Hormone progesterone: what is it and why does a woman need it

Probably everyone knows that much in the body depends on the work of the hormonal system. But far from everyone knows about what hormones exist, why they are needed and how everything happens in general. So why not figure it out?

About Progesterone

The name of this hormone is widely known, but what exactly is it for? First, it's better to understand the concept itself. So progesterone - what is it? As already understood, this is a specific hormone. It is produced by the so-called yellow body of a woman’s body (which, however, if conception does not occur, dies in the second week of the cycle, and then reborn again). This hormone is necessary to maintain the menstrual cycle, and it is also very important for pregnancy.

About work

So, it is clear that such a hormone as progesterone is simply necessary for the female body . What is it, have already figured out, now we should better consider its work. In addition to the above, this hormone is necessary in order to stimulate the production of a special protein by the endometrium, which should prepare the uterus for bearing the fetus. And progesterone stimulates this action. In the event that fertilization does not occur, the endometrium exfoliates and comes out with menstruation, and the production of progesterone is temporarily reduced. In the opposite case, the work of this hormone is very important for a woman’s body, because it is he who supports the uterus during pregnancy - stimulates growth, inhibits contractions, etc. Also, progesterone affects the preparation of the mammary glands for the birth of a child - it stimulates milk production.

Norms

Already knowing enough about such a hormone as progesterone - what it is and why the body needs it, we need to consider its normal level as well. After all, it is very important that it be enough, but without an overabundance, this is not good for the body and may indicate the presence of health problems. So, this hormone is measured in units such as nmol / liter. It should be noted that its level may fluctuate. It will be different in pregnant women, in women who take oral contraceptives, as well as during menopause. Therefore, if you need to understand what type of progesterone a woman should have, it is important to consider these factors.

Few

Having passed the next tests, a woman can see the record on the leaflet “low progesterone”. But what does this mean? It’s better, of course, to ask your doctor who sent you for tests. However, he already has to tell everything. But you can try to figure it out on your own. For women who are not pregnant, a low level of progesterone means the presence of the following problems: disruption of the cycle, lack of ovulation, possible inflammatory processes and even uterine bleeding. What does a similar level of hormone in pregnant women say? Here such problems as the threat of miscarriage, delaying, delayed fetal development may occur.

Many

And if progesterone is elevated? What is it that can affect? First of all, it is necessary to figure out exactly whether the woman is pregnant. If not, then this may indicate that cycle disturbances occur, uterine bleeding between periods is possible, and there are also problems with the adrenal glands.