What is progesterone?
Progesterone is a crucial hormone that plays many important roles in the female reproductive system and pregnancy. Some key facts about progesterone:
- Progesterone is a steroid hormone produced mainly by the ovaries during the second half of the menstrual cycle. It is released after ovulation when an egg is released from the ovaries.
- Along with estrogen, progesterone helps control the menstrual cycle and prepares the body for pregnancy.
- Progesterone helps thicken and maintain the lining of the uterus during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. This helps provide the right environment for a fertilized egg to implant and grow.
- If pregnancy occurs, progesterone levels remain elevated to maintain the pregnancy. Progesterone helps nourish and maintain the uterine lining to support the growing fetus.
- During pregnancy, progesterone is produced mainly by the placenta. Levels steadily rise through the 9 months of pregnancy.
- Progesterone has other effects like slowing uterine contractions to prevent pre-term labor. It also helps prepare the breasts for eventual milk production.
- After birth, progesterone levels rapidly decline allowing milk production to begin.
So in summary, progesterone plays crucial roles in:
- Regulating the menstrual cycle and ovulatory phases
- Preparing the uterus for pregnancy
- Maintaining pregnancy by supporting the uterine lining and developing fetus
- Preventing pre-term birth by relaxing the uterus
- Preparing the breasts for lactation
Having the right progesterone levels at each stage of the reproductive cycle is important. Too much or too little progesterone can affect fertility and cause issues like irregular periods, infertility or miscarriage.
If you suspect you may have a progesterone imbalance, see your doctor or visit Renew Hormone Solutions. We specialize in hormone testing and personalized bioidentical hormone therapy to restore optimal hormonal balance. Our caring medical team can evaluate your hormone levels and symptoms to decide if progesterone therapy is right for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!