Progesterone is an important hormone that plays a vital role in the female menstrual cycle and pregnancy. It is a steroid hormone produced mainly by the corpus luteum in the ovary during the second half of the menstrual cycle and by the placenta during pregnancy. Some key facts about progesterone:

  • It helps prepare the uterine lining for implantation of a fertilized egg
  • It helps maintain pregnancy by supporting the developing fetus
  • It balances the effects of estrogen in the body
  • It is essential for normal menstruation and ovulation
  • It helps regulate other body functions like body temperature and mood

What Does Progesterone Do?

  • Prepares uterine lining for pregnancy - Progesterone helps thicken and prepare the endometrium (uterine lining) to support a growing embryo after fertilization. This makes implantation of the embryo possible.
  • Supports pregnancy - After implantation occurs, the corpus luteum continues producing progesterone to support the developing pregnancy, especially in early stages before the placenta takes over.
  • Regulates menstrual cycle - Together with estrogen, progesterone regulates the female reproductive cycle by stimulating the uterine lining build up and controlling the cyclic release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation).

What Are Normal Progesterone Levels?

  • Follicular phase - Under 1 ng/ml
  • Ovulation phase - 2-25 ng/ml
  • Luteal phase - Over 2-25 ng/ml
  • First trimester pregnancy - 11-90 ng/ml

Progesterone levels vary widely during the menstrual cycle and peak 1 week after ovulation. If pregnancy occurs, levels continue rising further to support gestational growth.

When Are Progesterone Levels Tested?

Doctors may test progesterone levels when:

  • Evaluating infertility issues or irregular periods
  • Confirming ovulation occurred
  • Supporting a developing pregnancy
  • Monitoring high-risk pregnancies
  • Checking possible hormonal imbalances

In Conclusion:

Progesterone is the critical pregnancy-supporting hormone in females that promotes embryo implantation and fetal development. It works closely with estrogen to regulate the reproductive cycle. Monitoring progesterone levels helps assess ovulation, fertility, and pregnancy progress. It also guides treatment decisions for many gynecological conditions at Vivo Health.

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