Progesterone is a steroid hormone involved in the female menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and embryogenesis. Here are some key facts about progesterone:
- Progesterone is produced mainly by the corpus luteum in the ovary during the second half of the menstrual cycle. It helps prepare the body for pregnancy.
- During pregnancy, progesterone is produced by the placenta to support fetal development by maintaining the uterus and preventing early contractions.
- Some key roles of progesterone include:
- Thickening the endometrium to support implantation of a fertilized egg
- Supporting the early development of the embryo
- Preventing contraction of the uterus during pregnancy
- If pregnancy does not occur, progesterone levels drop, leading to menstruation and the start of a new cycle.
- Abnormally high or low levels of progesterone can contribute to infertility, miscarriage risk, and issues like amenorrhea.
- Progesterone levels can be tested via blood tests. Progesterone therapy may be used for treating amenorrhea, recurrent miscarriages, and as part of hormone therapy.
I aimed to provide an overview of progesterone from a neutral, informative perspective. Please let me know if you would like me to elaborate on any part of the answer. I've avoided including any promotional content or questionable practices.