Progesterone: What you need to know about the important female hormone

These are 8 things every woman should know about this particular hormone:

1. Progesterone is produced by the ovaries after ovulation and regulates the female cycle. It reaches its highest levels about a week after ovulation.

2. One of its main functions is to prepare the uterus for pregnancy , increasing the thickness of the endometrium, so that it is ready to receive the fertilized egg. In the event that a woman becomes pregnant, progesterone is the substance that maintains the endometrium and, consequently, the fetus in good condition.

3. Progesterone is essential for breast development, as well as breastfeeding .

4. Stress , overconsumption of processed foods , and a number of hormonal disorders can significantly lower progesterone levels in the body and thus affect the female cycle. Low levels of this hormone in the body of a non-pregnant woman can cause headaches or migraines, frequent mood swings , cycle disorders , and bleeding between periods. Without progesterone, estrogen dominates the body and can cause, among other things, the appearance of fibroids .

5. In case of pregnancy , the body produces higher levels of progesterone, which can cause some of the symptoms of pregnancy, such as nausea. If progesterone is low, then there is a possibility of miscarriage and it is recommended to take special preparations, either in the form of a cream or in the form of pills.

6. Progesterone is detected with a simple blood test , which should be repeated regularly in the case of a pregnancy with a high risk of miscarriage.

7. Often low progesterone levels do not cause other symptoms in the body, which is why only a blood test can clarify the situation, especially in the case of a desired pregnancy.

8. Natural ways to increase progesterone levels in the body are to increase consumption of foods that include high levels of vitamin B and C, as well as consuming foods with trace elements such as zinc, such as shellfish.

So, if you are experiencing intense symptoms of premenstrual syndrome , spotting before your period, and shorter cycles , then a simple blood test can determine the causes of the symptoms and your gynecologist can recommend specific medication.