Progesterone: Understanding Its Role in Women's Health & Reproduction

Progesterone is a steroid hormone that is cyclic in women and produced in greatest amounts by the ovaries. It is useful in regulating many body functions and even offers some protection against osteoporosis.

Pregnancy

• Progesterone is an essential hormone for conception and pregnancy. It works in conjunction with estrogen to build up the uterine lining and secrets proteins to receive and nourish a fertilized egg.

Birth Control

• Progesterone is used alone or with estrogen for hormone based birth control and works by either blocking ovulation or creating a hostile environment for sperm.

Menopause

• In menopausal women, progesterone is used alone or with estrogen in hormone replacement therapy. It is also useful in regulating menstrual cycles and bringing relief from problematic symptoms in peri-menopausal women.

Menstruation

• Progesterone is the primary hormone responsible for the menstrual cycle as it causes both the building up and the shedding of the uterine lining.

Hormonal Balance

• Natural or synthetic progesterone is often used to bring about hormonal balance and alleviate many of the symptoms of estrogen dominance.