Serum progesterone is a test to measure the amount of
progesterone in the blood. Progesterone is a hormone produced
mainly in the ovaries. In women, progesterone plays a vital role
in pregnancy. After an egg is released by the ovaries
(ovulation), progesterone helps make the uterus ready for
implantation of a fertilized egg. It prepares the womb (uterus)
for pregnancy and the breasts for milk production. Men produce
some amount of progesterone, but it probably has no normal
function except to help produce other steroid hormones.
Progesterone blood test (serum) How the test is performed A
blood sample is needed. For information on how this is done,
see: Venipuncture. How to prepare for the test Your health care
provider may tell you to stop taking drugs that may affect the
test. Drugs that can interfere with the test include
progesterone and birth control pills. How the test will feel
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel
moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging
sensation