Where the hormone progesterone is produced. Progesterone in women: the norm, causes and consequences of changes in the level of the hormone

Date: 03.03.2020

Progesterone is a biologically active substance that is responsible for the proper development and functioning of the female body. Its main role is to prepare for the onset of pregnancy and carry it. Progesterone is an important component in the synthesis of other endogenous hormones that are directly involved in metabolism. A blood test can give a detailed answer about the state of women's health and indicate possible pathologies.

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What is progesterone

Changes in progesterone levels during different periods of the menstrual cycle

Progesterone and its formula were discovered in the 30s of the XX century. It owes its name to scientists who distinguished it among a number of other hormones. It fully characterizes its main function and translates as "for bearing, for pregnancy."

The C21H30O2 molecule is a prominent representative of compounds of the steroid group. In its structure, it resembles glucocorticosteroids. The basis for the synthesis of this kind of substances is cholesterol. Due to this property, they have many points of application and many functions.

Where is the hormone produced?

The coordinated work of various organs and systems in women is regulated by the level of this compound in the body. Progesterone is synthesized under the action of the luteinizing hormone of the pituitary gland in the corpus luteum - a temporary endocrine gland, which begins its work from the moment the egg leaves the follicle. The hormone is intensively released into the bloodstream during the first ten days after ovulation. This period is characterized as the luteal phase of the cycle. With fertilization and the onset of pregnancy, the corpus luteum in the ovary begins to secrete progesterone within a few weeks. Then this function is performed by the placenta. If pregnancy does not occur, then the level of the hormone decreases. A small proportion is produced by the adrenal glands.

The following are involved in the production of steroid hormones during pregnancy:

fetal adrenal cortex;
placenta;
fetal liver;
the adrenal cortex of the mother;
fetal brain.

Progesterone has the ability to accumulate in various organs and tissues of the body. Depots are created to maintain its concentration at the proper level.

Functions of progesterone

Effects of progesterone

The activity of progesterone is mainly aimed at maintaining the reproductive system of a woman. Hormone:

provides the beginning of active functioning of the corpus luteum (luteal phase);
starts a cascade of chemical reactions that lead to rupture of the follicle wall and help the release of the egg (promotes the onset of ovulation);
stimulates the development of endometrial vessels and supports their work (the absence of this effect provokes menstruation);
increases libido;
relaxes the fallopian tubes, which facilitates the path of the egg into the uterine cavity;
is responsible for inhibiting the maturation of other follicles (reduces the level of secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone);
promotes the fusion of the sperm and the egg;
influences the growth and development of the mammary glands.

Progesterone since fertilization and pregnancy:

ensures the introduction of the embryo into the endometrium;
promotes the physiological course of pregnancy;
provides the body with the ability to bear the fetus;
reduces uterine contractility in the first half of pregnancy;
prevents miscarriage;
stimulates the sufficient development of the endometrium;
affects the formation of mammary glands and prepares them for lactation;
reduces the synthesis of follicle-stimulating hormone and inhibits the development of new follicles;
suppresses the influence of the hormone prolactin and prevents premature lactation;
prevents the development of an immune response to fetal antigens in the body of the expectant mother by reducing local immunity and suppressing the synthesis of prostaglandins.

Preparation for pregnancy is carried out by changing metabolic processes. Relaxation of the smooth muscles of the intestine. Food slowly passes through the intestinal tract and is more fully broken down, giving up all the nutrients. This phenomenon is associated with frequent complaints of pregnant women about constipation, bloating. In this case, adipose tissue accumulates intensively, and muscle tissue is subjected to maximum stress.

A tangible effect is exerted on the ligamentous apparatus. For the normal course of labor, maximum relaxation of the ligaments and muscles of the pelvis is necessary. Throughout pregnancy, progesterone creates optimal conditions by relaxing the entire ligamentous apparatus. This explains the high sports injuries among women during the luteal phase and the maximum production of the hormone by the corpus luteum.

Progesterone affects the condition of the skin. It provides a normal amount of collagen, maintenance of elasticity and adequate blood supply. It has been proven that the use of a cream with a 2% content of the substance significantly increases the strength of the skin in women during pre- and postmenopause.

