ | $124 | 60 | |
| — | $199 | 50 | |
| ✓ | $499 | 120+ | |
| ✓ | $4188 | 70-80+ | |
| — | $375 | 85 | |
| — | $700 | 128 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Progesterone?
Hormone important for menstrual cycle and pregnancy
What is the optimal range for Progesterone?
The standard reference range for Progesterone is Follicular:<1.0 ng/mL, Luteal:2.0-25.0 ng/mL, Postmenopausal:<1.0 ng/mL. Optimal ranges may differ based on individual health goals and expert recommendations.
Which blood test providers include Progesterone?
13 out of 22 blood testing providers include Progesterone in their panels. This biomarker is widely available across major providers.
What category does Progesterone fall under?
Progesterone is categorized under Sex Hormones (Female). This category includes biomarkers that help assess related aspects of health and wellness.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider about your specific health needs.
Last reviewed:2026-02-20