Progesterone: What It Is And How It Is Related To Pregnancy

Maybe progesterone doesn't sound like a? Common name? for you. But be aware that this is a very important hormone in a woman's life, involved in her menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

Marcello Valle, MD, MD, director of the Origen Clinic, explains that progesterone is produced in the ovaries by the corpus luteum after ovulation, the adrenal glands, and the placenta during pregnancy. The progesterone molecule is derived from cholesterol. She participates in the preparation of the endometrium for nesting (implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterine wall) of the embryo and supports this endometrium until the end of pregnancy ?, says.

"Progesterone also exerts its effect on cervical mucus and the nervous system," the doctor adds.


Because of all this, progesterone is considered the pregnancy-maintaining hormone and, as a result, abnormal levels of it can significantly reduce a woman's chances of getting pregnant.

Progesterone X Estrogen

To understand the important role of progesterone one must also know the action of the hormone called estrogen.

Marcello Valle points out that both are called sex hormones. ? In the menstrual cycle, estrogen participates more actively in the first 15 days? ie in the pre ovulatory phase? thickening the endometrium. After ovulation, the corpus luteum begins to produce progesterone that will mature this endometrium, favoring nesting ?, explains.


If fertilization does not occur, the endometrium (inner layer of the uterus) will collapse and the vessels supplying it will bleed for a few days (menstruation), and then the hypothalamus (brain area) will be ordered to begin the next menstrual cycle.

It is noteworthy that estrogens and progesterone are not the only sex hormones capable of influencing female behavior, but are the most important. Generally speaking, can it be said that the action of estrogens? released in the first half of the cycle? is to prepare for sex; The action of progesterone, in the second half, is to ensure the integrity of pregnancy.

Progesterone X Predominance Changes in Women's Behavior

Marcello Valle points out that some studies relate progesterone with depressive symptoms and mood swings.


In the two weeks prior to menstruation, due to the predominance of progesterone, the woman's skin becomes less bright, fluid retention, breast pain, decreased vaginal lubrication, difficulty in reaching orgasm, increased appetite and temperature. among other changes.

What does low progesterone mean?

If progesterone levels are low, the lining of the uterus cannot be well prepared for nesting to occur. And even if it does, low progesterone can contribute to miscarriage, ovary loss, or microabortion, and can cause other health problems for women.

Marcello Valle explains that the causes of poor progesterone production are not well understood, "but there may be a relationship with poor nutrition and stress, in addition to anovulatory ovarian diseases, ie when a woman does not ovulate properly."

The Human Reproduction Specialist points out that some of the symptoms of low progesterone are:

  • Changes in appetite;
  • Mood swings;
  • Anxiety;
  • Menstrual irregularity;
  • Loss of libido;
  • Insomnia.

Still according to Valle, the diagnosis can be made by the patient's clinical history and progesterone blood dosage.

Treatments For Progesterone Disorders

Marcello Valle explains that treatment depends on the patient's goal. "For those who want to get pregnant or have menstrual irregularity may be indicated hormone replacement through pills, cream or vaginal gels," he says.

You now know the important role of progesterone in a woman's life, especially from the moment she decides to become pregnant.

All this reinforces that it is very important to always be up to date with consultations with the gynecologist, so that in case of problems with progesterone production, for example, or any other that may affect pregnancy, the professional can indicate the best treatment.

What is the link between progesterone and a healthy pregnancy? (March 2024)


  • Prevention and Treatment
  • 1,230