---
title: "What does a low Progesterone mean?"
type: biomarker-interpretation
url: "https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/progesterone/low"
biomarker: Progesterone
direction: low
reference_range:
  - "Male, age 18+: 0.100 – 0.500 ng/mL"
  - "Female, age 18+, varies by cycle phase: 0.100 – 25.0 ng/mL"
reviewed_at: 2026-09-06
review_status: reviewed
date_published: 2026-09-05
---

# What does a low Progesterone mean?

> Progesterone rises only after ovulation, so a 'low' result in the first half of the cycle is normal — timing is everything. Drawn about a week after ovulation (day 21 of a 28-day cycle), a level below about 3 ng/mL suggests ovulation didn't occur that cycle, which happens with PCOS, thyroid disease, high prolactin, perimenopause, stress or low body weight. Low progesterone in early pregnancy is assessed by an obstetric clinician, not a single value.


## What is the normal range for Progesterone?

- Male, age 18+: 0.100 – 0.500 ng/mL
- Female, age 18+, varies by cycle phase: 0.100 – 25.0 ng/mL



## What are the common causes of low Progesterone?

1. Sample drawn before ovulation (normal)
2. Anovulatory cycle: PCOS, thyroid disease, high prolactin, perimenopause, stress, low body weight
3. Menopause
4. Hormonal contraception (suppresses ovulation)

## What symptoms go with low Progesterone?

- Irregular or absent periods
- Difficulty conceiving
- Spotting, short cycles

## What do clinicians usually check next?

- Confirm the cycle day; repeat 7 days after suspected ovulation
- TSH, prolactin, LH/FSH, androgens
- Ovulation tracking across a cycle

Follow-up tests at TestWell: [TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)](https://www.test-well.com/tests/tsh) ($26.99), [TSH + Free T4](https://www.test-well.com/tests/tsh-with-free-t4) ($27.99), [FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)](https://www.test-well.com/tests/fsh) ($29.99), [LH (Luteinizing Hormone)](https://www.test-well.com/tests/luteinizing-hormone) ($36.99), [Prolactin](https://www.test-well.com/tests/prolactin) ($39.99).

## How do you recheck Progesterone?

| Test or panel | Type | Price | Fasting | Results |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Women's Fertility Essentials](https://www.test-well.com/tests/female-fertility-panel) | Panel (5 tests) | $119.99 | No | 3–5 business days |
| [Menopause Assessment Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/menopause-panel) | Panel (8 tests) | $179.99 | No | 2–4 business days |
| [Women's Hormone Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/womens-hormone-panel) | Panel (11 tests) | $239.99 | No | 3–5 business days |
| [Progesterone](https://www.test-well.com/tests/progesterone) | Test | $31.99 | No | 1–3 business days |

Plus one $6 lab processing fee per order; physician authorization included.

## Common questions

### What progesterone level confirms ovulation?

Above about 3 ng/mL in the mid-luteal phase indicates ovulation occurred; above 10 ng/mL is considered a healthy luteal level by many clinicians.

## Related

- [What does a high Progesterone mean?](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/progesterone/high)
- [Progesterone reference ranges](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/progesterone)
- [Total Testosterone reference range](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/total-testosterone)
- [Free Testosterone reference range](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/free-testosterone)
- [SHBG reference range](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/shbg)

## Sources

- [Mayo Clinic Labs](https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/overview/8141)

---

Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD (Medical Reviewer, TestWell); last reviewed 2026-09-06. Review policy: https://www.test-well.com/editorial-policy

Canonical page: https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/progesterone/low
Machine-readable catalog: https://www.test-well.com/api/catalog.json · MCP server: https://www.test-well.com/mcp · Overview for agents: https://www.test-well.com/llms.txt

Prices are cash-pay, in USD, and include physician authorization; every order adds one flat $6 lab processing fee. Educational content is not a diagnosis — discuss results with a clinician.