Hormones

Progesterone in Your Cycle: Levels, Symptoms & What It Does

Madeleine Willett

Progesterone is a key hormone to the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Here’s everything you need to know about what this hormone does and its typical levels and how to measure yours.

Modified On:

October 16, 2025

Published:

Jul 30, 2024

Est. Read Time:

Women dancers practicing showing how progesterone affects energy through cycle

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While it may seem like getting pregnant is an easy process for some, many couples face unexpected challenges on their conception journey. This article addresses the common question, "is it hard to get pregnant?" by detailing five of the most frequent reasons for difficulty conceiving and provides actionable insights to help you navigate these hurdles.

Knowing what progesterone does and how to interpret your progesterone levels can offer you insight into your reproductive health and overall well-being.

Here’s what you need to know about progesterone function, low and high progesterone level signs, typical progesterone ranges, and how to measure your progesterone levels.

What does progesterone do in a woman’s body?

Progesterone is a hormone produced in the ovaries after ovulation that plays a key role in preparing the uterus for pregnancy. If pregnancy happens, progesterone levels rise to help prepare the body to support it. If pregnancy does not occur, progesterone levels will drop, along with estrogen, leading to menstruation.

Progesterone also has ties to cardiovascular health, mood regulation, bone health, and more.

Cardiovascular health: Progesterone can relax blood vessels (lowering blood pressure), improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and counter atherosclerosis.
Bone health: Progesterone regulates bone density with estrogen and plays a role in bone remodeling.

Looking to understand the difference between low and high levels? Read: Low vs. High Progesterone Symptoms: What's the Difference?

What does progesterone do in the menstrual cycle?

Progesterone plays a significant role in the second part of the ovarian cycle: the luteal phase.

The luteal phase begins right after ovulation and lasts around 11-17 days, ending with either the first day of your period or the beginning of pregnancy. After ovulation, a temporary endocrine gland in the ovary forms called the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum then releases progesterone and estrogen, which builds up the uterine lining—preparing the uterus for a potential implantation of a fertilized egg.

During the luteal phase, progesterone levels peak to prepare your body for potential pregnancy. If levels become too high, you may experience symptoms like bloating, fatigue, and mood changes.

Experiencing these symptoms? Get the complete guide: Low Progesterone Symptoms: Signs and Solutions

What happens to progesterone if you get pregnant?

If sperm successfully fertilizes the ovulated egg in the fallopian tube, the fertilized egg will implant in the uterine wall and begin releasing a hormone known as hCG (the hormone detected by pregnancy tests). This hormone plays a vital role in maintaining the corpus luteum, ensuring it continues to produce progesterone and estrogen.

Therefore, if an egg is fertilized, progesterone continues to stay high.

What happens to progesterone if you don’t get pregnant?

If sperm does not fertilize the ovulated egg, the corpus luteum does not receive the signal to maintain progesterone production. As the corpus luteum shrinks, levels of progesterone and estrogen decrease. This drop signals the shedding of the uterine lining, resulting in menstruation, and marks the beginning of a new cycle.

How do progesterone levels affect the body?

Progesterone levels fluctuate throughout the cycle, and everyone reacts differently.

How low or high your progesterone levels are can depend on where you are at in your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause, hormone therapy, or medical conditions like adrenal gland disorders.

Women many experience symptoms through changes in:

Mood
Energy levels
Breast tenderness
Sexual desire
Sleep
Fluid retention

It’s common to feel these symptoms as progesterone is fluctuating, not just when levels are high or low. For example, some women experience more fatigue, acne, and bloating during the later phases of the menstrual cycle when progesterone levels are high, and more anxiety or depression during the late luteal phase right before menstruation—when progesterone levels drop off significantly.

How does progesterone affect your emotions?

Progesterone helps create allopregnanolone (ALLO), which acts on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors and has a calming effect.

While progesterone can be calming, it can also lead to anxiety. Individuals with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) can have negative mood reactions to hormone fluctuations, and instead of “sedating,” GABA receptors progesterone might stimulate them.

Additionally, at the end of the luteal phase (right before menstruation), progesterone levels drop. According to the Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Women’s Health with Harvard Medical School, exposure to progesterone/ALLO and the rapid withdrawal from the ovarian hormones during the late luteal phase plays a role in the etiology of PMDD.

ALLO is known to provide relief, but in women with PMDD, ALLO increases do not occur, or their body receptors are more sensitive to the rapid withdrawal of the hormones.

Low progesterone levels

Low progesterone levels can be associated with various symptoms, from physical changes to emotional challenges.

