What Does Progesterone Do?
When it comes to women’s health, much attention is given to the hormones estrogen and testosterone. But there is another hormone that plays just as important of a role – progesterone. Progesterone is a naturally occurring hormone found in both men and women in the body. It has many critical functions, but its primary role is to support pregnancy and ovarian production of eggs. In this article, we’ll explain what progesterone does and why it is important.
What is Progesterone?
Progesterone is a hormone that is naturally produced by the ovaries in women. It is also produced by the adrenal glands, the testes in men, and the placenta during pregnancy. It is essential to many of the body’s functions, particularly those related to reproduction. In women, progesterone helps regulate the menstrual cycle and is important for the development and growth of the uterine lining. It also helps prepare the body for implantation of a fertilized egg, as well as promotes the growth of the fetus during pregnancy.
How Does Progesterone Work?
Progesterone helps to regulate the menstrual cycle by preparing the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg. It does this by increasing the thickness of the uterine lining and by increasing blood flow to the uterus. This helps create an environment that is conducive to conception and the uterus is better able to withstand the growth and development of a fertilized egg.
Progesterone also helps promote the growth of the fetus during pregnancy. It works in conjunction with other hormones, such as estrogen and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), to help ensure the fetus receives the necessary nutrients it needs to develop and grow. During labor, progesterone helps to relax the muscles of the uterus, which helps the baby to safely pass through the birth canal.
What Happens When Progesterone Levels Are Low?
When progesterone levels are too low, it can cause a range of fertility-related problems. These issues can range from difficulty getting pregnant, to recurrent miscarriages. Low progesterone levels can also lead to preterm labor, spotting, and cramping during pregnancy.
Low progesterone levels can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, a change in diet, or over-exercising. Certain medical conditions, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis, can also lead to low progesterone levels. If left untreated, low progesterone levels can have serious consequences.
How to Increase Progesterone Levels
If you have been diagnosed with low progesterone levels, your doctor may recommend certain treatments to help increase them. Such treatments can include medications, lifestyle changes, or natural remedies.
Medications: If lifestyle changes do not work to increase progesterone levels, your doctor may recommend medications such as progesterone supplements or hormone replacement therapies.
Lifestyle Changes: Eating a well-balanced diet, exercising regularly, and reducing stress can help regulate hormone levels, which can help increase progesterone levels.
Natural Remedies: There are a variety of natural remedies that may help increase progesterone levels. These include vitamin B6, evening primrose oil, chasteberry, and magnesium.
Progesterone plays a critical role in female fertility, so it is important to make sure that levels are in balance. If you have been diagnosed with low progesterone levels, your doctor can help guide you towards the right treatment plan for you.