What is progesterone?

Progesterone is a hormone produced in the body that helps to regulate the menstrual cycle of women. Men also produce a small amount of this hormone, but in men it is less important for sexual maturity than testosterone. Chemical forms of progesterone are widely used as part of contraception. Unique aspects of the hormone tend to explain its efficiency as a method of contraception. The increase in levels before ovulation slightly increases body temperature; creates more vaginal mucus, which makes the sperm survive to achieve and fertilize eggs; And it makes the uterus muscles less likely to retreat. If a woman becomes pregnant, the main progesterone production switches to the developing placenta around the eighth week of pregnancy.

If the woman does not become pregnant, the hormone levels begin to fall after ovulation, the uterus lining has shed. Together with estrogen, progesterone maintains the balance of the female menstrual cycle and produces a monthly period or menstruation.

with contraceptive pills containing progesterone or its chemical forms called progestin , the body is basically deceived to think that it is pregnant because it detects a higher hormonal level. This means that ovulation usually does not occur. Generally, the woman stops taking progestin and estrogen for seven days every month to trigger the period and deprive the lining of the uterus. Newer forms of pills often have to skip less days to have less periods per year.

Progesterone also serves several other important features in the body. It helps in immunity, reduces swelling and inflammation, stimulates and regulates thyroid production and maintains blood levels in the Al. Progesterone can also be considered “against aging” of the hormone. It keeps the bones strong, produces collagen and helps maintain nerves working at suitable levels. Some scientists are now testing the effects of progesterone shots on people with multiple sclerosis to find outIf it can help keep the nerves and skeletal muscles in deterioration.

as a woman ages, the levels of progesterone and estrogen will begin to fall. This gradually leads to menopause. It is easy to see how the drop in these levels not only affects the menstrual cycle, but also contributes to aging, because less collagen means less skin elasticity, which contributes to the wrinkles of the skin. Low levels of progesterone also reduce the body's ability to create new bone cells, which builds a woman at an increased risk of developing osteoporosis.

In the past, hormone substitution therapy consisted of replacing lost or reduced estrogen due to menopause. Studies have shown that this has increased the risk of breast Cancer, and less women are performed. Medical scientists are now again examining the possible use of progesterone replacement in both men and women, as a possible means to reduce the likelihood of some forms of cancer. In addition, progesterone may have a positive effect on women looking for an alternative to estrogen therapy at the per afterLive menopause, although some of the side effects of progestin are similar to those who experience women undergoing menopause.