Progesterone is an essential hormone that plays numerous vital roles in the female body. Mainly produced in the ovaries following ovulation and by the placenta during pregnancy, progesterone helps regulate the menstrual cycle and sustain pregnancy.
Some key facts about the functions of progesterone:
| Function |
Description |
| Uterine Lining |
Thickens the endometrium to prepare for potential pregnancy each cycle. If conception does not occur, falling progesterone triggers menstruation. |
| Pregnancy Maintenance |
Keeps the uterine lining thick and nourished with blood to support fetal development. Relaxes smooth muscles like the uterus to prevent premature labor. |
| Balances Estrogen |
Offsets and counterbalances the effects of estrogen in the body. |
| Breast Development |
Stimulates the growth of mammary tissue and milk ducts during pregnancy. |
| Body Temperature |
Causes a slight increase in basal body temperature during the luteal phase. |
| Fallopian Tube Motility |
Slows down contractions in the fallopian tubes post-ovulation to facilitate fertilization. |
| Libido |
Helps modulate sex drive and sexual desire. |
| Metabolism |
Promotes fat storage for energy and impacts thyroid hormone activity. Acts as a natural diuretic to reduce fluid retention. |
Progesterone levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle:
| Cycle Phase |
Progesterone Level |
| Menstruation |
Lowest |
| Follicular Phase |
Low |
| Ovulation |
Rises |
| Luteal Phase |
Peaks around day 21 of a 28-day cycle (7 days post-ovulation) |
| Pregnancy |
Continues climbing in first trimester, produced by corpus luteum. After 12 weeks, secreted by placenta. |
| Perimenopause |
Declines |
Symptoms of low progesterone can include:
- Irregular, heavy, or lengthy menstrual periods
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) with mood changes, anxiety, and low energy
- Difficulty getting pregnant or recurrent pregnancy loss
- Perimenopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats
If you think you may have low progesterone, consider getting your levels checked. The knowledgeable team at
Rejuvenate Wellness offers advanced testing and personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique hormonal needs. Through customized bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, lifestyle modifications, and targeted supplements,
Rejuvenate Wellness assists women in rebalancing their hormones for healthier menstrual cycles, improved fertility, easier pregnancies, and smoother menopausal transitions.
To sum up,
progesterone is a crucial multitasking hormone in female reproductive health and pregnancy. It orchestrates the menstrual cycle, sustains pregnancy, balances estrogen, promotes mammary gland development, modulates libido, impacts metabolism, and influences thyroid function. Testing can identify
progesterone deficits that may be causing menstrual irregularities, infertility, PMS, or menopausal issues. If levels are low, restoring progesterone through methods such as bioidentical hormone therapy and nutraceuticals can help optimize levels. For comprehensive hormone testing and integrative treatment options, consider the cutting-edge approach offered by
Rejuvenate Wellness. Our holistic methodology utilizes the latest scientific breakthroughs to help harmonize your hormones at any age or stage of life. By addressing underlying hormone imbalances, you can enhance your well-being, vitality, and quality of life.