Progesterone is a hormone produced primarily in the ovaries after ovulation and in the placenta during pregnancy. It plays a vital role in the menstrual cycle and maintaining pregnancy.
What Progesterone Does:
Progesterone prepares the uterine lining to receive and nourish a fertilized egg. It helps regulate the menstrual cycle, supports early pregnancy, and has a calming effect on the nervous system. It also influences body temperature, which is why basal body temperature rises slightly after ovulation.
During the Menstrual Cycle:
After ovulation, the corpus luteum (the remnant of the follicle) produces progesterone. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, progesterone levels drop, triggering menstruation. If pregnancy occurs, the placenta takes over progesterone production to maintain the pregnancy.
Signs of Imbalance:
Low progesterone can lead to irregular periods, difficulty maintaining pregnancy, PMS symptoms, and anxiety. High progesterone is less common but can cause drowsiness and bloating.
