Women’s Health

Why is Progesterone Vital for Women (and Test Prices)

Author Bowtie Team

Updated on 2025-08-11

Disclaimer: This article is translated with the assistance of AI.

Progesterone, often called the pregnancy hormone, plays a key role in women’s health—imbalances can lead to infertility or menstrual cramps. Dive into this guide from the Bowtie team as we break down its functions, normal levels, risks of low progesterone, and even handy test pricing to keep you informed and empowered.

What is Progesterone?

Progesterone plays a crucial role in the reproductive system. It’s a female hormone secreted by the ovaries that stabilizes the uterine lining and creates an ideal environment for embryo development. ¹

Progesterone Normal Levels and Interpretation

Progesterone levels vary across different menstrual and pregnancy cycles , with specific normal ranges ⁵ :

Menstrual/Pregnancy Cycle	Progesterone Normal Range (ng/mL)
Follicular phase of menstrual cycle	< 0.7
Luteal phase of menstrual cycle	2 to 25
First trimester of pregnancy	10 to 44
Second trimester of pregnancy	19.5 to 82.5
Third trimester of pregnancy	65 to 290

Functions of Progesterone

Progesterone is secreted by the corpus luteum, and it’s also produced by the adrenal glands and placenta. It has distinct roles during pregnancy and the menstrual cycle ⁵ :

Roles in the Menstrual Cycle ⁵

In the middle of the menstrual cycle, a surge in luteinizing hormone triggers ovulation.
Progesterone stimulates gland and new blood vessel development, helping the body create a nurturing environment for a fertilized egg to implant and prepare for pregnancy.
If the egg isn’t fertilized, the corpus luteum breaks down, causing progesterone levels to drop. This leads to the egg and uterine lining being shed through the vagina, starting the menstrual period.

Roles in Pregnancy ⁵

If the egg is fertilized, the corpus luteum doesn’t break down and continues producing progesterone. This stimulates blood vessels to supply the uterine lining with blood, providing nutrients for the developing embryo.
Once the placenta forms, it takes over as the main producer of progesterone.
Throughout pregnancy, progesterone levels stay high, preventing the body from producing additional eggs.
Progesterone helps pregnant women produce breast milk.

Causes of Low Progesterone Levels

There are multiple causes that can lead to insufficient progesterone levels in the body, including ² :

Anovulation
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Excessive stress
Hypothyroidism
Hyperprolactinemia (elevated prolactin levels)
Low cholesterol
Perimenopause
Excessive exercise
Extreme dieting

Symptoms of Low Progesterone Levels

Insufficient progesterone levels in the body can cause the following symptoms in non-pregnant women and pregnant women ¹ :

Non-pregnant women

Irregular periods
Difficulty conceiving
Mood swings, prone to anxiety or depression
Difficulty falling asleep
Hot flashes

Pregnant women

Ectopic pregnancy
Miscarriage
Preterm birth

Benefits of Progesterone Medications

Progesterone medications are a highly effective contraceptive method that suppresses ovulation, prevents sperm from entering the uterus, and inhibits fertilized eggs from implanting in the uterine wall ⁶ . They’re also great for treating various menstrual cycle-related issues, including premenstrual syndrome (those physical, psychological, or emotional changes before your period), amenorrhea, abnormal uterine bleeding, female infertility, and postpartum depression ^2,4 .

Progesterone Test Prices in HK

Private Hospitals

The table below lists progesterone test prices at various private hospitals:

Private Hospital	Progesterone Test Price
Union Hospital	$750
Hong Kong Baptist Hospital	$710 – $1,136
St. Teresa’s Hospital	$1,090 – $2,420 (Fertility Hormone Check)

Private Clinics

The table below lists progesterone test prices at various private clinics:

Private Clinic	Progesterone Test Price
Bowtie & JP Health	$1,300 – $2,300 (Fertility Check Package, including progesterone )
Genesis Health Medical Limited	$4,800 (Comprehensive Female Hormone Check, including progesterone)
Hong Kong Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Centre	$1,280
Seed Medical	$980
Quality HealthCare	$1,480
Trinity Medical	$3,960 (Female Fertility Assessment Package)

Book Now for Bowtie & JP Health Fertility Checks!

Bowtie & JP Health Health Centre provides comprehensive medical services for clients, including health check-ups and fertility checks. If you’re planning to book a health check or fertility check at the Bowtie & JP Health Health Centre , call 3169 2269 or click here to book clinic services !

How to Boost Progesterone Through Diet?

Currently, no studies indicate that diet can directly supplement progesterone in the body. However, consuming more of the following foods can effectively help alleviate progesterone deficiency ¹ :

Zinc: Beef, shellfish, cashews, chickpeas, lentils, eggs
Vitamin C: Citrus fruits, peppers, strawberries, broccoli
Vitamin B: Carrots, spinach, walnuts, poultry like chicken and turkey
Magnesium: Green vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans

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Progesterone FAQs

1. What are the side effects of progesterone medications?

Side effects of progesterone medications include fatigue, headaches, abdominal pain, and muscle pain ⁵ .

2. Is progesterone medication only taken orally?

Progesterone medications come in oral capsules, or as vaginal tablets, capsules, or gels inserted into the vagina or uterus, or as suppositories placed in the vagina or rectum. ⁷

Sources

Author

Bowtie Team

The Bowtie Life Insurance Company Limited is an authorized life insurance company and Hong Kong’s very first virtual insurer approved. Through the use of modern technology and medical expertise, Bowtie offers an agent-free, commission-free and more convenient online platform for customers to quote, apply and claim for Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme (VHIS) anytime anywhere. Bowtie is ranked first in the direct channel sales throughout 2021. Stay up to date at www.bowtie.com.hk