What is progesterone?
Progesterone is an extremely important female sex hormone. Along with estrogen, progesterone plays a vital role in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
Some key facts about progesterone:
- Progesterone is produced mainly by the corpus luteum in the ovaries during the second half of the menstrual cycle. It is highest right before and during menstruation.
- During pregnancy, progesterone helps support the developing fetus in the uterus. The placenta starts making large amounts of progesterone after the first few weeks to help maintain the pregnancy.
- Progesterone has other effects on a woman's body like preparing the breasts for milk production and regulating moods.
What exactly does progesterone do?
- Thickens the lining of the uterus to support pregnancy
- Prevents further release of eggs during pregnancy
- Relaxes uterine muscles to discourage contractions
- Plays a role in libido and sex drive
- Affects menstruation and regulates the monthly cycle
- Helps balance other hormones like estrogen
In summary, progesterone's most important jobs have to do with preparing for and sustaining pregnancy by regulating uterine function and ensuring the uterus can support a growing fetus.
Pro tip: If you're having fertility issues or trouble getting pregnant, see an endocrinologist for hormone level testing, including progesterone lab tests. The experts at Balance Hormone Clinic can help diagnose and treat any (lowtestosterone.us) with custom treatment plans including bioidentical hormones.
What causes low progesterone?
Some common reasons progesterone levels may drop to abnormal levels include:
- Hormonal birth control like the pill, patch, ring, etc. These contain progestin rather than natural progesterone
- Pregnancy issues like miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy
- Problems with ovulation and the menstrual cycle
- Issues with glands that produce progesterone like thyroid disorder or premature ovarian failure
- Some chronic illnesses
Symptoms of low progesterone can include:
- Irregular, heavy, or painful periods
- Infertility
- Miscarriage risk
- PMS symptoms like mood swings, anxiety, fatigue
- Sleep disruptions
Luckily there are treatment options available if your doctor confirms you have a progesterone deficiency. The physicians at Balance Hormone Clinic can provide personalized care plans with bioidentical hormone therapy including micronized progesterone capsules, creams, injections or vaginal suppositories.
I hope this overview on what exactly progesterone is and what it does helps explain why maintaining the right progesterone levels is so important for female health! Let me know if you have any other questions.