Some low progesterone symptoms are:

Irregular cycles
Missed periods
Light bleeding/spotting between periods
Recurrent miscarriages
Trouble getting pregnant
Mood swings
Increased anxiety
Depression
Sleep disturbances
Weight changes
Headaches
Hot flashes
Breast tenderness

Low progesterone and luteal phase defect

If the ovaries don’t produce enough progesterone after ovulation, it may lead to luteal phase defect (LPD).

Luteal phase defect (LPD) is when the luteal phase is too short to support the uterus lining for a fertilized egg to attach and grow. This can happen because not enough progesterone is being made, or the uterus is not reacting to normal progesterone levels. A short luteal phase—when you get your period too soon after ovulation—is usually a sign of LPD.

Research has shown that isolated cycles with a short luteal phase are common. Yet if you're tracking your menstrual cycle and notice consistent luteal phases being less than ten days, (about one and a half weeks) talk to your healthcare provider.

Short luteal phases make it difficult for the body to have enough time to create a supportive environment in the uterus with enough nutrients for an implanted egg to thrive. However, research has shown that while short luteal phases might impact short term fertility, fertility at 12 months is not lower for women with shorter luteal phases, and consecutive short luteal phases only occurs in about 3% of women.

Some causes of consistent short luteal phases include endometriosis, PCOS, thyroid disorders, obesity, anorexia, stress, excessive exercise, inadequate nutrition, and some medications (e.g., hormonal birth control). Lengthening the luteal phase could include addressing underlying these reasons for low progesterone or short luteal phases.

High progesterone levels

The most common cause of elevated progesterone is pregnancy. As the pregnancy progresses, progesterone levels steadily increase to support the growing fetus.

However, you may also have high progesterone because of hormonal medications, such as birth control or hormone replacement therapy, ovarian cysts, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).

Some symptoms of high progesterone are:

Irregular periods
Mood changes
Increased anxiety, depression, or irritability
Breast tenderness
Breast swelling
Weight gain
Fatigue
Bloating
Constipation
Nausea
Lightheaded or drowsy
Acne
Changes in sex drive

Learn more about elevated progesterone: High Progesterone Symptoms: What They Mean

What are normal progesterone levels?

Progesterone fluctuates throughout your cycle and throughout your life! While we know progesterone rises after ovulation, there are also changes in progesterone levels when you’re in perimenopause vs. pre-perimenopause, for example.

Here are typical progesterone levels in (ng/mL) that you can expect during different phases of your life.

Prepuberty: 0.1-0.3
Menstruating (follicular): <0.89
Menstruating (ovulation): <= 12
Menstruating (luteal): 1.8-24
Pregnancy (trimester 1): 11-44
Pregnancy (trimester 2): 25-83
Pregnancy (trimester 3): 58-214
Perimenopause (follicular): 0-1
Perimenopause (luteal): 0.48-19
Post menopause: 0-0.5

Want to fix low progesterone? Discover: How to Increase Progesterone Naturally: 8 Evidence-Based Ways

How to measure your progesterone levels

There are a few different ways you can measure progesterone levels:

Blood tests give you a direct measurement of progesterone by looking at your blood levels.
Urine tests use a hormone metabolite to get the same information. Hormone metabolites are byproducts that represent what your body has excreted over time.

P4 is the pre-metabolized version of progesterone that is measured in the blood (ng/mL), whereas PdG is the post-metabolized version of progesterone found in the urine (ug/mL). ng/mL is used to measure substances present in lower concentrations in the blood and other biological fluids. Since metabolites are found in higher concentrations, ug/mL is used because it is a more manageable unit.

Think of PdG as honey produced by the honeybees, P4, from pollen. Honey (PdG) is a quantifiable and tangible measurement of the bee's work over a period of time. The amount of honey can indicate the efficiency and activity of the honeybees (P4).

Essentially, both tests, and ways of measuring, can give you a good idea of what your hormone levels are over time. It just depends on what snapshot of your hormones you’re looking for, and what kind of test you’d like.

Track your progesterone daily with Oova to understand your unique patterns and share data with your healthcare provider.

Progesterone: the bottom line

Progesterone is an important hormone with diverse roles in women’s health, reproductive processes, mood regulation, and well-being. Understanding its function from preparing the uterus for pregnancy to supporting emotional stability and cardiovascular health, shows its necessity for hormonal balance.

While low progesterone levels can lead to fertility issues, elevated levels can bring fatigue, acne, along with other symptoms.

Tracking progesterone across various stages is beneficial in addressing imbalances and to better prepare for the various points of the menstrual cycle. Oova can help you understand the complexities of your unique hormone profile and empower you to navigate your hormonal health confidently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a normal progesterone level?

Normal progesterone levels vary by cycle phase: less than 0.89 ng/mL during the follicular phase, up to 12 ng/mL at ovulation, and 1.8-24 ng/mL during the luteal phase. During pregnancy, levels rise significantly from 11-44 ng/mL in the first trimester to 58-214 ng/mL in the third trimester.

