Progesterone

Why is Progesterone important for your Healthspan?

‍Progesterone levels are important for maintaining hormonal balance, particularly in women. Adequate progesterone supports female reproductive health, contributes to bone density, and can positively influence sleep quality and mood. As women approach menopause, declining progesterone can contribute to symptoms like irregular periods, sleep disturbances, and bone loss. Balanced progesterone levels, appropriate for one's age and sex, help maintain overall physiological function, supporting long-term vitality and quality of life.

‍What is Progesterone?

Progesterone is a steroid hormone primarily produced by the corpus luteum in the ovary after ovulation in women, and by the placenta during pregnancy. Smaller amounts are also made by the adrenal glands in both men and women, and by the testes in men. In the female reproductive system, progesterone plays a key role in preparing the uterus for the implantation of a fertilized egg and maintaining pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, progesterone levels fall, leading to menstruation. Beyond its reproductive functions, progesterone has broader effects throughout the body; it can have a calming effect on the nervous system, contribute to sleep regulation, support bone mineral density, and influence various metabolic processes.

‍How do we take action?

If progesterone levels are found to be outside the typical range, one should consult with a healthcare provider to understand the potential underlying causes and implications. For women, interpretation often depends on the phase of the menstrual cycle or menopausal status. Imbalances might indicate issues with ovulation, luteal phase defects, or hormonal shifts during perimenopause. Strategies involve addressing any diagnosed underlying conditions. A healthcare provider might discuss lifestyle modifications such as stress management, optimizing sleep, and maintaining a healthy weight. In some cases, hormone therapy might be considered to help restore balance and support overall Healthspan.

‍Additional Sources

1. Regidor P. A. (2014). Progesterone in Peri- and Postmenopause: A Review. Geburtshilfe und Frauenheilkunde, 74(11), 995–1002. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0034-1383297

2. Oettel, M., & Mukhopadhyay, A. K. (2004). Progesterone: the forgotten hormone in men?. The aging male : the official journal of the International Society for the Study of the Aging Male, 7(3), 236–257. https://doi.org/10.1080/13685530400004199

3. Di Renzo, G. C., Mattei, A., Gojnic, M., & Gerli, S. (2005). Progesterone and pregnancy. Current opinion in obstetrics & gynecology, 17(6), 598–600. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.gco.0000191899.84567.4d

4. Di Renzo, G. C., Giardina, I., Clerici, G., Brillo, E., & Gerli, S. (2016). Progesterone in normal and pathological pregnancy. Hormone molecular biology and clinical investigation, 27(1), 35–48. https://doi.org/10.1515/hmbci-2016-0038

5. Kaore, S. N., Langade, D. K., Yadav, V. K., Sharma, P., Thawani, V. R., & Sharma, R. (2012). Novel actions of progesterone: what we know today and what will be the scenario in the future?. The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology, 64(8), 1040–1062. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-7158.2012.01464.x

6. Brinton, R. D., Thompson, R. F., Foy, M. R., Baudry, M., Wang, J., Finch, C. E., Morgan, T. E., Pike, C. J., Mack, W. J., Stanczyk, F. Z., & Nilsen, J. (2008). Progesterone receptors: form and function in brain. Frontiers in neuroendocrinology, 29(2), 313–339. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yfrne.2008.02.001

7. Henderson V. W. (2018). Progesterone and human cognition. Climacteric : the journal of the International Menopause Society, 21(4), 333–340. https://doi.org/10.1080/13697137.2018.1476484

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