Medical & affiliate disclosure: CTX Stat provides educational laboratory information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. CTX Stat may receive compensation from some outbound provider links when an affiliate program is active; provider comparisons and rankings are based on consumer fit, effective cost, access, policies, and reputation—not commission.
Quick take
A self-pay progesterone blood test usually costs about $14 to $95 for a standard serum progesterone immunoassay when ordered through a consumer lab-testing service. The effective price depends on whether the advertised price already includes the lab draw, physician authorization, and portal access. Some providers advertise a low test price but add a required physician or order fee at checkout.
For most people checking whether ovulation occurred, a standard serum progesterone blood test is the usual option. Higher-cost LC/MS or LC/MS/MS progesterone testing may be useful when a clinician wants a more specific method, when very low levels are clinically important, or when immunoassay interference is a concern. It is not automatically necessary for routine cycle tracking.
Best next step: compare the final cart total, not just the headline test price. Confirm the lab network near you, state availability, whether a provider fee is added, and whether the order is for progesterone—not 17-hydroxyprogesterone, which is a different test.
How we compared progesterone blood test cost
This cost guide compares consumer-facing, self-pay options for a single progesterone blood test. The price in the table is the effective cost to the patient we could identify from public provider pages: the test price plus any mandatory physician, order, or service fee shown for that specific test. Optional add-ons, subscription discounts, one-time coupon codes, shipping upgrades, mobile phlebotomy, and unrelated panel upgrades are not treated as the base price unless the provider requires them.
Because lab marketplaces change prices and state availability frequently, use this table as a shopping framework and confirm your exact checkout total before paying. Also check whether the provider sends you to Quest, Labcorp, or another collection network, because convenience and appointment availability can matter as much as the dollar amount.
| Provider | Advertised progesterone test price | Mandatory fees shown | Estimated effective total | Collection / workflow notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JustLabs | $14 | Provider page states physician-authorized order and blood draw are included | $14 | Quest Diagnostics blood draw; results listed as 1–2 business days. Newer/leaner public review footprint than some long-established lab marketplaces. |
| Ulta Lab Tests | $27.96 promotional price shown; quick-order page also showed $34.95 | No separate mandatory fee was shown on the product result we reviewed | $27.96–$34.95 | Quest-based collection for many orders; product page lists progesterone immunoassay #745, serum, average 1–2 business days. Public Trustpilot review volume is smaller than some competitors but generally positive. |
| HealthLabs.com | $45 | No separate mandatory fee was shown on the product page | $45 | Provider states access to 4,500+ CLIA-certified U.S. labs and most results in 1–3 days. Page states it does not bill insurance directly. |
| Walk-In Lab | $45 | +$6 per-order physician fee | $51 | Blood draw from arm; no fasting; listed turnaround 3–5 business days. State/lab-network restrictions apply and should be checked before ordering. |
| Private MD Labs | $75 | Page states prescription and lab fees are included | $75 | Uses Quest and/or Labcorp locations depending on availability; page states no extra lab fees and displays a large public review base. Not available for lab testing in NY, NJ, RI, or HI according to its help center. |
| Labcorp OnDemand | $89 | No separate physician fee was shown on Labcorp’s hormone test listing | $89 | Order online, provider review, sample at a Labcorp location, results in Labcorp Patient account. Labcorp lists more than 2,000 patient service centers. |
| Quest Health | $89 | +$6 physician service fee | $95 | Quest Diagnostics patient service center collection; typical results listed as 1–2 business days after sample collection. Quest Health says tests are not currently available in Arizona, Hawaii, or Puerto Rico, and individual tests may have additional restrictions. |
What the progesterone blood test includes
A progesterone test measures progesterone in a blood sample. Progesterone is made mainly by the ovaries after ovulation and rises during the second half of the menstrual cycle. If pregnancy occurs, progesterone continues to rise to help support the uterine lining and early pregnancy; if pregnancy does not occur, levels fall before menstruation. MedlinePlus describes the test as a blood test used to help evaluate ovulation, fertility concerns, pregnancy-related concerns, abnormal uterine bleeding, and certain adrenal or ovarian conditions.
