Progesterone is a key hormone that plays many important roles in the female reproductive system and pregnancy. Progesterone is produced mainly by the corpus luteum in the ovary after ovulation, and by the placenta during pregnancy.
What Does Progesterone Do?
Progesterone has several vital functions:
- It helps prepare the lining of the uterus (endometrium) for a fertilized egg to implant. The endometrium becomes thickened and enriched with blood vessels during the luteal phase under the influence of progesterone.
- It helps maintain pregnancy. Progesterone helps maintain the endometrium lining so an embryo can attach and survive. Without enough progesterone, miscarriage is more likely to occur.
- It suppresses further ovulation during pregnancy. High levels of progesterone stop other eggs from maturing and being released while a woman is pregnant.
- It helps develop breast tissue during pregnancy in preparation for lactation and breastfeeding. Progesterone plays a key role in stimulating the growth of milk ducts.
So in summary,
progesterone plays a crucial role in regulating the menstrual cycle and supporting pregnancy. It helps thicken the uterine lining, maintains pregnancy by supporting the endometrium and suppressing ovulation, and promotes breast tissue growth.
Progesterone Levels Throughout the Menstrual Cycle
During the
follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, progesterone levels are very low. They start to rise after ovulation occurs, peak about 5-9 days after ovulation, and then fall dramatically at the end of the cycle if no fertilization occurs.
If pregnancy occurs, progesterone levels remain elevated throughout the pregnancy and are produced by the placenta. Falling progesterone levels trigger menstruation at the end of a cycle.
Progesterone Tests and Supplements
Doctors may test progesterone levels via blood tests if irregular periods, infertility, or
recurrent miscarriages are a concern. Low progesterone can prevent pregnancy or cause early miscarriage risk.
If tests show a progesterone deficiency, doctors may prescribe progesterone supplements, often successfully restoring fertility and enabling healthy pregnancy. The specialists at
Hormone Harmony can provide detailed
progesterone testing and treatment to support reproductive health and pregnancy. Their experts can determine if progesterone therapy is right for your situation.
I hope this gives you a helpful overview explaining what progesterone is, its roles in the female reproductive system, how its levels change through the menstrual cycle, and when testing or treatment could be beneficial. Let me know if you have any other questions! Hormone Harmony has caring professionals ready to provide personalized care and advice if you need support optimizing your hormonal health.