Hormones
Progesterone
Included in Baseline and Complete.
Compare membershipsProgesterone can help confirm that ovulation happened.
Progesterone rises after ovulation and prepares the lining of the uterus for a possible pregnancy. In women, it helps assess the second half of the menstrual cycle. Men make small amounts in the adrenal glands and testes.
The day of your cycle shapes the result.
Progesterone stays low in the first half of the cycle, rises after ovulation, and falls again before your period. A draw about a week before your next expected period, around day 21 of a 28-day cycle, is commonly used to check whether ovulation happened. A low result on another day may simply reflect timing.
Pregnancy, hormonal birth control, and menopausal hormone therapy all change progesterone levels. After menopause, when ovulation stops, levels stay low. Biotin supplements can interfere with some hormone tests.
Progesterone makes the most sense when you know your cycle day.
Questions
Why is progesterone measured in men?
Men make small amounts, which the body uses partly to build other hormones. It's rarely the main focus of men's testing, though an unusually high level can prompt a closer look at the adrenal glands.
What if my result is lower than expected?
Outside of pregnancy, low progesterone can reflect the timing of the draw or a cycle without ovulation, which can happen with PCOS, thyroid conditions, intense training, or the approach of menopause. One result rarely settles the question, so a clinician will look at your cycle history and other hormones.