Most self-pay listings are for serum progesterone, usually reported in ng/mL. The billing code commonly associated with serum progesterone is CPT 84144, which Walk-In Lab lists on its product page. Medicare fee schedules and private lab contracts are not the same as consumer cash prices, but public fee schedules show why the underlying lab assay may be much less expensive than the final retail price: the consumer price also pays for ordering infrastructure, provider authorization, support, portal delivery, and sometimes marketplace margin.
Why progesterone blood test prices vary
The biggest price differences usually come from four factors:
- Provider authorization fees. Many direct-to-consumer lab tests still require an authorized clinician order. Some companies include this in the list price; others show it separately, such as Quest Health’s $6 physician service fee and Walk-In Lab’s $6 per-order physician fee.
- Lab network and negotiated rates. A marketplace may send you to Quest or Labcorp but charge a different price than Quest Health or Labcorp OnDemand because it has its own contract and ordering workflow.
- Test method. Standard immunoassay progesterone tests are usually much cheaper than LC/MS-based options. Walk-In Lab, for example, listed a standard progesterone blood test at $45 plus a required $6 physician fee, while its LC/MS progesterone option was listed at $169 plus the same required fee.
- Promotions and coupons. Ulta Lab Tests frequently displays promotional pricing. A coupon can be useful, but for a fair comparison, check whether the discount is active, whether it applies to your state and lab, and whether any fee appears after you choose a location.
When to test progesterone
Timing is central to progesterone interpretation. For a person with a predictable 28-day menstrual cycle, progesterone is often tested around day 21, which is about 7 days before the expected next period. If your cycle is 35 days, “day 21” may be too early; testing about 7 days after suspected ovulation or 7 days before your expected period is usually more meaningful. Labcorp OnDemand and Quest Health both describe this general timing approach on their progesterone test pages.
If you are using ovulation predictor kits, basal body temperature, cycle tracking, or fertility treatment instructions, align the blood draw with that plan. A single low value may simply mean the test was drawn before progesterone rose or after it had already started to fall. For irregular cycles, repeated or clinician-directed testing may be more useful than one isolated result.
Preparation and collection
Most progesterone blood tests do not require fasting. MedlinePlus notes that you usually do not need special preparation, although your healthcare provider may want to know the first day of your last menstrual period and may give instructions about medicines. Do not stop prescription hormones, fertility medicines, birth control, or supplements unless your clinician tells you to.
Bring a photo ID and the lab order or requisition if the provider requires it. Some labs have same-day appointments; others strongly prefer scheduling. If you are using a marketplace, make sure the lab location you choose accepts that specific provider’s order. This is especially important for people in or near states with direct-access testing restrictions.
Biotin deserves special mention. The FDA warns that biotin, commonly found in hair, skin, nail, and high-dose wellness supplements, can interfere with certain lab tests and cause incorrect results. Not every progesterone method is affected in the same way, but many lab providers advise stopping biotin for a period before collection. Follow the test provider’s instructions and ask your clinician if you take high-dose biotin for a medical reason.
How to interpret progesterone results
Progesterone is not interpreted like a stable annual wellness marker. Its meaning depends on why you tested, where you are in your cycle, whether you are pregnant, and whether you are taking hormones. MedlinePlus lists example reference ranges showing that progesterone is typically low before ovulation, rises after ovulation, and rises further in pregnancy. Reference ranges vary by lab and method, so compare your value with the range printed on your actual report.
In a nonpregnant cycle, a progesterone rise can support that ovulation occurred. A value that does not rise may suggest anovulation, mistimed collection, cycle irregularity, medication effects, perimenopause, or another issue. During pregnancy, low or changing progesterone may be evaluated alongside symptoms, serial hCG, and ultrasound; it should not be used alone to diagnose miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Severe pelvic pain, shoulder pain, fainting, heavy bleeding, or one-sided pain in early pregnancy needs urgent medical evaluation rather than self-testing alone.
Should you use insurance or self-pay?
Self-pay can be simpler when you only need one progesterone level and want the price upfront. It may also be cheaper than using insurance if you have a high deductible, a denied claim risk, or an out-of-network lab. On the other hand, insurance may be better if your clinician is evaluating infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, abnormal bleeding, pregnancy complications, or a broader endocrine concern, because the progesterone test may be only one part of a medically directed workup.
If you use self-pay, the order usually is not billed to insurance. Some providers accept HSA or FSA cards, but eligibility depends on your plan rules. If you plan to request reimbursement, download an itemized receipt and check whether your plan requires a clinician order, diagnosis code, or in-network lab.
