Progesterone is an important hormone that plays a vital role in the female menstrual cycle and pregnancy. It is a steroid hormone produced mainly by the corpus luteum in the ovary during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.
Some key functions of progesterone include:
During the menstrual cycle, progesterone levels help control the buildup and shedding of the endometrium (uterine lining). If fertilization occurs, progesterone levels remain elevated to maintain the uterus for pregnancy. If no fertilization happens, progesterone levels drop, which signals menstruation.
In females, progesterone is produced mainly by the corpus luteum and the placenta:
Smaller amounts of progesterone are also produced by the adrenal glands and in certain areas of the brain.
Males produce very little progesterone naturally. However, some progesterone is produced in the testes and adrenal glands.
Doctors may check a woman's progesterone levels via a blood test to:
Progesterone levels can vary significantly during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Interpreting progesterone tests requires comparing levels to reference ranges for a given point in the cycle.
Synthetic progesterone medications play an important role in hormone therapy and birth control. The hormone is also widely available as an over-the-counter supplement, typically derived from plant sources.
Progesterone preparations can be used to:
In summary, progesterone is a pivotal reproductive hormone with far-reaching impacts on female health, fertility,