The hormone progesterone may be more important in a woman’s life than you might think. Want to know why? So come check it out.
Progesterone is a hormone produced mainly in the ovaries. He, in fact, is very important in a woman’s life. This is because it is involved in sexual development during puberty and also in the pregnancy process.
Above all, progesterone does not influence the determination of female sexual characteristics. However, in a normal menstrual cycle, progesterone has the function of activating the cells that line the wall of the uterus. Which, in fact, prepares the uterus and the woman’s body for a possible pregnancy.
It is worth mentioning that this hormone is fundamental in the processes of menstruation and fertilization. Furthermore, it helps in the transport and implantation of the fertilized egg, in the maintenance of pregnancy and lactation.
What does it mean for progesterone to be high or low?
High Progesterone
High progesterone occurs when the value is greater than 10 ng/mL. That is, when the egg is mature, it is released by the ovary. Basically, this increase serves to prepare the uterus in case of a possible pregnancy. This way, it remains high so that an abortion does not occur.
This unregulated level can even be a sign of certain disorders such as:
- Cysts in the ovary or adrenal glands;
- Indicative of multiple pregnancies;
- Overproduction of hormones by the adrenal glands;
- Great risk of developing breast cancer;
- Ovulation;
- Menopause;
- Hormone therapies.
Therefore, to ensure that progesterone levels are correct, the woman should not take any pills with progesterone for 4 weeks before taking the necessary exam.
Low Progesterone
The production of this hormone is considered low when the value is less than 10 ng/mL. In other words, in these cases, the woman may encounter certain difficulties in getting pregnant, as the amount of progesterone may not be sufficient to prepare the woman’s body for pregnancy.
In short, this hormone helps the uterus prepare the endometrium, which is a protective layer that helps receive a fertilized egg. However, if this layer is not thick enough, this process does not occur. In this case, the woman needs to use progesterone supplements to increase the chances of getting pregnant.
Above all, there are some causes for low progesterone, such as:
- Possibility of spontaneous abortion;
- Malfunction of the ovaries;
- Ovulation problems;
- Lack of physical activity and inadequate nutrition;
- Insulin resistance;
- Chronic stress;
- Medicines;
- Endometrial and breast cancer;
- Damage to the pancreas;
- Estrogen dominance.
Additionally, women with low progesterone may experience symptoms such as weight gain, frequent headaches, and sudden mood changes. In addition, low sexual appetite, irregular menstruation or hot flashes, for example, are also common.
How to measure your level
As it is an exam that measures hormonal levels, some care is needed before taking the progesterone level test. Therefore, if you are going to do it, you need to follow the following steps:
- Fasting for 3 hours before the exam;
- Inform the doctor about all the medications you are taking;
- Stop using progesterone pills, such as Cerazette, Juliet, Norestin or Exluton;
- Avoid taking an X-ray up to 7 days beforehand.
Firstly, preparation for the exam is very important. This way, the results become reliable and are not influenced by other factors. Furthermore, ideally the tests should be carried out seven days before ovulation. Well, this is the period when hormones are really high.
In short, if your doctor is trying to assess progesterone levels outside of ovulation, and they remain elevated throughout your cycle, it may be necessary to test before ovulation.
Reference values
Progesterone levels can vary with different stages of life, and can also vary from person to person. However, it can also vary from cycle to cycle in relation to the same person.
Above all, there is a basic notion of how progesterone levels can be compared at different stages of life, such as:
- Pre-puberty: 0.07 to 0.52 ng/mL, means being Low;
- Female adult follicular phase: 0.15 to 0.70 ng/mL, means Low;
- Female adult luteal phase: 2 to 25 ng/ mL, Intermediate;
- First trimester of pregnancy: 7.25 to 44 ng/mL, Intermediate;
- Second trimester of pregnancy: 19.5 to 82.5 ng/mL, means being High;
- Third trimester of pregnancy: 65 to 229 ng/mL, which means it is Very High;
- Menopause: <0.4ng/mL, means being Low.
Despite this, remember that whenever there is a change in the value, the result must be evaluated by a doctor. Because only he can understand what is really changed or not, so that he can start treatment, if necessary.
What is progestogen?
Progestins are synthetic hormones based on progesterone and testosterone, which are used in all hormonal contraceptives and in some hormonal treatments for menopause.
In other words, there are pills that contain very low doses of progestin. And, yes, as far as possible it is similar to the natural hormone, existing in the woman’s body.
Contraceptives and progesterone in the body
Firstly, the use of hormonal contraceptive methods can alter progesterone levels in the body, helping to inhibit ovulation. Therefore, if you are not ovulating, your progesterone levels will be low and uniform.
How to increase hormone levels naturally?
- Drink turmeric, thyme or oregano tea;
- Increase your intake of foods rich in vitamin B6, such as steak liver, banana or salmon;
- Take a magnesium supplement, with guidance from a nutritionist;
- Prefer foods with a high amount of protein;
- Eat a diet rich in vegetables, fruit and dark leafy vegetables, such as spinach.
Above all, always try to give preference to organic foods. Well, they can also help with hormone production. Meanwhile, processed foods can decrease the body’s ability to produce hormones.
Anyway, what did you think of our article?
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Sources: Info Escola, Hello Clue, Tua Saúde
Featured image: Live Well
