Progesterone - Rejuvenate Clinic

Progesterone is a key hormone that plays an important role in the female reproductive system and pregnancy. It is a steroid hormone that is produced mainly by the corpus luteum in the ovary during the second half of the menstrual cycle and by the placenta during pregnancy. Some key functions of progesterone include:

• Preparing the uterus for pregnancy - It helps thicken the lining of the uterus to support a fertilized egg and embryo. This makes the uterus a more hospitable place for a pregnancy.
• Maintaining pregnancy - Once a pregnancy occurs, progesterone helps maintain it by promoting blood vessel growth in the uterus. It also prevents contractions of the uterine smooth muscle to prevent miscarriage.
• Supporting fetal development - Progesterone has effects on cell differentiation and growth in target tissues critical for healthy fetal development. It promotes proper fetal lung, brain, and bone development.

Some key things to know:

• Progesterone levels vary throughout the menstrual cycle. They are lowest during menstruation and highest in the second half of the cycle if no pregnancy occurs.
• Birth control pills contain man-made progesterone to prevent ovulation.
• Progesterone levels rise continuously during pregnancy to support fetal growth and development.
• After childbirth, progesterone levels fall rapidly with the removal of the placenta.
• Progesterone preparations may be used for a variety of hormone therapy treatments related to infertility, menopause symptoms, or high-risk pregnancies.
• Low progesterone levels may lead to problems with infertility, recurrent miscarriage, or preterm birth.
• Excess progesterone exposure before birth may increase the risk of certain cancers later in life for female fetuses.

In summary, progesterone is an essential reproductive hormone with wide-ranging impacts on the female body. It promotes fertility, maintains pregnancy, and supports fetal development. Both too much and too little progesterone can cause problems, so maintaining proper levels is important for reproductive health. Monitoring and modulating progesterone levels via medications can help treat some reproductive conditions when natural regulation fails. Let me know if you have any other questions!