Progesterone - Harmony Hormone Care

What is progesterone?

Progesterone is a steroid hormone that plays a vital role in the female menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Here's an overview:

Key Functions

• Prepares the uterus for pregnancy each month by building up the uterine lining (endometrium). This allows a fertilized egg to implant and grow.
• Supports early pregnancy - progesterone helps maintain the uterine lining and supports the early development of the embryo/fetus. Levels remain elevated during pregnancy.
• Involved in the menstrual cycle - progesterone levels rise after ovulation, and then fall before the next period. This triggers menstruation (period) if no pregnancy occurs.

What Affects Levels?

• The ovaries and placenta produce progesterone. Levels fluctuate during the menstrual cycle.
• Ovulation causes a spike - progesterone surges after the egg is released to prepare for potential pregnancy.
• Levels peak in the luteal phase (second half) of the cycle.
• Birth control pills and hormone replacement provide extra progestin, a synthetic progesterone.

Key Effects in the Body

Some of progesterone's key roles include:

• Promotes gestation and prevents uterine contractions during pregnancy
• Aids in breast development and milk production
• Regulates ovulation, menstruation, and the menstrual cycle phases
• Balances effects of estrogen in the body
• Impacts body temperature changes

If you have concerns about your progesterone levels, the caring professionals at Harmony Hormone Care can provide advanced hormone testing and personalized treatment plans to help restore balance. Book a consult today to learn more!

I hope this gives you a helpful overview on what progesterone is and its most important functions. Let me know if you have any other questions!