If we are talking about progesterone, it is necessary to clarify that this is mainly a female sex hormone that contributes to the normal course of menstrual cycles and pregnancy. In order to understand the full significance of this hormone and its main purpose, it is necessary to track its dynamics in detail. So, progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum, that is, the temporary gland that forms in the ovary after ovulation. A certain amount of it is formed in the adrenal glands (and in men - in the testes). If fertilization has not been realized, then the corpus luteum dies in 12-14 days, and the planned menstruation comes.
Progesterone in the body of a pregnant woman is produced until the complete formation of the placenta, then its production is no longer necessary. This product is vital because it helps to keep the pregnancy and also affects the state of the nervous system, calming it during pregnancy and childbirth. In addition, it calms the activity of muscle contractions of the uterus and the reaction of rejection of the ovum, and also promotes the growth of the uterus and the production of sebum.
Why do many women come across such an unpleasant phenomenon as "low progesterone"? First of all, it should be noted that progesterone deficiency can be observed even at a transitional age, when in adolescent girls the menstrual cycle is still not fully regulated. In other cases, a lack of this hormone is observed after ovulation in the form of PMS and contributes to the progression of infertility. With the onset of menopause, progesterone begins to decrease gradually, bringing the woman the same discomfort as in PMS.
It is necessary to understand why low progesterone occurs . To begin with, we clarify that the indicator of this hormone in a woman’s blood is very variable and completely depends on the phase of the cycle. Before ovulation begins, progesterone rises and reaches its maximum limit. Reduced progesterone indicates the presence of abnormalities in the female body. Diagnosing this fact in combination with other pathological signs can characterize any inflammatory process of the internal organs of the female reproductive system, in particular, chronic pathologies, uterine bleeding, and an imbalance in the menstrual cycle. If lower progesterone is detected already during pregnancy, then there is a significant threat of spontaneous miscarriage, as a result of hormonal failure and fetal development retardation. Therefore, in such cases, a woman is hospitalized "for conservation." However, you should not always be scared, because often a low level of progesterone in the blood is associated with taking certain medications, after the cancellation of which everything will return to the permissible norm.
With such an undesirable phenomenon as reduced progesterone, symptoms can be represented by excessive irritability, fits of rage, mood swings, migraines. Also, such a condition is characterized by swelling of the mammary glands, hair loss, painful periods and a change in body weight. However, not always the above factors indicate reduced progesterone. Only the analysis of the hormone progesterone can accurately identify the internal imbalance, but when it is surrendered, there are a number of nuances that should be agreed with the gynecologist-endocrinologist. This clinical study is a necessary element in diagnosing the condition of the fetus.
If the results of the analysis show reduced progesterone, signs of the disease on the face. What pathologies are accompanied by a decrease in progesterone? This can be hyperestrogenia, uterine bleeding, amenorrhea, placental insufficiency and the threat of miscarriage. In addition, low progesterone often implies pathologies of fetal development, “transplantation” of the established terms, as well as a reaction to taking certain medications.
One way or another, progesterone levels should be clearly controlled by a specialist.