Progesterone: normal range, high and low

In shortBefore ovulation progesterone is below 1 ng/mL (3.18 nmol/L); mid-cycle it rises to 5–20 ng/mL (15.90–63.60 nmol/L). In pregnancy it climbs by trimester, from 11.2–90.0 ng/mL (35.62–286.20 nmol/L) in the first to 48–300 ng/mL (152.64–954 nmol/L) or more in the third. Men and postmenopausal women stay below 1 ng/mL (3.18 nmol/L).

Reference ranges

Group	Reference range
Women, before ovulation	Less than 1 ng/mL (3.18 nmol/L)
Women, mid-cycle	5–20 ng/mL (15.90–63.60 nmol/L)
Pregnancy, 1st trimester	11.2–90.0 ng/mL (35.62–286.20 nmol/L)
Pregnancy, 2nd trimester	25.6–89.4 ng/mL (81.41–284.29 nmol/L)
Pregnancy, 3rd trimester	48–300 ng/mL (152.64–954 nmol/L) or more
Men and postmenopausal women	Less than 1 ng/mL (3.18 nmol/L)

Normal value ranges vary slightly among different laboratories, and some laboratories use different testing methods, so the measurements may vary. The phase of the cycle or pregnancy decides which row applies.

Check your value

Enter the number from your lab report — see how it compares with the typical range. Mind the units shown in the chosen row.

A rough comparison with a typical range, not a diagnosis. Reference ranges vary between laboratories — check the range on your own report and let a clinician interpret the result.

What this marker is

Progesterone levels vary depending on when the test is done. The blood progesterone level starts to rise midway through the menstrual cycle, continues to rise for about 6 to 10 days, and then falls if the egg is not fertilized. In early pregnancy the levels continue to rise.

A progesterone test can help show whether low progesterone levels are causing female infertility and whether ovulation is happening at all. The meaning of a result depends on why the test was done, where the woman was in her menstrual cycle when the blood was taken, and whether or not she is pregnant — which is why the first day of the last menstrual period is sometimes needed before the draw.

The reference ranges follow the cycle and the pregnancy: before ovulation less than 1 ng/mL (3.18 nmol/L); mid-cycle 5–20 ng/mL (15.90–63.60 nmol/L); first trimester of pregnancy 11.2–90.0 ng/mL (35.62–286.20 nmol/L); second trimester 25.6–89.4 ng/mL (81.41–284.29 nmol/L); third trimester 48–300 ng/mL (152.64–954 nmol/L) or more. Men and postmenopausal women normally stay below 1 ng/mL (3.18 nmol/L).

Because progesterone levels change throughout the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, testing may be repeated several times. Usually no other preparation is needed; in certain cases some medicines are paused before the test, and none are stopped without the provider's advice.

When it is high

Not pregnantHigh progesterone outside pregnancy may be linked to a cyst on the ovaries, ovarian cancer, or adrenal gland problems — including adrenal gland cancer or an inherited disorder called congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).

Pregnant, higher than expectedA higher-than-expected level during pregnancy may mean twins or more babies; it may also be a sign of a molar pregnancy — an abnormal growth of tissue in the uterus caused by a fertilized egg with severe genetic problems, which can turn into cancer and must be removed.

When it is low

Not pregnantLow levels may be linked to not ovulating normally, absent periods (amenorrhea), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), high stress — too much of the stress hormone cortisol can affect the body's ability to make progesterone — perimenopause, and low cholesterol.

PregnantLow levels during pregnancy may be linked to an ectopic pregnancy, a miscarriage or a high risk of miscarriage, and pre-eclampsia.

What can skew the result

These factors can shift the value without any disease — worth considering before a retest:

The day of the menstrual cycle when blood is drawnPregnancy and its trimesterHigh stress and cortisol levelsCertain medicines

How to prepare

Usually no special preparation is needed. In certain cases the first day of the last menstrual period is needed to time or interpret the test. The provider decides whether any medicines are paused; nothing is stopped without that advice.

When a retest makes sense

Because progesterone changes throughout the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, the test may be repeated several times — a single number is a snapshot of one day, not a verdict.

Who usually reviews this result

A result outside the reference range is usually reviewed by: a gynecologist; a fertility specialist when infertility is the concern. Bring your lab report and any previous results to the appointment.

Names used on lab reports

Your report may use any of these names:
Serum progesteroneProgesterone blood testPGSN

Units and conversion

Measured in: ng/mL

ng/mL = nmol/L

ng/mL × 3.18 = nmol/L. Example: 10 ng/mL = 31.8 nmol/L. Results are rounded to 2 decimal places.

Several markers on your report?

See how MedProtect explains results in the app: the whole report, a check of the recognized values, and a clear breakdown.

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Frequently asked questions

Why does the cycle day decide the interpretation?

Progesterone is low before ovulation and rises mid-cycle for about 6 to 10 days, then falls if the egg is not fertilized. A value that is normal mid-cycle would be abnormally high before ovulation — the calendar is part of the result.

What does a low level mean in pregnancy?

Low progesterone during pregnancy may be linked to an ectopic pregnancy, a miscarriage or a high risk of one, and pre-eclampsia — the provider interprets it together with the rest of the picture.

Can stress lower progesterone?

Yes. Too much of the stress hormone cortisol can affect the body's ability to make progesterone, so high stress is among the listed causes of a low level.

Sources

Progesterone Test: MedlinePlus Medical Test — MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. Accessed: August 29, 2026.
Serum progesterone: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia — MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. Accessed: August 29, 2026.

Progesterone