The nervous system obeys the pregnancy hormone. It can serve as a precursor to various mediators in the central nervous system.

Low progesterone - main symptoms, methods of increasing hormone levels naturally

17-OH-progesterone

The names of these substances are similar, but there is a significant difference that must be taken into account when studying the activity of the body. In many cases, changes in the level of 17-OH-progesterone are not associated with a failure in the synthesis of the true hormone of pregnancy.

It is a foundational element in the synthesis of several key hormones. The molecule comes from progesterone. Under the action of enzymes, this substance forms cortisol or androstenedione. The reactions of conversion of androstenedione to testosterone and estradiol are the final stage in the formation of sex hormones.

The main differences are:

Hormone	Progesterone	17-OH-Progesterone
Origin	True steroid hormone	Intermediate in the synthesis of cortisol
Category	Exclusively female hormone	Male hormone
Where is it produced	It is formed under the action of the pituitary gland luteinizing hormone. It is secreted by the corpus luteum in the ovary. A small amount is synthesized in the ovaries, testes in men and the adrenal glands	It is formed under the action of ACTH, adrenocorticotropin. Produced in the reticular area of the adrenal cortex, a small part in the placenta and gonads
Main function	Creates the necessary conditions for conceiving and bearing a child in the female body	Synthesis of cortisol. Synthesis of other sex hormones and their precursors. Effects on sexual function, menstrual cycle and fertility

Situations in which the doctor may prescribe the determination of the level of 17-OH-progesterone:

a combination of infertility with hirsutism;
violation of the menstrual cycle
differential diagnosis for the presence of an ovarian tumor;
for young children in the case of a study of congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

The analysis for women is optimal in the first half of the cycle (3-5 days). Blood should be taken on an empty stomach. At the same time, it is recommended that a few days before the procedure give up heavy physical activity, exclude alcohol intake, and avoid stressful situations.

Rates in different phases of the cycle

Determination of the level of progesterone plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility, various menstrual irregularities. The widespread analysis does not have a clear algorithm for decoding it. There are several options for processing research results and establishing the amount of a substance in a particular period of a woman's life. The normative values of progesterone depend on the phase of the menstrual cycle:

The widespread use of hormonal contraceptives has created conditions for the isolation of other indicators. They are used in exceptional situations to establish the cause of a disease, taking into account the preliminary intake of these drugs.

Normative indicatorsprogesterone, depending on the phases of the cycle in the presence of hormonal contraceptives:

The normative indicators of the hormone progesterone at different periods of the cycle:

Due to the wide range of standard indicators, only a highly qualified specialist can make a conclusion about the content of progesterone. The conclusion about the functioning of the hormone is determined exclusively on an individual basis.

Indicators during pregnancy

At different periods of gestation, the levels of sex hormones in a woman's body, in particular progesterone, change. Norms of substance content during pregnancy:

Miscarriage is a consequence of a decrease in progesterone levels in the early stages of fetal development. In the second and third trimesters, it ensures normal fetal growth at the required level, promotes the onset of childbirth and prepares the pregnant woman's body for lactation. In this regard, the indicators of the substance change:

Weeks of pregnancy	Indicators of progesterone, nmol / l
5–6	15,9-21,1
7–8	28.7 to 37.2
9–10	34.1 to 41.9
11–12	37.9 to 48.1
13-14	38.7 to 50.2
15-16	42.3 to 52.4
17-18	53.3 to 66.8
19–20	63.9 to 80.1
21–22	67.1 to 84.2
23–24	71.7 to 88.9
25–26	75.3 to 94.5
27–28	82.8 to 102.5
29-30	91.5 to 113.8
31–32	118.9 to 135.1
33–34	106.4 to 120.4
35–36	101.3 to 125.6
37-38	196.2 to 242.1
39-40	246.0 to 301.8

To take the analysis, you must come to the laboratory on an empty stomach in the morning. To determine the level of progesterone, it is recommended to donate blood on the 22nd-23rd day of the menstrual cycle. The results will also be adequate if the procedure is carried out 8 hours after a meal.

