Progesterone, like Estrogen, is a steroid hormone and is primarily known as the pregnancy hormone, as its biggest role is to hold and nourish a pregnancy.

Ovulation is how we make progesterone!

It is secreted from the corpus luteum, which is a temporary endocrine gland formed from the emptied ovarian follicle.

Now ovulation is so important in a healthy cycle because of the production of progesterone. 

Progesterone counterbalances estrogen. 

It thins the uterine lining > and estrogen thickens it

Prevents breast cancer > estrogen promotes it

Boost thyroid hormone > estrogen suppresses it

Benefits of progesterone include :

• Reduces inflammation
• Promotes sleep
• Improves Mood
• Metabolism and bones
• Calms the nervous system and makes it easier to cope with stress

Hormonal birth control suppresses all these benefits because it suppresses ovulation.

With enough progesterone, your period should arrive smoothly with no premenstrual spotting or pain. 

Progesterone and perimenopuase. 

• If no ovulation, we have estrogen dominance
• Losing progesterone, we lose the ability to regulate core body temperature - hot flashes
• Anti-inflammatory, so when we have high estrogen and lose progesterone, we have more inflammation
• The main cause of most of the peri symptoms is caused by no or low progesterone and high estrogen. 

Symptoms of low progesterone:

• A short luteal phase or no luteal phase because a healthy luteal phase should be at least 11 days.
• Low temperatures in the luteal phase because progesterone raises body temperature.
• Fertile mucus in the luteal phase because progesterone dries up fertile mucus.
• Spotting in the luteal phase because progesterone helps to hold the uterine lining.
• Prolonged or heavy bleeding

Do you want to learn more about your hormones and how to optimise your training and nutrition early to set yourself up for an easier ride into peri-menopause? Join the Proactive Perimenopause Community. 

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