What is Progesterone?
Progesterone is an important steroid hormone in the female reproductive system. Some key facts about progesterone:
- Function: Progesterone prepares the body for pregnancy each month and helps maintain pregnancy. It thickens the lining of the uterus to support a fertilized egg and helps maintain the pregnancy in early stages.
- Production: Progesterone is produced mainly by the corpus luteum in the ovary after ovulation. If an egg is fertilized, the placenta starts making progesterone to support the pregnancy through the first trimester.
- Levels: Progesterone levels vary through the menstrual cycle, peaking after ovulation and falling sharply if no pregnancy occurs. Levels steadily rise early in pregnancy.
- Roles: In addition to pregnancy-related functions, progesterone serves other roles like:
- Preparing mammary glands for milk production
- Regulating the menstrual cycle
- Playing a role in bone health
- Tests: Progesterone levels can be tested with a simple blood test. Tests help assess ovulation and possible causes of infertility.
- Treatments: Progesterone is used to treat conditions like infertility, abnormal periods, loss of periods, and postmenopausal symptoms. Treatments involve medications like progesterone pills, injections, vaginal gels or suppositories.
In summary, progesterone is a crucial reproductive hormone with wide-ranging impacts on a woman's menstrual cycle, fertility, pregnancy and overall health. Testing and monitoring progesterone levels helps guide fertility and hormone treatments. Consult a doctor to learn more about your individual progesterone needs or issues.