How to choose a progesterone test provider
Start with the total cost, but do not stop there. A $14 test is not a good deal if the nearest eligible Quest location is far away, if your state is restricted, or if you need clinician guidance that the low-cost provider does not offer. A higher-cost option may be reasonable if it uses the lab you already prefer, integrates with your patient portal, or provides easier support.
For reputation, look for patterns rather than one-off reviews. Private MD Labs displays a large review count on its product page and also has a large Trustpilot presence. Ulta Lab Tests and HealthLabs.com have public third-party review pages, but the size and mix of reviews vary. Quest and Labcorp reviews often reflect their broad diagnostic businesses and local patient service centers, not just the direct-to-consumer progesterone ordering experience. Treat reviews as one input alongside price, location, restrictions, result speed, and clarity of fees.
Before you order, verify: final cart total, lab location, state eligibility, test method, turnaround time, whether the order expires, refund rules if you do not get drawn, and how abnormal results are handled.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a progesterone blood test cost without insurance?
Common self-pay progesterone blood test prices range from about $14 to $95 for standard serum progesterone options. The lowest advertised price we found was JustLabs at $14. Larger branded direct options included Labcorp OnDemand at $89 and Quest Health at $89 plus a $6 physician service fee, for a $95 effective total.
Is the cheapest progesterone test always the best choice?
Not always. The cheapest option may be perfectly adequate if it uses a reputable collection lab, includes required fees, and is available near you. But you should also consider state restrictions, appointment availability, customer support, result delivery, refund rules, and whether you need a standard immunoassay or a more specific LC/MS method.
Do I need a doctor’s order?
Most consumer lab-testing services arrange the required provider authorization as part of the purchase, so you generally do not need an in-person doctor visit before ordering. However, availability varies by state, age, sex, test type, and provider. If you are pregnant, have bleeding or pain, are undergoing fertility treatment, or have a complex medical history, involve your clinician.
What is the best day to test progesterone?
For ovulation confirmation, many providers recommend testing about 7 days before your expected period. In a 28-day cycle, that is often called “day 21” testing. If your cycles are longer or shorter, use your likely ovulation date or expected period date rather than automatically choosing day 21.
Is a progesterone blood test better than a urine PdG test?
They answer related but different questions. A blood progesterone test gives a quantitative serum progesterone value at the time of the draw. A urine PdG test measures a metabolite of progesterone and is often used for home ovulation confirmation. Blood testing is usually the reference option when a clinician wants a numeric progesterone level, but urine testing may be convenient for cycle tracking.
Can progesterone testing diagnose infertility?
No single progesterone result diagnoses infertility. A mid-luteal progesterone rise can support that ovulation occurred, but fertility evaluation may also involve ovulation history, semen analysis, ovarian reserve testing, thyroid and prolactin testing, uterine/tubal evaluation, age, cycle regularity, and other factors.
Does progesterone testing require fasting?
Usually no. Most provider pages and MedlinePlus state that fasting is not typically required. Follow the instructions on your lab order, especially for supplements such as biotin and for any medications your clinician wants you to continue or hold.
What is the difference between progesterone and 17-hydroxyprogesterone?
They are different tests. Serum progesterone is commonly used for ovulation, fertility, and pregnancy-related assessment. 17-hydroxyprogesterone is more often used in evaluating congenital adrenal hyperplasia and certain adrenal-related concerns. Do not substitute one for the other unless your clinician specifically directs it.
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Progesterone Test
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Serum Progesterone
- U.S. FDA: Biotin Interference with Lab Tests
- Quest Health: Progesterone Test
- Labcorp OnDemand: Progesterone Test
- Labcorp OnDemand: Hormone Testing Prices
- HealthLabs.com: Progesterone Test
- Walk-In Lab: Progesterone Blood Test
- Private MD Labs: Progesterone Test
- Private MD Labs: States Served
- Ulta Lab Tests: Progesterone Test
- JustLabs: Progesterone Cost
- Quest Health Help Center: Availability and Restrictions
- Walk-In Lab FAQ: State Restrictions
Educational note: This article is for general health education and cost comparison. It does not diagnose, treat, or replace care from a licensed healthcare professional. Discuss abnormal progesterone results, pregnancy symptoms, fertility concerns, or medication questions with a qualified clinician.
