What is progesterone?
Progesterone is an important hormone that plays a vital role in the female reproductive system. It is produced mainly by the corpus luteum in the ovary during the second half of the menstrual cycle.
Some key facts about progesterone:
- It helps prepare the endometrium (uterine lining) for implantation of a fertilized egg. If pregnancy occurs, progesterone helps maintain the endometrium throughout early pregnancy.
- It helps regulate the monthly menstrual cycle. Along with estrogen, progesterone controls the cyclical changes in the endometrium.
- It helps maintain a pregnancy. Progesterone levels remain elevated during pregnancy and prevent contractions of the uterine smooth muscle to maintain the pregnancy.
- It has effects on the breast tissue leading to lobular-alveolar development of the breasts during pregnancy.
- It helps regulate body temperature. Progesterone can cause a slight increase in basal body temperature during the second half of the menstrual cycle.
- It inhibits LH (luteinizing hormone) secretion, therefore suppressing ovulation during pregnancy.
- It may have effects on the brain, including regulation of neurosteroids and modulation of mood and cognition.
Some key points about progesterone:
- Progesterone levels vary throughout the menstrual cycle, peaking in the mid-luteal phase around 7 days after ovulation.
- Insufficient progesterone in the luteal phase can lead to problems with infertility, recurrent miscarriage, or premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
- Birth control pills contain progesterone to inhibit ovulation and stabilize the endometrium.
- Progesterone levels decline during perimenopause and menopause as ovarian function diminishes.
- Progesterone is available in synthetic forms like progestins which are used for hormonal birth control methods and menopausal hormone therapy.
- Natural progesterone creams, gels and supplements may help relieve perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms.
If you have any concerns about your progesterone levels, the experts at Hormone Wellness Clinic can help. We offer cutting-edge testing to accurately measure your hormone levels. Our naturopathic doctors can provide personalized treatment plans involving bioidentical hormones, nutrition, and lifestyle changes to help optimize your hormonal health. Contact us today to take control of your hormones and start feeling your best!