What is progesterone?

Progesterone is one of 4 key female hormones. It is produced primarily in the ovaries, and is responsible for a host of functions, including the regulation of your menstrual cycle, supporting pregnancy, breast development, bone health and mood regulation. Although progesterone is associated with the female reproductive system, small amounts are also produced in men, where it is involved in the production of other hormones, including testosterone and corticosteroids. Synthetic forms of progesterone, called progestins, are often used in hormonal contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy to mimic the actions of progesterone in the body.

What are the symptoms of low progesterone?

Low progesterone levels can manifest with various symptoms, and these symptoms can overlap with other health conditions. Symptoms of low progesterone include: Irregular Menstrual Cycles Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Difficulty Getting Pregnant Recurrent Miscarriages Low Libido Mood Swings and Anxiety Insomnia or Poor Sleep Fatigue Headaches or Migraines

What can cause low progesterone?

Low progesterone levels in women can be caused by various factors, and it’s often a complex interplay of physiological and lifestyle elements. Common causes of low progesterone are: Anovulation Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Stress Excessive Exercise Underweight or Low Body Fat Perimenopause and Menopause Hypothyroidism Chronic Illness or Inflammatory Conditions Ovarian Cysts or Tumours Medications Endocrine Disruptors

How to treat low progesterone?

There are a few things you can do to increase your progesterone levels if they’re are outside of their optimal range: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): In some cases, your doctor may prescribe hormone replacement therapy. This can be administered in various forms, including pills, creams, or injections. Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help support hormonal balance. This includes getting regular exercise, managing stress levels, and getting enough sleep. Diet: Certain foods may help support hormone balance. Foods rich in vitamin B6, zinc, and magnesium, such as nuts, seeds, and leafy green vegetables, may be beneficial. Enjoying an overall balanced diet can contribute to hormonal health. Avoiding Endocrine Disruptors: Endocrine disruptors are substances that can interfere with hormone production and regulation. These may include certain chemicals found in plastics, pesticides, and some personal care products. Minimising exposure to these substances can be beneficial. Identifying and Treating Underlying Conditions: Low progesterone levels can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying health issue. Identifying and addressing the root cause, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders, may help improve hormonal balance.

What does progesterone do in the menstrual cycle?

The menstrual cycle can be split into two main phases – the follicular phase and luteal phase. During the luteal phase, progesterone prepares the body for pregnancy and supports early pregnancy. It helps thicken the uterine lining, creating a more hospitable environment for a fertilised egg to implant and supporting early embryonic development.

How can I increase my progesterone?

Making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle, especially if you suspect a hormonal imbalance, can help return your progesterone to optimal levels. Start by making sure you’re enjoying a balanced diet with healthy fats, limited processed foods and sugar. Maintaining a healthy weight can also help keep your hormones working as they should be, making exercise a key component to your overall hormone health. Reducing stress and getting lots of sleep can also help. If your levels are still low after these changes, speak to your doctor about what the next steps are that could help you.

How soon will the test arrive?

If you order your test before midday on a Monday to Friday then your kit will be dispatched the same day. All our kits are sent out via Royal Mail first class post, so it should be with you within 1-2 working days.

How secure is my data?

We have strict processes in place to ensure the protection of your data. Following GDPR the company also operates under tight legal rules about the sharing of data which ensures that data is only shared if it is crucial to the delivery of our service. For example, our doctors see customer results at the time of review, however, after review, access to results is withdrawn.

Can I have someone take my blood for me?

Yes. We offer two options if you do not want to do our finger prick test. The first is a home appointment where a nurse comes to your home to take a blood sample. The second is to visit a Phlebotomy clinic near you that offers a blood sample service. A blood sample will be taken from your vein and we will provide you with everything you need to give to the nurse to allow them to take the sample. The nurse will give you the blood sample to return to us using the pre-paid envelope provided.

Does a doctor review my results?

We have a team of doctors and nurses who look at all results and will comment on any results that are outside of the normal range for your age.

Can I download the results to share with my GP?

Yes, you can download your results from your health dashboard as a PDF to share with your GP.

