The Progesterone is a female hormone produced by the ovaries from puberty, very important in preparing the woman’s body for pregnancy and in maintaining pregnancy.
In a normal menstrual cycle, progesterone has the function of activating the cells lining the wall of the uterus, altering and irrigating the blood vessels of the endometrium, in order to prepare the uterus to receive the embryo.
Progesterone works in conjunction with estrogen, preparing the female body for conception and pregnancy, in addition to participating in the regulation of the menstrual cycle.
After menopause, a woman produces only a small fraction of the amount of this hormone produced throughout her reproductive life.
Progesterone and Pregnancy
Progesterone prepares a woman for pregnancy by acting on her entire body. During pregnancy, progesterone is initially produced by the corpus luteum, a structure that forms after the egg is released into the ovary and is subsequently maintained by the placenta.
Progesterone helps maintain pregnancy, relaxes the muscles of the uterus and stimulates the development of the mammary glands.
Deficiency of this hormone can lead to implantation failures, impairing the initial pregnancy or leading to repeated abortions.
During the normal menstrual cycle , outside of pregnancy, some women may also experience changes in menstruation , such as bleeding, breast pain and premenstrual tension (PMS).
The biggest consequence of the lack of progesterone is amenorrhea (absence of menstruation).
Progesterone Functions
- Preparation of the uterus for embryo implantation;
- Preparation of the breasts for milk secretion;
- Increases the degree of secretory activity of the mammary glands;
- Activation of the cells that line the uterine wall, increasing the thickening of the endometrium and promoting the “invasion” of blood vessels in it;
- Determines the appearance of several glycogen-producing glands;
Inhibits contractions of the uterus , preventing expulsion of the developing embryo or fetus.