The final conclusion about the hormonal balance in the female body can only be made by a doctor. A well-chosen correction of the identified disorders is the basis of reproductive health.

- a hormone of steroid nature, which is synthesized both in the female and, oddly enough, in the male organism. However, the role of progesterone in the body of the weaker sex is much higher, especially during childbearing. It's not for nothing that progesterone has been dubbed the pregnancy hormone.

Where is progesterone produced?

In women, progesterone is secreted mainly by the corpus luteum, a little - by the adrenal glands, and during pregnancy - by the placenta. In the first half of the menstrual cycle (about 14 days), the level of this hormone is relatively low. Further, during ovulation, one of the ovarian follicles turns into a corpus luteum, which actively synthesizes progesterone. During this period, women experience a slight rise in body temperature. If there was no conception, the corpus luteum gradually dissolves, the synthesis of progesterone decreases - menstruation occurs.

Role of progesterone in pregnancy

When a woman becomes pregnant, she produces progesterone for about 16 weeks. Then this function is transferred to the mature placenta. So what is progesterone responsible for in a pregnant woman's body?

Functions of progesterone:

prepares the mucous layer of the uterus for the embryo;
reduces the willingness of the uterus to contract so that the ovum is not rejected;
adapts the nervous system of the expectant mother;
affects the growth of the uterus;
interrupts a new menstrual cycle when pregnancy occurs;
prepares the mammary glands for secretion;
increases sebum production.

It follows from this that a significant deficiency of progesterone can not only lead to miscarriage in the early stages, but also generally make conception impossible.

What other functions does progesterone perform?

It is important to know what the hormone progesterone is responsible for, in addition to maintaining the pregnancy. First of all, it reduces the risk of neoplastic and precancerous diseases of the uterus (fibroids, endometriosis) and mammary glands. In addition, the hormone normalizes blood sugar levels and improves blood clotting, affects the exchange of calcium and trace elements, and regulates blood pressure.

Controlling the level of hormones is a task that for some reason many people ignore, believing that this does not matter to the body. In fact, the proper functioning of organ systems depends on hormones. And if violations are noted, the person will feel bad, his mood will worsen, and other problems will appear. You need to be tested regularly. One of the hormones is progesterone - an essential component for men and women. It is impossible to overestimate its importance, and any deviations lead to serious consequences.

Progesterone is a hormone produced in the female and male body. It is mainly responsible for the genital area and is produced in the ovaries - in girls, and in the testicles - in guys. Some progesterone is produced in the adrenal glands.

This hormone is often remembered when planning a pregnancy: it affects the development of the fetus, promotes the bearing of a child and the absence of congenital defects.

Do not confuse progesterone and OH-progesterone (hydroxyprogesterone) - these hormones differ significantly from each other:

Progesterone is produced in the ovaries, oxyprogesterone - only in the adrenal glands;
Progesterone is a steroid hormone, OH-progesterone is a dependent synthesis intermediate;
Progesterone promotes conception and gestation, hydroxyprogesterone affects sexual function.

Despite the differences, progesterone and oxyprogesterone control the functioning of the reproductive system, one way or another, contribute to the conception and bearing of the fetus. Violation of the level leads to significant deviations in the female body.

Functions of progesterone

Progesterone is very important for women - the pregnancy hormone, as it is popularly called, performs several important functions at once:

Helps to strengthen the egg during fertilization;
Forms a favorable environment for conception in the uterus;
Stops menstruation after conception;
Stimulates the growth of the uterus, preventing it from contracting;
Leads to increased production of sebum;

In each phase of the cycle, progesterone performs different functions, respectively, the standard values fluctuate:

During menstruation, the hormone is practically not produced, since the body understands that there is no pregnancy;
By the time ovulation occurs, the level rises significantly. The main function is to create a favorable environment for the egg cell;
The luteal stage, when the egg comes out, is accompanied by a high level of the hormone - it's time to prepare for pregnancy;
If fertilization does not occur, the concentration of the hormone decreases, after 2 weeks it dies. At this time, hormonal disruption may occur if the level is too low;
When pregnancy occurs, the hormone is produced in large volumes, which are necessary to maintain the active growth of the child. A decrease in the level in the early stages can lead to a miscarriage.

