Progesterone Testing: Why, When & How to Track Your Levels

Progesterone is a hormone that plays a crucial role in your menstrual cycle and supporting pregnancy. Understanding your progesterone levels is key to learning whether or not you have ovulated.

So, what should your progesterone levels be and how can you measure them? Here's your go-to guide.

What is progesterone?

Progesterone is a hormone that is key to the menstrual cycle. It also is necessary for maintaining an early pregnancy.

During the second half of the menstrual cycle, called the luteal phase, progesterone is secreted by the corpus luteum, an outer layer that forms around the egg. The detection of progesterone after ovulation is the clearest indicator of an egg being released.

Progesterone is released to help prepare the body for pregnancy in the event that the released egg is fertilized. Specifically, progesterone causes the uterine lining to thicken so the fertilized egg, or embryo, can implant. If the egg is not fertilized, the corpus luteum will break down, the levels of progesterone begin to drop, and the uterine lining begins to shed, resulting in a period.

Want a deeper understanding of progesterone's role? Read: Progesterone: The Key Hormone in Your Cycle→

Why should you measure your progesterone levels?

Measuring your progesterone levels can give you key insights into your hormonal health at various points in your life, whether you're trying to conceive or experiencing symptoms as you enter perimenopause.

Monitoring helps you identify when progesterone levels are abnormally elevated, which can occur with ovarian cysts or hormone therapy. Understand what high progesterone symptoms look like so you know when to consult your doctor.

Measuring progesterone levels while trying to conceive

If you're trying to conceive, measuring progesterone levels can help you understand whether you've actually ovulated. Progesterone levels surge after ovulation to help support a potential pregnancy; if you measure your progesterone levels over time, you can track whether you've experienced that surge.

It's also important to measure your progesterone levels to ensure they're within a healthy range. Low progesterone levels can be a sign of ovulation issues or a hormonal imbalance that might be affecting your fertility.

Learn natural ways to support healthy levels: How to Increase Progesterone Naturally: 8 Evidence-Based Ways

Measuring progesterone levels during perimenopause

As you enter perimenopause, your progesterone levels naturally decline. Measuring progesterone during this time can help you navigate irregular periods and cycles, as well as perimenopause symptoms that might arise. For example, you might see certain symptoms arise during different fluctuations in your progesterone levels, which can help you figure out symptom treatment that's right for you.

Measuring progesterone levels during hormone supplementation

If you're experiencing low progesterone levels, you and your healthcare provider might decide it's best to try progesterone supplementation. Progesterone supplementation can help boost your progesterone levels, usually through a pill or topical treatment.

Monitoring your progesterone levels during supplementation is as important as monitoring your progesterone before supplementation. This measurement can ensure you're getting the right dosage.

Remember, this is just an overview. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional to discuss if progesterone testing is right for you and what the results might mean in the context of your specific situation.

How to measure your progesterone levels

You can measure different forms of progesterone with blood or urine tests.

Blood tests give direct measurements of your hormones by measuring active hormones, or hormones currently circulating in your blood stream. If you want to measure your progesterone through a blood tests, you'll measure a form of progesterone called P4.

Urine tests measure hormone byproducts, called metabolites. As your body breaks down hormones, it creates metabolites, which are then excreted through urine. If you want to measure your progesterone through a urine tests, you'll measure PdG, the hormone metabolite version of progesterone.

Even though blood tests and urine tests measure different forms of hormones, they are both accurate ways to detect the amount of hormones in your body.

Measuring progesterone levels with Oova

Oova is an at-home urine test that measures PdG to track your progesterone levels.

Why should you use Oova to measure your progesterone levels? Oova tests are:

• Accurate: You'll get quantitative measurements of your PdG levels to understand exactly what your hormone levels are — not how your hormone levels compare to a "standard."
• Non-invasive: Unlike blood tests, you just have to pee to get your results!
• Convenient: Scan from the comfort of your own home, the office, or on-the-go, whatever works best for you.
• Immediate: No more waiting for your test to go to a lab. You'll get results immediately after you scan in the Oova app.
• Up-to-date: Your hormone levels can change a lot day to day. While blood tests give you a snapshot of what's happening on the day your bloog was taken, consistent urine tests give you daily data about your body and how your hormones are changing.

