What is progesterone?
Progesterone is a key hormone that plays an important role in the female reproductive system and pregnancy. Some key facts about progesterone:
- Progesterone is a sex hormone produced mainly by the ovaries during the second half of the menstrual cycle. Smaller amounts are also produced by the adrenal glands and placenta during pregnancy.
- Along with estrogen, progesterone is responsible for orchestrating the different phases of the menstrual cycle - the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase.
- Progesterone levels peak during the luteal phase, the roughly 2-week period between ovulation and the start of menstruation. This helps prepare the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg.
- During pregnancy, progesterone helps maintain the lining of the uterus to support the growing fetus. Levels steadily rise during the first trimester.
- In addition to its role in pregnancy, progesterone affects multiple other systems in the body. It promotes normal sleep, has anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects, helps stabilize blood sugar, and more.
So in summary, progesterone is an integral reproductive hormone with wide-ranging impacts on female health. Maintaining adequate progesterone levels is essential for fertility, regular menstrual cycles, and an optimal hormonal balance.
If you suspect you may have low or imbalanced progesterone, the medical providers at Balance Clinic can help. We offer cutting-edge hormone testing and progesterone therapy options to get your levels optimized. Ask us how we can help regulate your cycles, improve fertility, reduce PMS symptoms, and more!