From 4 months, progesterone is produced by the placenta, so its level rises significantly.

But in addition to sexual functions, progesterone also affects the intestines. This hormone relaxes smooth muscles, which can lead to irritable bowel syndrome. It reduces cramps, so during menstruation, when the effect of progesterone is minimal, women notice pain.

An increased level of progesterone in the blood of a woman who is not waiting for replenishment may indicate the progression of a tumor of the genital organs - a diagnosis is carried out by a gynecologist.

Progesterone rates in men and women

Each organism is individual, but there is a norm of hormones at which the organs work stably, and no pathology is observed. For men, progesterone levels should be between 0.35-0.60 nmol / liter. In women, the rate depends on the stage of the menstrual cycle:

Follicular phase - 0.30-2.20;
Ovulatory - 0.50-9.40;
Luteal - 7.00-56.60;
After menopause - up to 0.60;
In the first trimester of pregnancy - 9.00-468.00;
In the second trimester - 71.5-303.0;
In the third - 89.0-771.0.

The gynecologist with whom she is being observed should refer the patient for the analysis. In the laboratory, the blood is checked, and if deviations are noted, an appropriate conclusion will be issued. When a woman takes medications, the doctor should be notified in advance - the results may change due to chemical exposure, this is necessary for a correct diagnosis.

Impaired progesterone levels

The effect of progesterone on a woman's body is enormous, but today a low level is a common phenomenon. The hormone stops being produced, which leads to negative consequences. Symptoms of low progesterone are hard to ignore: cramps, abdominal pain, spotting - these are signs of a possible miscarriage.

There are several reasons for the reduced level:

The pituitary gland is not functioning correctly;
There is a pathology of the placenta and corpus luteum;
A pregnant woman takes long-term medication.

If progesterone is not produced in women, this leads to miscarriage, fetal growth retardation, prolonged gestation periods, fever, abdominal pain and nausea. There is often no milk after childbirth, which precludes breastfeeding.

During pregnancy, the female hormone must be produced in large quantities: the body needs it. But what happens if the mother is not waiting for a replenishment in the family, and the progesterone rate is significantly increased? Such a deviation is a sign of a disease.

Symptoms are individual for each woman, but most often occur:

Rash on the body and face;
Apathy and lethargy;
Failure of the menstrual cycle;
Painful sensations in the chest;
Decrease in blood pressure;
Frequent headaches;
Increased sweating;
Inability to conceive a child;
Frequent mood swings;
Indigestion, bloating.

In the absence of pregnancy, the body produces hormone due to adrenal abnormalities, uterine bleeding, corpus luteum cysts, or kidney failure. The doctor conducts a comprehensive examination and prescribes treatment; it is unacceptable to artificially reduce the level of the hormone in this situation, since the cause will not be eliminated.

Progesterone preparations

The most effective way to normalize progesterone levels is with medication. The drug should be prescribed by a doctor, self-diagnosis and admission are strictly prohibited - you will only harm your body.

There are several of the most popular and proven drugs that improve the functions of the reproductive system through hormone production:

Progesterone - available in several forms - powder, ampoules, gel, tablets, capsules. Micronized progesterone produces the corpus luteum hormone by binding to its tissues. The work of DNA cells is activated, the condition of the uterine mucosa is improved;
Utrozhestan - the reception is carried out in the form of tablets or vaginal capsules. The drug is also prescribed during menopause to relieve a woman's condition;
Oxyprogesterone capronate - injection solution. Taking progesterone improves sexual function, helps prevent premature birth;
- pills are one of the most popular remedies. The production of progesterone increases, menstrual irregularities are treated;
Crinone - a gel in applicators for vaginal use - is used to treat infertility and premature menopause;
Ingesta is an injection solution prescribed for hormone deficiency and mastopathy.

Natural and synthetic progesterone, as doctors believe, do not mix well in the body. It is necessary to choose quality drugs that contain progesterone, and not its analogue - progestin or progestogen. In particular, natural estrogen and progesterone are necessary in the treatment of children - the chemical counterpart can cause serious abnormalities.

