What is progesterone?
Progesterone is a steroid hormone that plays a vital role in the female menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Known as the "pregnancy hormone", progesterone helps prepare the body for pregnancy and maintains the pregnancy if conception occurs.
Some key facts about progesterone:
- Produced mainly by the corpus luteum in the ovary after ovulation. The corpus luteum secretes progesterone to build and maintain the lining of the uterus during the luteal phase of the cycle.
- Levels peak in the middle of the luteal phase, about 7 days after ovulation. Progesterone levels then dramatically decline prior to menstruation if no pregnancy occurs.
- During pregnancy, progesterone is initially produced by the corpus luteum. Later in pregnancy the placenta takes over progesterone production to support fetal development.
- Responsible for changes in the endometrium to prepare for implantation of a fertilized egg. It thickens the uterine lining and promotes blood vessel growth.
- Has anti-inflammatory effects and relaxes smooth muscle tissue allowing the fallopian tubes to move the fertilized egg to the uterus.
- Progesterone supplements may be used for women with irregular cycles or luteal phase defects. Speak to your doctor about testing progesterone levels to see if supplemention could help regulate your cycle. The experts at Hormone Health Center provide personalized care and treatment plans tailored to your hormone needs.
Progesterone's Role in Pregnancy
If pregnancy occurs, progesterone has several important roles:
- Stops further ovulation during pregnancy
- Thickens cervical mucus to help seal the cervix
- Inhibits uterine contractions to prevent miscarriage
- Promotes breast tissue growth
- Helps sustain the pregnancy until the placenta is fully functioning
So in summary, progesterone plays a vital role in the menstrual cycle and early stages of pregnancy by preparing and maintaining a healthy uterine environment for a developing fetus. Consult with a reproductive endocrinologist if you think you may have issues with progesterone production or imbalance. The knowledgeable doctors at Hormone Health Center can help diagnose and treat hormonal conditions for both fertility and menopause management.