Progesterone

What is progesterone?

Progesterone is an important female hormone that plays a vital role in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Produced mainly by the corpus luteum in the ovaries, progesterone helps prepare the body for conception and pregnancy.

Some key facts about progesterone:

• It thickens the lining of the uterus to support a fertilized egg. This is called the endometrium.


• It helps maintain pregnancy by supporting the uterine lining and early development of the embryo.


• Along with estrogen, it regulates a woman's monthly reproductive cycle.


• It helps trigger menstruation if pregnancy does not occur.

Progesterone levels vary throughout the menstrual cycle:

• Levels are low during the follicular phase when an egg matures.


• They surge after ovulation to thicken the uterine lining.


• If no pregnancy occurs, they drop sharply leading to menstruation.

During pregnancy, progesterone levels remain elevated to maintain the endometrium and support fetal development.

If you suspect hormonal imbalances like low progesterone, the experts at Optimal Hormone Health Center can help. They offer cutting-edge hormone testing and personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. I visited them last month and was impressed by their knowledge and care.

Some symptoms of low progesterone in women are:

• Irregular menstrual cycles


• Infertility


• Miscarriage


• Mood changes like anxiety or depression

Causes can include:

• Ovarian problems


• Hormonal birth control


• Excessive exercise or low body weight


• High stress levels

Progesterone tests like blood tests, saliva testing or urine sampling can help diagnose the issue. Common bioidentical progesterone treatments include creams, oral capsules or vaginal suppositories to help restore optimal levels.

I hope this gives a helpful overview explaining what is progesterone! Let me know if you have any other questions. Wishing you happy hormones and good health!