Progesterone: What is it and what is it for?

Progesterone is a hormone that plays an important role in the hormonal cycle and pregnancy . Men also produce a small amount of progesterone, but this article will focus on progesterone in women.

Progesterone is a hormone produced primarily in the ovaries. Simply put, hormones are the communication channel between the brain and the reproductive organs.

Progesterone plays a major role in a woman's sexual development and hormonal cycle. During the menstrual cycle, progesterone prepares the uterus for pregnancy. This occurs during the second half of the cycle, after ovulation. Progesterone also plays an important role during pregnancy[ 1 ].

Progesterone cannot be considered separately from the entire female hormonal cycle. Hormone levels also vary during the phases of the menstrual cycle. Hormones that occur during the female hormonal cycle are: FSH, LH, estrogen, and progesterone.

• Egg development - Multiple follicles develop in both ovaries. This occurs under the influence of the hormone FSH. These follicles release estrogen, which makes the cervix more suitable for sperm.
• Complete development of one egg cell - One follicle fully develops per cycle. At the point of full development, significantly more estrogen is released.
• The ovulation - The pituitary gland recognizes the estrogen and releases the hormone LH. The follicle ruptures, and ovulation occurs, with the egg moving from the follicle and ovary into the fallopian tube.
• Journey to the Womb - The egg slowly travels through the fallopian tube to the uterus. Meanwhile, the empty follicle in the ovary produces the hormone progesterone. Together with estrogen, progesterone prepares the uterine lining for a potential pregnancy. They inhibit the hormones that cause more eggs to develop.
• Menstruation - If fertilization has not occurred, estrogen levels drop, you menstruate, and the cycle starts again.

Progesterone is also called the pregnancy hormone because it plays a significant role during pregnancy. The hormone is produced in the placenta and remains present in the body in larger quantities throughout pregnancy.

• Making the uterus suitable - Progesterone not only prepares the uterus for pregnancy, it also continues to do so during pregnancy.
• Mucus plug - A mucus plug is also produced in the uterus. This prevents a new pregnancy and provides better protection for the baby.
• Prevent contraction - Progesterone causes your body to view the baby as foreign and reject it through muscle contractions.
• Baby food - During pregnancy, the baby receives nourishment from glands in the uterine wall. Progesterone is also responsible for this.
• Mammary glands - Along with several other hormones, progesterone causes the milk glands in the breasts to grow.
• Inhibition of labor - During pregnancy, hormones are produced that ensure you'll eventually give birth. Until the time is right, progesterone inhibits the effects of these hormones.

Hormones interact with each other. For example, excess estrogen can lead to a progesterone deficiency. When these two hormones are out of balance and there is a progesterone deficiency, the following symptoms can occur:

• Painful or irregular menstruation
• Headache
• Tender breasts
• Less desire for sex
• Gaining weight
• Trouble sleeping
• Mood swings
• Restless feeling
• Hair loss
• Fatigue

Because progesterone plays such a crucial role in fertility and preparing the uterus for pregnancy, a deficiency of this hormone also affects it. For example, low progesterone levels can lead to reduced fertility, fewer menstrual periods, or miscarriage.

If you suspect you have a progesterone deficiency, it is a good idea to visit your doctor.

Excess progesterone usually doesn't cause any problems. During pregnancy, your body reaches high progesterone levels. Menopause can also temporarily increase progesterone levels. If this is a natural process, it usually doesn't cause any symptoms.

The pill, hormone therapy (during menopause), or fertility treatments are methods women use to take progesterone as contraception, to reduce menopausal symptoms, or to conceive. This usually doesn't cause major problems, but it can cause some typical symptoms of hormonal imbalance.

Symptoms of too much progesterone:

• Irregular menstruation
• Fatigue
• Tender breasts
• Less desire for sex
• Headache
• Gaining weight
• Trouble sleeping
• Bloated feeling
• Mood swings
• Restless feeling
• Dizziness

Both a progesterone deficiency and an excess are hormonal imbalances. As you've read before, the symptoms are therefore similar. An imbalance of progesterone and other hormones can have various causes. If the imbalance isn't due to a medical condition or other underlying cause, there are several ways to restore your hormone balance.

Tips for hormonal balance:

• Nutrition and lifestyle - A healthy diet and lifestyle support hormonal balance. Your body also needs healthy substances like good fats and protein to produce hormones like progesterone[ 2 ].
• Healthy weight - Both being underweight and overweight can cause hormonal imbalances. So, if you want to maintain a balanced progesterone level, make sure your weight isn't too high or too low.
• Exercise in moderation - Exercise is good, but too much can lead to hormonal problems or even a complete stop of your period. So, by all means, exercise, but don't overdo it.
• Low stress - Stress and stress hormones throw your hormones out of balance. So try to reduce stress.
• Enough sleep - Good sleep also helps maintain a healthy hormone balance.