Get a £5 voucher for you or to pass on when you order this test today.

Progesterone Blood Test

Name: Progesterone Blood Test
Brand: Forth
Price: 44 GBP
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.2 (1168 reviews)

Our progesterone blood test will confirm if you've ovulated and is taken on day 21 of your menstrual cycle. For a more complete picture of your hormone network, we recommend our advanced female hormone test, MyFORM®.

£44

+ £5 Voucher when you order today

When do I take the test?

Collect your blood sample on day 21 of your menstrual cycle (day 1 being the first day of your period).

Certified for quality & security

What does a progesterone blood test check?

Our progesterone blood test is useful for women who are trying to conceive and want to know if they are ovulating. For a more in-depth look at your hormones, we recommend MyFORM®, our ground-breaking female hormone mapping test that can tell you if you’ve ovulated in that cycle and help provide answers if not.

Why do a progesterone blood test?

A progesterone test can help if you’re trying to conceive or want to check your ovulation. Your progesterone levels are highest on day 21 of your menstrual cycle. If your levels are lower than expected, it can indicate you haven’t ovulated. However, for a more comprehensive look at how your hormones fluctuate, we recommend our MyFORM® Female Hormone Mapping test, which tests your hormone levels on day 14 and 21 of your cycle.

How to check progesterone levels at home

Our progesterone blood test is a day-21 test, meaning you have to collect your blood sample on day 21 of your menstrual cycle. The kit contains everything you’ll need to collect a small blood sample and post it to our labs for analysis. Your results will be looked at by our medical team, who will provide comments and advice on your progesterone levels.

Frequently asked questions

This is what our customers ask us most about this test. For more information, try our help centre.

What is progesterone?

Progesterone is one of 4 key female hormones. It is produced primarily in the ovaries, and is responsible for a host of functions, including the regulation of your menstrual cycle, supporting pregnancy, breast development, bone health and mood regulation.

Although progesterone is associated with the female reproductive system, small amounts are also produced in men, where it is involved in the production of other hormones, including testosterone and corticosteroids.

Synthetic forms of progesterone, called progestins, are often used in hormonal contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy to mimic the actions of progesterone in the body.
What are the symptoms of low progesterone?
Low progesterone levels can manifest with various symptoms, and these symptoms can overlap with other health conditions. Symptoms of low progesterone include^[1]:
- Irregular Menstrual Cycles
- Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Difficulty Getting Pregnant
- Recurrent Miscarriages
- Low Libido
- Mood Swings and Anxiety
- Insomnia or Poor Sleep
- Fatigue
- Headaches or Migraines
[1]https://www.aspenmedicalpractice.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Symptoms-of-Early-Menopause.pdf
What can cause low progesterone?
Low progesterone levels in women can be caused by various factors, and it’s often a complex interplay of physiological and lifestyle elements. Common causes of low progesterone are:
- Anovulation
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Stress
- Excessive Exercise
- Underweight or Low Body Fat
- Perimenopause and Menopause
- Hypothyroidism
- Chronic Illness or Inflammatory Conditions
- Ovarian Cysts or Tumours
- Medications
- Endocrine Disruptors
How to treat low progesterone?

There are a few things you can do to increase your progesterone levels if they’re are outside of their optimal range:

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): In some cases, your doctor may prescribe hormone replacement therapy. This can be administered in various forms, including pills, creams, or injections.

Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help support hormonal balance. This includes getting regular exercise, managing stress levels, and getting enough sleep.

Diet: Certain foods may help support hormone balance. Foods rich in vitamin B6, zinc, and magnesium, such as nuts, seeds, and leafy green vegetables, may be beneficial. Enjoying an overall balanced diet can contribute to hormonal health.

Avoiding Endocrine Disruptors: Endocrine disruptors are substances that can interfere with hormone production and regulation. These may include certain chemicals found in plastics, pesticides, and some personal care products. Minimising exposure to these substances can be beneficial.

Identifying and Treating Underlying Conditions: Low progesterone levels can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying health issue. Identifying and addressing the root cause, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders, may help improve hormonal balance.
What does progesterone do in the menstrual cycle?

The menstrual cycle can be split into two main phases – the follicular phase and luteal phase. During the luteal phase, progesterone prepares the body for pregnancy and supports early pregnancy. It helps thicken the uterine lining, creating a more hospitable environment for a fertilised egg to implant and supporting early embryonic development.
How can I increase my progesterone?

Making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle, especially if you suspect a hormonal imbalance, can help return your progesterone to optimal levels. Start by making sure you’re enjoying a balanced diet with healthy fats, limited processed foods and sugar.

Maintaining a healthy weight can also help keep your hormones working as they should be, making exercise a key component to your overall hormone health. Reducing stress and getting lots of sleep can also help.

If your levels are still low after these changes, speak to your doctor about what the next steps are that could help you.
How soon will the test arrive?

If you order your test before midday on a Monday to Friday then your kit will be dispatched the same day. All our kits are sent out via Royal Mail first class post, so it should be with you within 1-2 working days.
How secure is my data?

We have strict processes in place to ensure the protection of your data. Following GDPR the company also operates under tight legal rules about the sharing of data which ensures that data is only shared if it is crucial to the delivery of our service. For example, our doctors see customer results at the time of review, however, after review, access to results is withdrawn.

Learn more about your data security.

Can I have someone take my blood for me?

Yes. We offer two options if you do not want to do our finger prick test. The first is a home appointment where a nurse comes to your home to take a blood sample. The second is to visit a Phlebotomy clinic near you that offers a blood sample service.

A blood sample will be taken from your vein and we will provide you with everything you need to give to the nurse to allow them to take the sample.

The nurse will give you the blood sample to return to us using the pre-paid envelope provided.
Does a doctor review my results?

We have a team of doctors and nurses who look at all results and will comment on any results that are outside of the normal range for your age.
Can I download the results to share with my GP?

Yes, you can download your results from your health dashboard as a PDF to share with your GP.

Learn how to export your results.

We are dedicated to supporting you on improving your health

Recommended by doctors

Dr Thom Phillips

Clinical Lead

BSc. (Hons) MSc. MB BCh. MRCGP. Dip SEM. PGCert (Diabetes)

Renee McGregor

Nutrition Lead

BSc (hons) PGDIP (DIET) PGCERT(sportsnutr) RD BASES

Dr Michael Cornes

Scientific Officer

Consultant clinical scientist, FRCPath, BSc Biochemistry, MSc Clinical Biochemistry, PhD Biochemistry

"A snapshot picture of your progesterone can help assess menstrual cycle regularity, ovulation, and pregnancy. This information aids in fertility planning, identifying hormonal imbalances, and addressing potential issues early, ensuring women can make informed decisions about their reproductive health and overall well-being but is best being used as part of a wider panel to assess your wider hormone network. "

Dr Thom Phillips

We’re changing people’s lives

I really like Forth and you probably saved my life because your lab discovered my critically low cortisol which was subsequently diagnosed as adrenal insufficiency by a hospital endocrinologist.

Maria

I find Forth professional and forward-thinking with a bigger range of tests than more traditional healthcare providers in the UK. I think it is closer to what you can get from US providers.

Richard C

I wanted to get more information about my own health instead of using the NHS who just test for a specific reason. I also wanted better historical data to view changes over time as the NHS systems aren’t very good for that.

James W

Finding out what is going on inside your body is key, especially now that the NHS is in crisis. If we can take control of our wellness (and flag up potential problems early) that has got to be a good thing.

Vannesa C

I am very satisfied with your excellent service and I have recommended you to all my friends who are also very interested in your products.

Doris R

How it works

Getting the insights you need to improve your health has never been easier.

1. Choose your blood test

No need to wait for a GP appointment, choose from our wide range of tests which come with everything you need to take your sample and return to our lab.

2. Collect your sample

Take your finger prick blood sample at home, or choose to have your blood taken at a Superdrug health clinic or a nurse at home. Return to our NHS lab using our prepaid envelope.