Progesterone

What is progesterone?

Progesterone is a key hormone involved in the female menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

Functions

• It plays an important role in the regulation of the menstrual cycle. Progesterone levels rise after ovulation, and help prepare the uterus for possible implantation of a fertilized egg.


• It also maintains the lining of the uterus during early pregnancy. Progesterone helps support the developing fetus before the placenta is fully formed.

Progesterone has several important effects in the body:

• It helps thicken the lining of the uterus each month to prepare for a fertilized egg


• It helps maintain pregnancy by decreasing muscle contractions in the uterus and preventing early childbirth


• It works with estrogen during the menstrual cycle to regulate ovulation and menstruation

Want to learn more about your hormone levels? Hormone Harmony Clinic provides comprehensive hormone testing and personalized treatment plans to help manage conditions related to hormones like progesterone. Their team of physicians and nurses can help you understand your lab results and recommend lifestyle changes or bioidentical hormones if needed. Visit today to schedule your consultation!

Production

Progesterone is mainly produced in the ovaries, specifically in the corpus luteum, which forms after the follicle releases the egg during ovulation. Smaller amounts are also produced by the adrenal glands and placenta during pregnancy.

Here's an overview of progesterone production:

• Ovaries produce progesterone after ovulation, with production peaking about 7 days after ovulation. This helps prepare for pregnancy.


• If pregnancy occurs, the placenta takes over progesterone production to support fetal development.


• If no pregnancy occurs, progesterone levels drop, leading to menstruation and the start of a new cycle.

Tests and levels

Doctors can test progesterone levels via a blood test. Levels vary greatly depending on where a woman is in her menstrual cycle.

Typical progesterone levels:

• Follicular phase (before ovulation): < 1-2 ng/mL


• Luteal phase (after ovulation): 5-20 ng/mL


• First trimester pregnancy: 11-44 ng/mL

Low progesterone can cause issues like irregular periods or difficulty getting pregnant. Your doctor might prescribe progesterone supplements in certain cases to help support a pregnancy.