When should progesterone be highest?

Progesterone peaks during the luteal phase, typically 7 days after ovulation. This is when your body is preparing for potential pregnancy and maintaining the uterine lining.

What happens if progesterone is too low?

Low progesterone can cause irregular periods, difficulty conceiving, recurrent miscarriages, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and anxiety. If you suspect low progesterone, consult your healthcare provider for testing and treatment options.

Does high progesterone mean I'm pregnant?

High progesterone is common during pregnancy, but it can also occur with hormonal birth control, ovarian cysts, or congenital adrenal hyperplasia. A pregnancy test is the most reliable way to confirm pregnancy.

How can I test my progesterone levels at home?

At-home urine tests like Oova measure PdG (a progesterone metabolite) to track your hormone levels throughout your cycle. This provides daily measurements rather than a single snapshot, helping you understand your unique patterns.

What causes progesterone to drop suddenly?

Progesterone drops naturally at the end of the luteal phase if pregnancy doesn't occur, triggering menstruation. It can also drop due to stress, excessive exercise, PCOS, thyroid disorders, or poor nutrition.

About the author

Madeleine Willett is an honors nursing student at the University of Connecticut, set to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2026. She actively contributes to research initiatives and is currently exploring her interests in women’s sexual and reproductive health, eager to make a positive impact in these critical areas.

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Barbagallo, M., et. al, (2001). Vascular effects of progesterone: role of cellular calcium regulation.
Cleveland Clinic (2022). Luteal Phase.
Cleveland Clinic (2022). Progesterone.
Crawford. N, et. al, (2017). A prospective evaluation of luteal phase length and natural fertility.
Crowley, S. & Girdler, S (2014). Neurosteroid, GABAergic and hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis regulation: what is the current state of knowledge in humans?
Darian, M. & Mijailovic, J (2024). What your progesterone blood test results mean.
Handelsman, D., et. al, (2021). Direct measurement of pregnanediol 3-glucuronide (PDG) in dried urine spots by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to detect ovulation
Nagy, B., et. al, (2021). Key to Life: Physiological Role and Clinical Implications of Progesterone.
Oova, (2022). What is a short luteal phase and how does it affect my ability to get pregnant?
Prior, JC (1990). Progesterone as a bone-trophic hormone.
Raffi, E. & Freeman, M. (2024) The Etiology of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder.
Seladi-Schulman, J. & Henigsman, S (2024). Everything you need to know about progesterone.
University of Rochester Medical Center (n.d) Progesterone.
Watson, S. & Nwadike, VR., (2018). All About the Luteal Phase of the Menstrual Cycle.

perimenopause-periods

Should I still see my gynecologist if my periods are just "weird" but not painful?

Yes. Annual visits remain important during perimenopause. Your provider can help determine if your "weird" periods are typical perimenopause changes or something requiring attention. They can also discuss management options to improve your quality of life.

perimenopause-periods

How long do irregular periods last before menopause?

Irregular perimenopause periods typically last 4 to 8 years before your final period, though this varies greatly. Some women experience irregularity for just a few months, while others have irregular periods for over a decade before reaching menopause.

perimenopause-periods

Is it normal to have two periods in one month during perimenopause?

Yes, this can happen, especially in early perimenopause when cycles shorten. You might have a 21 day cycle, meaning you could have a period at the beginning and end of the same calendar month. Track these patterns to distinguish between short cycles and abnormal bleeding.

perimenopause-periods

Why are my periods suddenly so heavy in my 40s?

Heavy perimenopause periods often result from estrogen dominance. When progesterone drops but estrogen remains high, your uterine lining builds up more than usual, causing heavier bleeding when it sheds. This is common in perimenopause but should be evaluated if it affects your daily life.

perimenopause-periods

Can I still get pregnant if my periods are irregular during perimenopause?

Yes. As long as you're having periods, even irregular ones, you may still be ovulating. Pregnancy is possible until you've gone 12 full months without any period. If you don't want to become pregnant, continue using contraception throughout perimenopause.

perimenopause-and-weight-gain

Can you prevent perimenopause weight gain completely?

While you may not prevent all weight changes during perimenopause, you can minimize gain through proactive strategies. Starting strength training before perimenopause, maintaining consistent sleep habits, and managing stress can help your body adapt to hormonal changes more smoothly. Remember, some body changes during this transition are normal and healthy.

perimenopause-and-weight-gain

At what age does perimenopause weight gain typically start?

