{"id":107886,"date":"2022-10-17T17:45:32","date_gmt":"2022-10-17T15:45:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ivi-fertility.com\/?p=107886"},"modified":"2022-10-17T17:46:02","modified_gmt":"2022-10-17T15:46:02","slug":"progesterone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ivi-fertility.com\/blog\/progesterone\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the role of progesterone? Functions and Supplements"},"content":{"rendered":"

Role of progesterone is decisive for every woman who wants to get pregnant.\u00a0Progesterone is one of the naturally occurring hormones that help to regulate many bodily processes. The most important progesterone function in females<\/strong> is the menstrual cycle, helping to support a healthy pregnancy. Progesterone is a sex hormone<\/strong>, one of the main two affecting females, along with estrogen. Both hormones occur naturally. However, their levels can become unbalanced. Supplements administered in a variety of ways can achieve to restore the right concentration.<\/p>\n

In this article, we will look at the role of progesterone<\/strong> and its impact on the menstrual cycle, fertility and pregnancy. We will also examine how progesterone is produced<\/strong>, both naturally and synthetically. We’ll see also how progesterone supplements can impact on fertility. This includes a brief look at some ground-breaking research carried out by a team from IVI which has taken major steps forward in elevating our already high success levels in the field of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What is the role of progesterone?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Progesterone is mainly produced by the corpus luteum. This is what\u2019s left of the egg follicle after it has burst open and released a mature egg at the point in the menstrual cycle in which ovulation occurs. There is more. It still has an important role to play during early and later pregnancy and preparing for childbirth.<\/p>\n

Progesterone and the menstrual cycle<\/strong><\/h3>\n

During your fertile years, the menstrual cycle starts off with the pituitary gland in the brain producing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). These stimulate a new egg to become mature. As the follicle develops, it produces both progesterone and estrogen. They both cause a thickening of the womb lining, the endometrium, to prepare for receiving a fertilized embryo.<\/p>\n

When the egg eventually emerges from its ovarian follicle during ovulation, the open follicle turns into a corpus luteum which becomes a temporary gland and produces more progesterone itself. This further thickens the endometrium to the optimum thickness for reception of a fertilized egg. If there is no fertilized egg, the levels of progesterone decrease. This causes the breakdown of the endometrium in menstrual bleeding, and another cycle begins. If progesterone levels are too low, it could cause problems with ovulation, conception, or the maintenance of a healthy pregnancy.<\/p>\n

Progesterone and pregnancy<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If, however, there is a fertilized egg, progesterone stimulates growth of the blood vessels that supply the endometrium, as well as the glands in the endometrium that deliver nutrients to the early embryo. This helps prepare the womb lining for implantation of the embryo. It continues then to maintain the endometrium throughout the pregnancy. In the early stages, progesterone is still supplied by the corpus luteum and is essential for establishing the placenta. As the pregnancy develops, the placenta takes over progesterone production at around six to eight weeks. The hormone continues to play an important role throughout the pregnancy in fetal development and in preparing the body for labor and childbirth.<\/p>\n

How is progesterone produced?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

We have seen that when the delicate balance of hormones that regulates the menstrual cycle is working well, the body looks after its own progesterone supply. But what about a scenario where the balance becomes disrupted, having a detrimental impact on a woman\u2019s fertility and her body\u2019s ability to see a pregnancy successfully through to full term? Happily, in many cases, progesterone supplements can restore the balance and help with both fertility and pregnancy.<\/p>\n

Progesterone supplements and fertility<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If your progesterone levels are low, you may experience symptoms such as mood swings, headaches and an irregular menstrual cycle. It could also cause irregular or absent periods, indicating poorly functioning ovaries. A simple blood test can show whether your levels are too low, and a progesterone supplement may be necessary. This could come in the form of:<\/p>\n