Progesterone is a crucial hormone for women, primarily involved in regulating the menstrual cycle and supporting pregnancy. Its main functions include:
- Preparing the uterine lining (endometrium) for a fertilized egg to implant and grow. If pregnancy does not occur, progesterone levels drop, leading to menstruation. If pregnancy occurs, progesterone levels increase to maintain the uterine lining and support early pregnancy
- Supporting pregnancy by decreasing uterine contractions, promoting gestation, and suppressing immune responses to prevent rejection of the fetus
- Regulating the menstrual cycle by thickening the cervical mucus, which acts as a barrier to sperm and infections, and by promoting vascularization and blood flow in the uterus
- Alleviating symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) such as mood swings, irritability, breast tenderness, and bloating
- Promoting bone health by stimulating bone-building cells (osteoblasts) and helping prevent osteoporosis
- Improving sleep and mood , reducing PMS symptoms, and affecting sex drive
- Providing neuroprotective effects , including supporting brain development, reducing inflammation after brain injury, preventing neuronal cell death, and aiding in neural regeneration
Additional effects include regulating immune response, reducing smooth muscle spasms (e.g., in bronchi), influencing skin elasticity, and modulating blood clotting and metabolism
. In summary, progesterone is vital for female reproductive health, pregnancy maintenance, menstrual regulation, bone strength, mood stability, and neuroprotection
