Progesterone is a steroid hormone that plays a vital role in the female menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Here's an overview:
Progesterone is made mainly by the ovaries in women. It is often called the “pregnancy hormone” because of its crucial role in supporting gestation, but both men and women produce small amounts.
Along with estrogen, progesterone influences the different phases of the menstrual cycle:
As mentioned above, progesterone peaks after ovulation and remains elevated during pregnancy.
Specifically, the corpus luteum (a temporary ovarian structure) pumps out a large amount of progesterone after the egg is released from the follicle. The high progesterone levels help build the lining of the uterus to support implantation.
If pregnancy occurs, the placenta takes over progesterone production to maintain these changes in the body.
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I tried to cover some key aspects of what progesterone is, its role in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, when levels rise, and how to potentially get tested/treated. Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions! Wishing you happy hormones.