Progesterone

Progesterone is a female sex hormone that is primarily produced after ovulation in the ovaries. The hormone is crucial for regulating the menstrual cycle, preparing the uterine lining for pregnancy, and supporting early pregnancy. It also has a calming effect on the nervous system and contributes to fluid balance in the body.

Progesterone is at its highest during the luteal phase, the other half of the menstrual cycle that begins after ovulation and lasts until menstruation. The highest levels are usually seen 5–7 days after ovulation.

Progesterone deficiency can cause symptoms such as short luteal phase, intermediate bleeding, PMS, swelling, depression, sleep problems and difficulties in becoming pregnant. A blood test, taken in the luteal phase (about day 21 in a 28-day cycle), may indicate if your levels are sufficient.

Common symptoms of low progesterone concentrations include mood swings, anxiety, sleep disorders, sore breasts, irregular menstruation, severe PMS and reduced fertility. Low progesterone can also lead to estrogen dominance, where the balance between the hormones is disrupted.

Progesterone plays a central role for a pregnancy to occur and develop normally. After ovulation, progesterone is produced by the yellow body in the ovaries and helps to make the uterine mucosa (endometrium) susceptible to a fertilized egg. The hormone also prevents contractions in the uterus and supports the stability of early pregnancy.

If progesterone levels are insufficient, the egg implantation may fail, which makes fertilization more difficult. In the case of already established pregnancy, lack of progesterone can increase the risk of early miscarriage, as the mucosa does not receive enough support to maintain pregnancy. In some cases, progesterone supplements can be given to support the luteal phase or early pregnancy in case of suspected deficiency.

High levels of progesterone are unusual but can cause symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, headaches and mood changes. It occurs naturally during pregnancy, but elevated levels outside pregnancy should be investigated if they cause inconvenience.

High levels of progesterone are unusual but can cause symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, headaches and mood changes. It occurs naturally during pregnancy, but elevated levels outside pregnancy should be investigated if they cause inconvenience.

Blood tests for measuring progesterone are usually taken during the luteal phase, about day 21 in a 28-day cycle, as the levels are then at its highest after ovulation. This gives a good indication of whether ovulation has taken place and whether progesterone production is sufficient to support any pregnancy.

In the case of irregular menstrual cycle, sampling should be adapted individually, usually 5–7 days after calculated ovulation. It is also important to know that progesterone is in some cases analyzed during other parts of the cycle, for example during the follicle phase or ovulation, depending on the purpose of the investigation.

During the follicle phase and ovulation, progesterone levels are normally low, but the value can still provide valuable information in specific hormonal investigations or when monitoring bicycle processes. Therefore, it is highly individual when sampling is to take place, and it is important to adapt the time to your needs and what is to be evaluated.

Normal values ​​vary depending on where in the bike you are. In the luteal phase, progesterone is usually between 15-70 nmol/l. During the follicle phase (before ovulation), the levels are low, often below 5 nmol/l. After menopause, the values ​​drop to very low levels.

You can support your natural progesterone production by reducing stress, getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet rich in vitamin B6, magnesium and zinc, and through regular exercise. Avoiding prolonged stress is especially important, as the stress hormone cortisol can inhibit progesterone production.

In women of childbearing age, progesterone varies greatly during the menstrual cycle, with top levels after ovulation. After menopause, progesterone production decreases sharply as ovulation ceases, which leads to very low, often immeasurable, levels.

During pregnancy, progesterone is crucial to maintaining the uterine mucosa and preventing contractions that can cause miscarriage. The hormone is first produced by the yellow body and later by the placenta, and helps to create a stable environment for the development of the fetus.

It is possible to become pregnant with low progesterone but the risk of miscarriage in early pregnancy can increase. Progesterone helps to support the uterine mucosa for implantation and the development of the fetus. In case of suspected deficiency, treating physicians may consider progesterone supplements to support pregnancy.