What does a typical progesterone chart look like?

Progesterone levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, so it is important to follow the overall trend of the hormone behavior versus specific numbers each day.

To confirm ovulation, the progesterone should begin to elevate 24-72 hours after luteinizing hormone peaks (also known as the LH surge). With Oova, we have seen the levels begin to elevate anywhere within that range.

In order to confirm ovulation, the progesterone levels should rise at least 5 ng/mL above the baseline progesterone values captured during the earlier part of the monitoring window.

Other progesterone patterns that may occur

Often, patients display dramatic progesterone behavior representing a zig-zag pattern. In this pattern, the progesterone levels elevate, then drop, and then elevate again. If this pattern continues throughout the luteal phase, it can indicate that the corpus luteum is not releasing a steady stream of progesterone.

What are the progesterone levels we are looking for?

During the follicular phase, progesterone levels should be close to their baseline levels or very low. Post ovulation, the progesterone should begin to rise. In order to confirm ovulation, an increase of 5 ng/mL over baseline is expected.

In terms of Oova percentages, women should expect to see a percentage at or above 22.2%.

How many days post-ovulation does the progesterone begin to rise?

This differs for every woman, however, typically, progesterone will rise anywhere from 24-72 hours after ovulation.

What happens if progesterone is very low?

If progesterone levels are on the lower side, irregular and heavy menstrual bleeding can occur. It can also lead to a miscarriage or early labor if the progesterone drops substantially during the pregnancy. If there is no progesterone rise that happens after ovulation, it can mean that the ovary failed to release an egg during the LH peak, and that particular cycle was anovulatory.

>>MORE: Is Low Progesterone Hurting Your Fertility?

What are some things you can do if your progesterone is low or behaving irregularly?

If the progesterone levels are low or you often see a zig-zag pattern in the luteal phase, you may benefit from a progesterone supplement. It is important that you speak with your healthcare provider prior to taking any supplements, but it is worth a conversation to see if this is the right option for you. Supplements can be topical (applied as a cream) or ingested via oral pill. You can also incorporate certain foods that can stimulate your body to produce more progesterone naturally, such as:

• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Kale
• Nuts
• Pumpkin
• Spinach
• Whole grains

Some additional ways to increase the body’s natural progesterone is to maintain a healthy body weight, reduce stress, and avoid over-exercising.

>>MORE: What Are Low Progesterone Symptoms?

Progesterone levels: the bottom line

Progesterone is a fertility hormone that plays a crucial role in both your menstrual cycle and the early stages of pregnancy. Understanding your unique progesterone levels can give you important insights into your menstrual cycle (and any symptoms that come with it!), fertility, and overall health. If you want to measure and understand your progesterone levels, Oova can provide clear, accurate test results and information from your home.If you're trying to conceive, it may feel like there are tons of hormones, parts of your cycle, and reproductive terms to keep track of. One of those key hormones to know is progesterone.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to test progesterone?

The best time to test progesterone is 7 days after ovulation, during the mid-luteal phase when levels should be highest. If you're not sure when you ovulated, testing daily with at-home tests can help you catch the progesterone rise.

What is a normal progesterone level after ovulation?

Normal progesterone levels after ovulation should rise at least 5 ng/mL above baseline, typically reaching 5-20 ng/mL during the luteal phase. With Oova testing, you should see percentages at or above 22.2% to confirm ovulation.

How often should I test my progesterone?

For fertility tracking, test daily throughout your cycle to catch the progesterone surge after ovulation. During perimenopause or hormone therapy, your doctor may recommend testing at specific intervals to monitor changes.

Can I test progesterone at home?

Yes, at-home urine tests like Oova measure PdG (progesterone metabolite) and provide accurate daily measurements. Blood tests through your doctor measure P4 (active progesterone) but only give a single snapshot.

What does it mean if my progesterone shows a zigzag pattern?

A zigzag pattern (progesterone rising, dropping, then rising again throughout the luteal phase) may indicate the corpus luteum isn't releasing steady progesterone. This pattern warrants discussion with your healthcare provider about possible supplementation.

How long after ovulation does progesterone rise?

Progesterone typically rises 24-72 hours after ovulation. Every woman is different, which is why daily tracking helps you understand your unique pattern rather than relying on averages.