But even a high-quality natural hormone, micronized progesterone, contained in the preparations, causes loss of appetite, weight gain and deterioration in mood. The main function of drugs is to increase the level, but it is necessary to understand why it was lowered. Why take an appointment if the reason is unknown? In such a situation, you will have to take pills all the time, which is unacceptable.

Now you know what role progesterone plays in the body, what it is, and what it is needed for. This hormone is rightfully considered a pregnancy hormone, since a woman's ability to conceive, and then - to bear a full and healthy baby depends on it. Progesterone levels should be monitored at any time when symptoms of disorders appear, and especially when planning conception.

Bibliography

Intensive therapy. Anesthesiology. Reanimatology. Manevich A.Z. 2007 M. "Medizdat".
Obstetric risk. Maximum information - minimum danger for mother and baby V.E. Radzinsky, S.A. Knyazev, I.N. 2009 Publisher: Eksmo.
Diabetes mellitus in pregnant women. Makarov OV, Ordynsky Moscow 2010 P.127.
Obstetrics. National leadership. UMO stamp for medical education. Ailamazyan E.K., Radzinsky V.E., Kulakov V.I., Savelyeva G.M. 2009 Publisher: Geotar-Media.
Infections in obstetrics and gynecology. Makarova O.V., Aleshkina V.A., Savchenko T.N. Moscow., Medpress-inform, 2007, 462 p.
Anatomically and clinically narrow pelvis. Chernukha E.A., Puchko T.K., Volobuev A.I. 2005 Publisher: Triada-X.
Emergencies in obstetrics. Sukhikh V.N., G.T. Sukhikh, I.I.Baranov et al., Publisher: Geotar-Media, 2011.

Hello, Olga Ryshkova is with you. Our topic today: what is it - the hormone progesterone in women and men and what problems there may be with it.

Progesterone is a sex hormone found in both women and men. In women, it is produced mainly by the ovaries, in a small amount by the adrenal glands, and during pregnancy also by the placenta. In men, it is synthesized by the testes and adrenal glands. After a portion of progesterone has fulfilled its function, it breaks down in the liver into biologically inactive substances, which are excreted in the urine, and new portions constantly enter the blood from the glands.

What is the function of progesterone.

What does the hormone progesterone do in women? The female ovaries produce it in the second phase of the menstrual cycle, after ovulation has occurred (the release of an egg from the ovary for fertilization). The main task of progesterone at this time is to prepare the endometrium for pregnancy, which is why it is sometimes called the pregnancy hormone. The endometrium is the lining that lines the uterine cavity from the inside.

This is how it goes. Every month after ovulation, a small yellow gland is formed in the ovaries, it is called the corpus luteum. It is the corpus luteum that produces progesterone, under the influence of which the endometrium is aligned, the muscles of the uterus relax in order to receive and attach a fertilized egg.

What will happen to progesterone if fertilization has not occurred.

If a woman does not become pregnant, the corpus luteum is destroyed and the level of progesterone in the body decreases. Without progesterone support, the endometrium swells and is rejected during menstruation.

If you become pregnant.

If fertilization has occurred, then the corpus luteum is preserved and the level of progesterone continues to rise. What is the progesterone hormone for during pregnancy? To ensure the normal functioning of the endometrium and its blood vessels to feed the growing baby, as well as to relax the muscles of the uterus and prevent embryo rejection. During pregnancy, the level of progesterone increases 9-10 times, because the placenta develops, which also secretes progesterone, supporting the corpus luteum.

As long as the high progesterone level is maintained, the woman cannot have a new ovulation, so during pregnancy the menstrual cycle stops and you cannot get pregnant again during pregnancy.

Now about the problems.

It is clear that at a normal level, there can be no problems with progesterone, but they arise at a low or high concentration of the hormone.

Low progesterone levels.

Based on the functions of progesterone, which I talked about, it becomes clear that women with low levels of the hormone cannot get pregnant - the uterus is not ready to receive a fertilized egg.

If not very low progesterone levels do allow the fertilized egg to attach, then the woman is at a higher risk of miscarriage or premature birth, because the function of this hormone is to help support pregnancy.

A low level of progesterone is accompanied by abdominal pain during pregnancy, because the hormone does not perform well the function of relaxing the muscles of the uterus and it is in good shape, that is, in a contracted state.

