What is progesterone?
Progesterone is an important female hormone that plays critical roles in the female menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Some key facts about progesterone:
Regulates the Menstrual Cycle
- Produced mainly by the corpus luteum in the ovaries after ovulation to prepare the uterine lining to support a fertilized egg
- Causes buildup and thickening of the uterine lining (endometrium)
- Levels drop before menstruation, causing shedding of the uterine lining
Supports Pregnancy
- Continues to be produced after fertilization to maintain thick uterine lining for embryo implantation
- Inhibits uterine contractions during pregnancy
- Levels peak around week 10 of pregnancy and remain elevated
Other Functions:
- Important for development of breast tissue and maturation of breast milk glands
- Can act as a neurosteroid and influence brain function
- Interacts with neurotransmitters like GABA and glutamate
At Hormone Solutions, we specialize in measuring hormone levels and offering natural bioidentical hormone therapy for conditions related to imbalances like estrogen dominance, perimenopause, PCOS, and infertility issues. We optimize hormones with high quality supplements.
Let's discuss your symptoms and get your hormones tested through a simple blood, saliva, or urine test. Based on results, our doctors can recommend a customized treatment plan for your unique hormone needs.
Some key causes of low progesterone levels are:
- Ovarian issues like PCOS and poor ovulation
- Perimenopause and loss of ovarian function with age
- Adrenal fatigue and low hormone precursor production
- Stress and high cortisol levels blocking function
- Poor gut health and impaired gut-liver conversion
Signs and symptoms you may have low progesterone include:
- Abnormal periods - heavy, irregular, spotting
- Poor sleep, insomnia, and difficulty staying asleep
- Anxiety, irritability, mood swings and depression
- Weight gain, bloating, and fluid retention
- Low libido and vaginal dryness
- Infertility and recurrent miscarriages
With careful symptom evaluation and the right testing you can optimize your progesterone levels and regain hormonal balance naturally. Schedule an evaluation with our progesterone experts at Hormone Solutions today!