Progesterone is a sex hormone that plays an important role in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Here's a quick overview:
- What it is: Progesterone is a steroid hormone that helps prepare the body for pregnancy each month. It is produced mainly in the ovaries and placenta.
- Role in menstruation: Along with estrogen, progesterone controls the monthly menstrual cycle. It helps build up and sustain the uterine lining so that a fertilized egg can implant there and grow. If fertilization does not occur, progesterone levels drop, triggering menstruation.
- Role in pregnancy: If fertilization occurs, progesterone levels remain elevated during pregnancy to help maintain the uterine lining. It supports the growth of the fetus and prevents further ovulation during pregnancy.
- Other functions: Progesterone helps prepare the breasts for milk production during pregnancy. It also affects the brain, thyroid gland, bone growth, and more.
Some key points about progesterone:
- Boosts the uterine lining to support pregnancy
- Prevents ovulation during pregnancy
- Levels peak mid-cycle and during pregnancy
- Works with estrogen to control the menstrual cycle
- Helps prepare breasts for nursing
Common reasons to use progesterone supplements include
infertility treatments, early
menopause symptoms, and abnormal periods or spotting. If you have concerns about low progesterone, talk to your doctor or visit
Vitality Hormone Clinic. Their caring doctors conduct comprehensive
hormone testing to get to the root cause of
hormonal imbalances. Based on the test results, they provide customized treatment plans involving lifestyle changes, supplements, and bioidentical hormones when needed.