But that is not all.

Let's digress from the problems of those wishing to get pregnant and pregnant women. Signs of low progesterone in non-pregnant women include

Abnormal uterine bleeding.
Violation of the menstrual cycle.
In addition, low progesterone levels lead to relatively high levels of the female sex hormones estrogen, which can lead to endometrial polyps, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and breast hyperplasia (proliferation), as well as a decrease in libido.

High progesterone in a pregnant woman.

If a woman is pregnant, and her progesterone is higher than the norm for her term, this suggests that there are some problems in the development of pregnancy:

The placenta is not functioning properly, which means it cannot deliver enough nutrients and oxygen to the baby. This can lead to a delay in fetal development, miscarriage, premature birth, frozen pregnancy.
Elevated progesterone may indicate a corpus luteum cyst. The cause of the cyst is infections, inflammatory diseases, stress, exercise, hypothermia; constant supervision by a doctor is necessary.
It can be a cystic drift, when the fetus does not develop, but the membranes of the fetus grow.

High progesterone in a non-pregnant woman.

If the analysis showed a high level of progesterone, in this case, one can suspect:

Cyst of the corpus luteum. This pathology can develop in both pregnant and non-pregnant women.
Tumor.
Renal failure - impairment of all kidney functions.
Hyperplasia (increased cell proliferation) of the adrenal cortex, leads to obesity and infertility.

When can abnormal progesterone levels be suspected?

In case of menstrual irregularities.
With severe uterine bleeding.
With uterine bleeding outside the menstrual cycle.
If an ultrasound scan revealed pathological changes in the ovaries.
With the development of renal failure.
If you suspect a tumor formation.
For miscarriages in early pregnancy.
If there is ovulation, but pregnancy does not occur.

What time is the progesterone test done?

Blood for this test is taken after the onset of ovulation, usually it is 21-23 days of the menstrual cycle. If the cycle is regular, then blood is donated 7 days before the onset of menstruation. If the cycle is irregular, then the analysis will need to be done several times. If there is a schedule for measuring basal temperature, then blood must be donated 6-7 days after it rises. Blood is taken in the morning on an empty stomach.

A few days before delivery, progesterone levels drop sharply. To convert nmol / L to ng / ml or μg / L, divide the value in nmol / L by 3.18

In different laboratories, the norms of progesterone may differ, laboratories develop their normal values depending on the method used. The rates are always indicated on the form.

Why do men need progesterone?

Progesterone is a female sex hormone, but in the body of men it is also needed and even important. From progesterone in the body of men, the male sex hormones androgens are formed. The rate of progesterone in men is 0.32-0.64 nmol / l.

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Almost all vital processes in the human body are under the influence of hormonal substances synthesized in certain organs. One of the most important is the female sex hormone, progesterone. It is very necessary not only for the female, but also for the male body.

When determining the hormonal level of a person, questions are often asked: what is progesterone, why is it needed and how is it produced. It is a steroid-type hormone, in other words, a substance produced by the body on the basis of cholesterol.

The synthesis of progesterone, like other female sex hormones, is carried out in the corpus luteum of the ovary.

Often, this steroid-type hormonal compound develops at the site of a ruptured follicle, which occurs during ovulation. In men, this hormone is produced in the seminal vesicle. In addition, the adrenal cortex and placenta play an important role in the formation of progesterone. The liver is the site of breakdown. Here the hormone is processed and broken down into a number of inactive biological substances.

The hormonal compound is responsible for a woman's ability to conceive and the normal course of pregnancy. An important function - it allows you to feel the maternal instinct and reveals femininity. The substance prepares the epithelial tissue of the uterus for the attachment of a fertilized egg, prevents contractions of the muscles of the uterus, thereby preventing miscarriage and premature birth.

In addition, during pregnancy, menstruation stops precisely because of progesterone. The main functions during pregnancy are responsible for increasing the amount of sebum and uterus in size, preparing the mammary glands for lactation.

The female hormone progesterone, or as it is also called the "pregnancy hormone", is able to give moments of delight, sincere emotion and joy at the sight of a baby.

