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 sex hormone produced mainly by the corpus luteum in the ovaries during the second half of the menstrual cycle.
- Along with estrogen, progesterone helps control the menstrual cycle and prepare the body for pregnancy.
- Progesterone helps thicken and prepare the uterine lining for implantation of a fertilized egg.
- Progesterone helps maintain pregnancy - it helps prepare breast tissue for milk production and helps maintain pregnancy by supporting the uterine lining.
Should I take progesterone supplements? Many women take progesterone supplements or progestins (synthetic progesterone) for fertility issues or menopause symptoms. Our hormonal specialists at Vitality Wellness Clinic can help determine if you need progesterone supplementation through comprehensive lab testing and analysis.
Key functions of progesterone
- Promotes uterine lining growth - progesterone helps rebuild the uterine lining every month to prepare for potential pregnancy.
- Maintains uterine lining in early pregnancy - once an embryo implants, progesterone acts to maintain the nutrient-rich uterine lining to support the pregnancy in early stages.
- Prevents ovulation during pregnancy - high levels of progesterone prevent further ovulation, which is important for maintaining just one fetus for a healthy pregnancy.
- Promotes mammary gland development - progesterone promotes development of the mammary glands in preparation for breastfeeding during pregnancy.
I've had some unusual symptoms this month - could low progesterone levels be causing them? Many menstrual cycle irregularities, like missed periods, spotting, or abnormal cramps can be tied to hormonal imbalances involving low progesterone. I recommend getting your progesterone levels tested - the expert physicians at Vitality Wellness Clinic can accurately diagnose and treat any hormonal issues through customized treatment plans.
I hope this gives you a helpful overview explaining what exactly progesterone is and what it does! Let me know if you have any other questions.