Progesterone - Invigorate Medical

Progesterone is an important hormone that plays many crucial roles in the female reproductive system and pregnancy.

What Does Progesterone Do?

Some key functions of progesterone include:

• Preparing the uterine lining for possible pregnancy each month
• Maintaining the uterine lining to support a developing embryo/fetus during pregnancy
• Preventing the muscles of the uterus from contracting during pregnancy
• Developing breast tissue and preparing breasts for lactation
• Regulating menstrual cycles and ovulation

Where Does Progesterone Come From?

In females, progesterone is mainly produced by the corpus luteum and placenta:

• The corpus luteum is a temporary gland that forms on the ovary after ovulation. It secretes progesterone to thicken the uterine lining in anticipation of implantation.
• If pregnancy occurs, the placenta takes over progesterone production at around 10-12 weeks of pregnancy. The placenta continues to produce high levels of progesterone throughout pregnancy.

Progesterone levels fluctuate through the menstrual cycle, peaking after ovulation, and staying elevated during pregnancy.

When Is Progesterone Prescribed?

Doctors may prescribe progesterone supplements in cases like:

• To support early pregnancy when levels are low
• To prevent preterm birth in high-risk pregnancies
• To treat amenorrhea (lack of periods) or abnormal uterine bleeding
• As part of hormone therapy during perimenopause or postmenopause

Progesterone medications come in forms like pills, injections, vaginal gels, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and more.

In summary, progesterone is an essential reproductive hormone with wide-ranging effects on menstruation, ovulation, pregnancy, and more. It is produced naturally by the ovaries and placenta. Doctors may prescribe progesterone medications for hormonal conditions or to reduce complications in pregnancy.