What You Should Know about Progesterone
- Dr. Rochelle Bernstein
- Jul 5, 2023
- 4 min read
Progesterone is a hormone made by a woman's ovaries, adrenal gland, and, during pregnancy, the placenta. It is the most important of a group of steroid hormones called the progestogens. In reproductive age women, progesterone thickens the lining of the uterus in preparation for implantation of a fertilized egg. To build the lining, progesterone breaks down proteins. Progesterone increases body core temperature, which likely explains why reproductive age women are more likely to overheat during exercise during the luteal phase (last two weeks) of their menstrual cycle, when progesterone is highest. Progesterone levels continue to rise during pregnancy, which prevents ovulation during pregnancy. It also inhibits your body's inflammatory responses so that you don't attack your fertilized egg. Additionally, progesterone suppresses uterine contractions, which helps prevent preterm labor. Progesterone also prepares the breasts for feeding.
Want to read more?
Subscribe to purelymenopause.com to keep reading this exclusive post.