Perimenopause weight gain can begin in your late 30s or early 40s, often coinciding with the first hormonal changes. Many women notice gradual changes starting 5 to 10 years before their final period. The timing varies greatly based on genetics, lifestyle, and overall health.

perimenopause-and-weight-gain

Does everyone gain the same amount during perimenopause?

No. Perimenopause weight gain varies significantly. Some women gain 5 pounds, others 20 or more, and some maintain their weight. Factors include genetics, starting weight, activity level, stress, sleep quality, and how dramatically hormones fluctuate. Your experience is unique to your body.

Is perimenopause weight gain different from regular aging weight gain?

Yes. While metabolism naturally slows with age, perimenopause weight gain has distinct characteristics. The hormonal shifts cause fat redistribution to the midsection, even if overall weight doesn't change dramatically. This abdominal weight gain pattern is specifically linked to declining estrogen and progesterone, not just aging.

perimenopause-and-weight-gain

Will the weight come off after menopause?

Perimenopause weight gain often stabilizes after menopause when hormones level out, but the weight doesn't automatically disappear. The metabolic and body composition changes that occur during perimenopause tend to persist. However, with consistent healthy habits, weight management becomes more predictable post menopause than during the fluctuating perimenopause years.

https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide

Can I take progesterone if I'm breastfeeding?

Yes, progesterone is generally safe while breastfeeding and doesn't significantly affect milk supply. However, always discuss with your healthcare provider before starting any hormone supplementation while nursing.

https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide

Is it safe to take progesterone throughout pregnancy?

Yes, when prescribed by your healthcare provider. Progesterone supplementation in early pregnancy is safe and can reduce miscarriage risk in women with low progesterone or a history of pregnancy loss. Most providers continue supplementation through the first trimester (weeks 10-12) when the placenta takes over.

https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide

Can progesterone supplementation cause weight gain?

Progesterone can cause temporary water retention and bloating, which may show up as a few pounds on the scale, but it doesn't cause true fat weight gain. Most women don't experience significant weight changes from progesterone supplementation.

https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide

Can I switch from pills to suppositories or vice versa?

Yes, but only under your doctor's guidance. The dosing and timing may need adjustment when switching between forms since they're absorbed differently. Never switch on your own, especially if you're pregnant or undergoing fertility treatment.

https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide

Will progesterone supplementation delay my period?

Yes, progesterone keeps the uterine lining intact, so if you're not pregnant and continue taking progesterone, your period will be delayed. Once you stop taking it, your period should start within 2-10 days. If you are pregnant, progesterone helps maintain the pregnancy and you won't get a period.

https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide

Should I take progesterone pills orally or vaginally?

For fertility and pregnancy support, vaginal progesterone is usually preferred because it delivers higher concentrations directly to the uterus. For perimenopause or general hormone balance, oral progesterone often works well and is more convenient. Your doctor will recommend the best route based on your specific needs.

https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide

When should I start taking progesterone after ovulation?

Typically, progesterone supplementation for luteal phase support starts 2-3 days after ovulation (confirmed by LH surge or temperature rise). Your doctor will give you specific timing based on your protocol. Some women start immediately after a positive ovulation test.

https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide

What's better: progesterone cream or pills?

Pills (oral micronized progesterone) are generally more effective and reliable than creams because absorption from creams is inconsistent. For medical conditions like fertility issues, low progesterone, or HRT, prescription pills or suppositories are strongly recommended over over-the-counter creams.

https://www.oova.life/blog/low-vs-high-progesterone-symptoms

How can I tell if I have low or high progesterone?

The only definitive way to know is through hormone testing via blood tests or at-home urine tests that measure progesterone metabolites. However, symptom patterns can provide clues: anxiety and irregular periods suggest low progesterone, while bloating and extreme fatigue suggest high progesterone.

https://www.oova.life/blog/low-vs-high-progesterone-symptoms

When during my cycle should I test progesterone levels?

Test progesterone levels during the luteal phase, typically 7 days after ovulation or around day 21 of a 28-day cycle. This is when progesterone should be at its peak, making it easier to identify if levels are too low or too high.

https://www.oova.life/blog/low-vs-high-progesterone-symptoms

What are the main differences between low and high progesterone symptoms?

Low progesterone typically causes irregular or heavy periods, anxiety, hot flashes, and sleep issues. High progesterone causes bloating, fatigue, intense breast tenderness, and depression-like mood changes. Low progesterone symptoms persist throughout your cycle, while high progesterone symptoms are most intense during the luteal phase.

https://www.oova.life/blog/low-vs-high-progesterone-symptoms

Can you have symptoms of both low and high progesterone?

Some symptoms like breast tenderness and mood changes can occur with both low and high progesterone, making it confusing. However, the timing, intensity, and accompanying symptoms differ. Hormone testing is the best way to determine which imbalance you're experiencing.