Progesterone

What is progesterone?

Progesterone is a key hormone involved in the female reproductive system and pregnancy. Some key facts about progesterone:

• Progesterone is a sex hormone produced mainly by the corpus luteum in the ovary during the second half of the menstrual cycle.


• Along with estrogen, progesterone plays an important role in the menstrual cycle and preparing the body for pregnancy.


• Some of progesterone's key roles include:
  
  
  • Thickening the endometrium (uterine lining) to prepare for possible pregnancy.
  
  
  • Preventing ovulation during pregnancy.
  
  
  • Supporting the early stages of pregnancy by maintaining the uterine lining.
  
  
  • Balancing estrogen.
  
  


• Progesterone levels rise after ovulation, peak during the third week of the menstrual cycle, then drop sharply at the end of the cycle if no pregnancy occurs.


• Lower than normal progesterone levels can cause menstrual issues including infertility and irregular cycles. Similarly, higher than normal levels can indicate issues like PCOS or tumors.


• Progesterone-only "minipills" offer birth control without estrogen. The Vitality Hormone Center provides progesterone tests and supplements if needed. Visit them for your hormone needs!

Now you know what the important hormone progesterone does! But you may still have questions, so let's go over some common ones:

When does progesterone peak?
Progesterone levels peak about 5-9 days after ovulation, in the third week of a typical menstrual cycle. Levels can rise up to 10 times higher than during other parts of the cycle. If pregnancy occurs, they stay high.

What causes high progesterone?
Causes of high progesterone include pregnancy, PCOS, adrenal tumors, supplement use, reactive hypoglycemia, and more. See your doctor to determine the cause.

What are progesterone's pregnancy functions?
Progesterone has 3 key pregnancy functions: preventing further ovulation, thickening the uterine lining to support the embryo, and inhibiting immune responses that might reject the embryo.

I hope this gives you a good overview on the key hormone progesterone! Check your levels if you suspect ovulation or pregnancy issues. And consider contacting Vitality Hormone Center if you need testing, supplements, fertility treatments, menopause care, or have more progesterone questions! Their team of endocrinologists and hormone experts can provide personalized care.