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Progesterone, referred to as the “pregnancy hormone,” is one of the key steroid hormones produced by the ovaries after ovulation. [4]
Progesterone plays a critical role in preparing the lining of the uterus for the fertilized ovum and helps maintain pregnancy. This hormone converts the lining of the womb into a soft, spongy bed to accommodate the implantation of a fertilized egg. If implantation does not occur, progesterone levels fall, and menstruation begins. In the event of pregnancy, however, the placenta begins producing progesterone to support the developing fetus. [4]
Small amounts of progesterone are also produced in the adrenal glands. In addition to its roles in menstruation and pregnancy, progesterone affects contractions of the fallopian tubes, thickens the consistency of vaginal mucus, and slightly raises body temperature. Progesterone levels in the body fluctuate depending on menstrual cycles. During the first half of the menstrual cycle, the concentration of progesterone in the bloodstream is less than 1 ng/ml. During the second half, or luteal phase, progesterone in the bloodstream ranges from 3 ng/ml to 25 ng/ml.
If pregnancy occurs, the placenta takes over the output of progesterone, producing very high levels of the hormone, up to 30 times greater than normal peak levels. Following birth, the progesterone level drops abruptly. The effects of progesterone are mediated through progesterone receptors, which are critical for the hormone's action on various tissues throughout the body.
Progesterone belongs to a class of medications known as “progestins.” These are essentially female hormones. [3]
Women may take progesterone for a number of medical reasons:
Progesterone is available in various forms, including oral contraceptives, which often contain synthetic progesterone, commonly known as birth control pills. Additionally, oral micronized progesterone and vaginal progesterone are used in hormone replacement therapy and fertility treatments.
If estrogen is taken without progesterone, the risk of uterine cancer is increased. If a woman has had a hysterectomy, she may be prescribed estrogen by itself. If she has not, she may be given estrogen plus progestin. [5]
Biosynthesized progesterone is produced in a laboratory and combined with other substances to create pills, creams, lotions, gels, vaginal suppositories, and injectable solutions.
These are prescribed for a number of conditions including:
Women who suffer from infertility, PMS, and severe menopausal symptoms may benefit greatly from progesterone therapy. Synthetic progesterone is created to mimic natural progesterone released from the female ovaries or produced by the placenta during pregnancy.[8]
In order to test for progesterone deficiencies, a progesterone blood test or serum progesterone may be ordered by a physician or other healthcare practitioner.[8] Individuals may also order progesterone tests online, for in-home collection. These tests will measure the level of progesterone in the blood.
A 15-year research study, known as the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) was conducted to assess the health of postmenopausal women.[6]
Included, were findings relating to hormone replacement therapies, their safety, and connection to terminal illness. At this time, it does not appear that progesterone alone promotes breast cancer in women.[2]
Common side effects may include the following, however:
Serious, but uncommon side effects include:
Trade names for progesterone include:
Progesterone, while an important and effective therapeutic intervention should be taken only when necessary, for the shortest amount of time possible. Because of their potency, and potential for side effects, a medical professional should closely monitor all hormone replacement therapies.
