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
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
- 1 “Progesterone.” Clevelandclinic, 29 Dec. 2022,
- 2 Metcalf, Eric . “Progesterone Benefits and Risks.” WebMD, 23 Apr. 2024,
- 3 “Progesterone (Oral Route).” MayoClinic, 1 Oct. 2024,
- 4 Progesterone. 15 Apr. 2016,
- 5 Seladi-Schulman, Jill . “Everything You Need to Know about Progesterone.” Healthline, 26 June 2024,
- 6 Information on Progestogen-only Contraceptive Pills (Minipill),
- 7 “Progestin (Oral Route, Parenteral Route, Vaginal Route).” MayoClinic, 1 Oct. 2024,
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