Progesterone is one of the coolest hormones.
I guess if you’re like me, you think ALL hormones are cool. But progesterone is especially loved by many, since the right amount helps you feel good and is great for your fertility.
Let’s get hormonal!
What does progesterone do?
Progesterone is a primary female sex hormone (along with estrogen). Its main function is to get the endometrium (uterine lining) ready for pregnancy. But that doesn’t mean you’re pregnant! Your body simply prepares itself for pregnancy every cycle, whether or not pregnancy is going to happen.
The mighty progesterone makes sure that endometrium stays healthy, just in case pregnancy occurs. In the case of pregnancy, it supports the embryo until the placenta takes over at around three months gestation. I told you it was cool.
This lovely hormone also helps with mood. When you have enough progesterone, your mood is regulated in the luteal (post-ovulation) phase. You’ll have less anxiety and better sleep, as long as you have balanced hormones. (Remember, your body is preparing for pregnancy even if pregnancy is NOT GONNA HAPPEN. So, your body is trying to chill you out to protect the potential baby. Hence the lower anxiety.)
And the benefits go on! Progesterone supports the nervous system, breasts, thyroid, brain and heart. What’s not to love?
How is progesterone produced?
The production of progesterone is stimulated by ovulation (release of an egg from an ovary). The follicle that released the chosen egg (winner!) literally MORPHS INTO AN ENDOCRINE GLAND WITHIN 24 HOURS. This gland is the corpus luteum— Latin for “yellow body” (I don’t name these things). It’s 2-5 cm long and only lasts the rest of the cycle. Or, in the case of pregnancy, it will support the embryo before the placenta is ready. The corpus luteum secretes progesterone.
And BTW— while progesterone is being secreted, it raises your basal body temperature (BBT). That’s why one of the symptoms you use to confirm ovulation is the sustained rise in BBT! Just one magical component of Fertility Awareness Methods.
What happens when progesterone is out of balance?
Estrogen and progesterone are figure skating partners. Metaphorically, not literally. (I don’t know what they do in their day jobs.) If one is out of balance, they both are! If you have too little progesterone, then you’ll have too much estrogen in relation to progesterone, AKA “estrogen dominance.”
Estrogen dominance— again, when the ratio of estrogen to progesterone is too high— may result in rough PMS symptoms like migraines and sore breasts. It might also give you heavy periods.
Your doctor can test for your estrogen and progesterone levels to see if you have too much estrogen or too little progesterone (either could lead to estrogen dominance). Remember, progesterone is produced after ovulation, so the test is specific to certain days of your cycle.
Low progesterone can mess with your sleep, cause anxiety or other mood issues AND make it difficult to conceive. Unhealthy progesterone = unhealthy endometrium = less likely for egg to implant.
Inadequate progesterone may mean short luteal phases, which is an issue if you’re trying to make a baby. Low progesterone is a common cause of fertility challenges and miscarriages. Sometimes, doctors will prescribe progesterone cream to people who struggle with this and are trying to conceive.
What if I’m spotting?
This could be a low progesterone issue! If you have spotting in the luteal phase (AKA the time between ovulation and the start of your period), it could be due to inadequate progesterone levels. This hormone makes your endometrium healthy. If you don’t have enough of it, your uterine lining may begin to shed a bit before your period, which is seen in spotting (usually red or brown).
Sometimes, low progesterone and premenstrual spotting is due to high stress or even thyroid problems. Talk to an expert and find out what’s up. It’ll be worth it.
What is progestin? Is it the same thing?
No!!!!! :) Progestin is a synthetic (made in a lab) hormone. It is not identical to the progesterone your body makes.
Progestin is used in hormonal birth control— the pill, patch, ring, shot, implant and hormonal IUDs. Some forms of birth control use only progestin (as opposed to both synthetic estrogen AND progestin). Typically, progestin-only birth control will prevent ovulation (but not always). They also work by thinning out the endometrium.
And that’s your crash course about the peaceful and pleasant hormone, progesterone!
Can you take a moment this cycle to appreciate the calm moods that progesterone gives you?