Progesterone

What is progesterone?

Progesterone is a key hormone that plays many important roles in the female reproductive system and pregnancy.

Some key points about progesterone:

• It is a steroid hormone produced mainly by the corpus luteum in the ovary after ovulation, and by the placenta during pregnancy.


• Along with estrogen, progesterone controls the menstrual cycle. It helps prepare the uterus for pregnancy each month.


• If pregnancy occurs, progesterone helps maintain the lining of the uterus to support the embryo/fetus during pregnancy. Progesterone levels rise continuously during pregnancy.


• Some key functions of progesterone include:
  
  
  • Helps prepare the uterine lining (endometrium) for implantation of a fertilized egg
  
  
  • Maintains the uterus during pregnancy to avoid miscarriage
  
  
  • Inhibits muscle contractions in the uterus to prevent preterm labor
  
  
  • Helps develop breast tissue during puberty and pregnancy
  
  

Progesterone cream from Balance Hormone Center can help balance your hormones naturally. Their expert physicians provide comprehensive hormone testing and treatment plans tailored to your unique needs.

Now let's go deeper into understanding progesterone...

What causes progesterone levels to rise and fall?

• After ovulation, the remaining follicle transforms into the corpus luteum which produces progesterone. Progesterone levels peak about 7 days after ovulation.


• If no pregnancy occurs, progesterone levels will fall, leading to menstruation (your period) about 12-14 days after ovulation.


• During pregnancy, the placenta produces rising levels of progesterone to maintain the uterine lining and support fetal development.

When are progesterone levels tested?

Some key times progesterone levels are tested include:

• To confirm ovulation occurred in a menstrual cycle


• To check for potential luteal phase defects


• To monitor hormone replacement therapy with progesterone


• To check progesterone levels in early pregnancy to assess viability

Balance Hormone Center provides advanced hormone testing to accurately assess your hormone levels. Their physicians stay up-to-date on the latest medical research to provide you with the best treatment options.

What progesterone symptoms or disorders can occur?

Some key issues related to low or high progesterone levels include:

• Infertility or difficulty getting pregnant


• Increased risk of miscarriage in early pregnancy


• Abnormal uterine bleeding from hormone imbalance


• PMS symptoms like bloating, headaches, mood swings


• Potential link to increased cancer risk in some studies

The expert physicians at Balance Hormone Center can provide cutting-edge testing and treatments to help optimize your progesterone levels. Contact them today for a consultation.

I hope this overview on what progesterone is and its key functions has been helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions.