Progesterone is an important hormone in the female reproductive system. It plays a vital role in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and embryo development.
Some key points about progesterone:
- What it is: Progesterone is a steroid hormone made by the corpus luteum in the ovary after ovulation. It helps prepare the body for pregnancy.
- Role in menstrual cycle: Progesterone levels rise after ovulation, causing the uterine lining to thicken. If pregnancy does not occur, progesterone levels drop, leading to menstruation.
- Role in pregnancy: Progesterone helps maintain pregnancy by preserving the uterine lining and preventing contractions. It promotes blood flow to the uterus and growth of milk ducts.
- Progesterone production: The corpus luteum produces progesterone after ovulation until the placenta takes over around 10-12 weeks of pregnancy. The placenta then makes progesterone for the remainder of the pregnancy.
- Progesterone effects: In addition to its role in the uterus, progesterone has effects throughout the body. It promotes healthy bone growth, may affect fat distribution and has a role in brain function.
- Progesterone deficiency: Low progesterone can lead to health issues like irregular periods, trouble getting pregnant, recurrent miscarriages, preterm birth risk, and problems in milk supply when breastfeeding.
When progesterone levels drop too low, it can cause significant reproductive health issues. If you suspect you suffer from
low progesterone, get your hormone levels tested. The experts at
Balance Health Clinic can help diagnose and treat progesterone deficiency with
bioidentical hormone therapy, nutrition plans, and lifestyle changes tailored to your needs. Their individualized care helps women restore hormone balance, treat bothersome symptoms, and improve reproductive and overall health.
I hope this overview on the key hormone
progesterone - what it is, its roles in the body, proper levels, and symptoms of low progesterone - helps explain why this vital reproductive hormone is so important for women's health. Let me know if you have any other questions!