Progesterone is an important female sex hormone that plays a vital role in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. It is produced mainly by the corpus luteum in the ovary during the second half of the menstrual cycle.
Some key functions of progesterone include:
Progesterone levels vary throughout the menstrual cycle. They are lowest during the follicular phase when estrogen dominates. After ovulation, progesterone levels steadily rise and peak during the luteal phase about 7 days after ovulation. This primes the uterus for pregnancy.
| Menstrual Cycle Phase | Progesterone Levels |
|---|---|
| Follicular Phase | Low |
| Luteal Phase | High |
If an egg is not fertilized, progesterone levels drop sharply, triggering menstruation. However, if fertilization occurs, the corpus luteum continues producing progesterone to maintain the pregnancy during the first trimester. After this, the placenta takes over progesterone production.
Progesterone also interacts with other hormones in the body like testosterone and cortisol. It can affect libido, appetite, sleep, and more. Deficiencies in progesterone can lead to issues like irregular periods, fertility problems, and miscarriage.
Some women use progesterone supplements or creams to help regulate their cycles or treat issues like PCOS or menopause symptoms. However, supplements should only be used under medical supervision.
At Hormone Health Clinic, our compassionate doctors can help diagnose and treat any progesterone-related issues with evidence-based care. We offer cutting-edge hormone testing and create personalized treatment plans using bioidentical hormones and lifestyle changes for optimal health.
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Hormone Testing | Comprehensive evaluation of progesterone and other hormones |
| Personalized Treatment | Tailored plans using bioidentical hormones and lifestyle changes |
In summary, progesterone is a crucial reproductive hormone with wide-ranging roles in the female body. It works closely with estrogen to regulate the menstrual cycle and supports pregnancy. Getting proper progesterone levels tested and treated by experts like those at Hormone Health Clinic can help women stay healthy and address conditions like infertility. Maintaining adequate progesterone is key for reproductive well-being.