The Progesterone Test measures levels of progesterone, a hormone important for menstrual cycles, fertility, and maintaining pregnancy. In women, levels change during the cycle and rise after ovulation. This test may help assess fertility, ovulation, or hormone balance, and in pregnancy it may help monitor placenta and foetal health.
Concerned about irregular periods, fertility challenges, mood changes, or wondering if you're ovulating normally and maintaining healthy hormonal balance?
Overview
Think of progesterone as your body's natural peacekeeper – while it's famously known as the "pregnancy hormone," this powerful chemical messenger does so much more than support reproduction. After you ovulate each month, progesterone gets to work creating a cozy environment in your uterus just in case pregnancy occurs, but it's also busy acting like a natural anxiety reliever, helping you sleep better, strengthening your bones, and keeping your blood sugar steady. Most importantly, progesterone acts as the perfect counterbalance to estrogen, preventing that hormone from becoming too dominant and potentially causing problems with excessive tissue growth.
Testing your progesterone levels gives you a clear window into what's happening with your monthly cycle, fertility, and overall hormonal harmony. When progesterone levels are off – whether too high, too low, or poorly timed – you might experience irregular periods, mood swings, trouble sleeping, or difficulty getting pregnant. As you approach menopause, progesterone typically drops before estrogen does, which can create an imbalance that explains many of those frustrating symptoms women experience during this transition. Understanding where your progesterone stands helps you and your healthcare provider make informed decisions about your reproductive health and overall wellbeing.
Reviewed by Dr. Vu Tran Bloody Good’s Chief Medical Officer
Symptoms
You may benefit from this test if you experience:
Irregular periods (cycles shorter than 21 or longer than 35 days)
Missed periods (not due to pregnancy)
PMS symptoms that interfere with daily life
Mood swings around menstrual cycle
Recurrent pregnancy loss
Feeling anxious or worried most days
Trouble sleeping or insomnia
Bleeding between periods
Purpose
Essential for women with irregular cycles, fertility problems, or recurrent miscarriages. Important for confirming ovulation, monitoring pregnancy, and assessing luteal phase defects. Valuable for investigating premenstrual syndrome, mood disorders, and perimenopause symptoms.
How to prepare
Timing is crucial for accurate interpretation. For ovulation confirmation, test 7 days after suspected ovulation (typically day 21 of a 28-day cycle). For fertility assessment, multiple tests throughout the cycle may be needed. For pregnancy monitoring, timing depends on gestational age. No fasting required. Avoid testing during illness or extreme stress.
Understanding results
Normal ranges vary significantly by cycle phase and pregnancy status. Follicular phase: <3 nmol/L; Luteal phase: >30 nmol/L (confirms ovulation); First trimester pregnancy: 30-90 nmol/L; Second trimester: 90-400 nmol/L; Third trimester: 300-1200 nmol/L; Post-menopause: <3 nmol/L. Low luteal phase levels may indicate ovulation problems or luteal phase deficiency.
After the test
Discuss results with a healthcare provider specializing in reproductive endocrinology. Low progesterone may require progesterone supplementation, lifestyle modifications, or treatment of underlying ovulatory disorders. During pregnancy, low levels might need immediate intervention. High levels may indicate multiple pregnancies, ovarian cysts, or adrenal disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Low progesterone may indicate that you're not ovulating regularly, have a luteal phase defect, or are experiencing early pregnancy complications. It can cause irregular periods, fertility problems, and mood symptoms.
For ovulation confirmation, test 7 days after suspected ovulation (day 21 of a 28-day cycle). If cycles are irregular, your doctor may recommend multiple tests or use ovulation tracking to determine timing.
Yes, progesterone monitoring helps confirm ovulation timing, assess luteal phase adequacy, and guide progesterone supplementation during fertility treatments and early pregnancy support.
High progesterone may indicate pregnancy, ovarian cysts, adrenal disorders, or progesterone supplementation. During pregnancy, increasing levels are normal and healthy.
Progesterone has calming, anti-anxiety effects and promotes better sleep quality. Low levels can cause mood swings, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, especially in the second half of the menstrual cycle.
Progesterone supplementation may help with luteal phase defects, fertility support, PMS symptoms, and perimenopause symptoms. However, it should only be used under medical supervision after proper testing and evaluation.
We want you to feel bloody good—inside and out. Regular testing isn’t just about checking your current health; it helps you spot abnormal values you might not know about.
1
Book your referral
Choose the testing that suits your goals. After ordering, you will receive your referral by email.
2
Collect your sample
Easy sample collection at one of our 4000+ partner collection centres throughout Australia. Find nearest
3
Receive your results
View your lab results and receive a personalised review from the secure Bloody Good platform.
Before vs. Bloody Good
Start tracking your health with real data.
Order online in minutes and get clear doctor‑reviewed results in your private dashboard.
Old Way
Traditional System
×Confusing reports and medical jargon in a PDF (if you're lucky to get a report)
×One‑off results — no trend tracking or context
×Hidden costs and long clinic queues
×Waiting days for simple answers
×No proactive insights to prevent issues
The Bloody Good Way
Cheeky brand. Serious health results.
✓4000+ collection centres throughout Australia or book a home visit
✓Results in ~48 hours for most tests, reviewed by a doctor
✓Clear explanations in your private dashboard — not jargon
✓Track biomarkers over time with personalised recommendations
✓Up‑front pricing. No surprises. Start today.
Take a deep dive into your health
Our comprehensive health checkups test everything you need to know about your body.