It is this substance that prepares the body for pregnancy, bearing children and childbirth, caring for and raising offspring. The action of progesterone is aimed at programming the so-called "maternal instinct" and lays responsibility in relation to their own children. Progesterone is involved in the production of male hormones, or androgens, and is also involved along with the adrenal glands in the synthesis of corticosteroid hormones.

Amount of hormone

During the follicular period (during menstrual flow), there is quite a bit of progesterone. But during ovulation, around the middle of the cycle, its amount begins to increase. The luteal phase (the period of follicle rupture and egg release) is characterized by the highest hormone level. From the point of view of physiology, such periodic fluctuations in the level of a substance in women and girls of childbearing age are considered the norm. In fact, this is how the body signals an intensive preparation for procreation, conception and bearing of children.

After fertilization of the egg and its attachment to the uterus for the further development of the fetus, the content increases tenfold. First, the hormone synthesizes the corpus luteum, then the placenta. The female hormone progesterone is necessary for the embryo to attach to the uterus and for its proper intrauterine development throughout pregnancy. The level of the hormone during pregnancy is constantly increasing, and before childbirth, its slight decrease is observed.

Progesterone deficiency symptoms

Since this substance is, perhaps, the "most feminine" hormonal compound, its lack affects not only physical well-being, but also the emotional background of the fair sex. What are the symptoms of a lack of progesterone?

Among the signs, the most noticeable are:

Irregular menstrual cycle;
Vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse;
Chest pain;
Dizziness, headaches, fainting;
Bleeding from the genitals (not as abundant as with menstruation, rather smearing spotting);
High or low temperature;
Excess of androgens (male sex hormones), expressed in the loss of elasticity of the skin, excessive hair growth and increased secretion of the sebaceous glands;
Sudden mood swings for no apparent reason (up to aggression, irritability, despondency and even depression);
Increased gas production, bloating, constipation.

If you notice these manifestations, you should immediately make an appointment with a doctor, undergo a diagnosis and receive adequate treatment in a timely manner.

Diagnostics

If you notice symptoms and signs of progesterone deficiency, you should seek the advice of a specialist. The doctor will prescribe an analysis for hormonal substances. To date, this is the most accurate and effective way to diagnose such failures, allowing you to quickly determine the degree of criticality of the situation and the severity of the clinical picture.

When to donate blood for research?

The biomaterial is handed over in the second half of the cycle, after ovulation. It is during this period that the concentration of progesterone reaches its maximum values. If your cycle is 28 days, then the test is best done on the 22nd or 23rd day. With a longer or shorter menstrual cycle, the test time is shifted by the corresponding number of days. If necessary, your doctor can help you calculate the date of your visit to the laboratory. Like other tests for hormones, biomaterial (blood) is taken early in the morning, on an empty stomach, at least 6-8 hours after the last meal.

In addition, a urine test may be ordered for women with infertility or miscarriage. In this biological fluid, you can find the breakdown product of progesterone - a metabolite.

Decoding analysis data

In women, depending on the period of the cycle, the normal indicator of the content of progesterone changes and is:

0.32-2.24 nmol / l - in the follicular phase;
0.48-9.42 nmol / l - during ovulation;
In the luteal phase - 7-56.64 nmol / l;
In the 1st trimester of pregnancy - 8.8-468 nmol / l, in the 2nd - 71-303 nmol / l and, finally, in the 3rd trimester, before childbirth - 88-771.6 nmol / l;
After the onset of menopause - less than 0.65 nmol / l.

The male body also synthesizes this substance. However, in the results of tests for hormones, the progesterone indicator should be much lower than that of the fair sex: about 0.31-0.65 nmol / l.

If you use any medications, you should notify the attending physician so that he correctly deciphers the test results. Any deviation in the percentage of progesterone in the blood from the norm, even upwards, indicates that you have serious health problems. This means that it is necessary to take measures to normalize the level of the hormone.

Excess hormonal substance

An increased concentration of progesterone in some cases becomes an indicator that a woman has become pregnant. In addition, in some cases, after taking certain pharmaceutical preparations, the level of this substance in the blood rises. Women should remember that sometimes any uterine bleeding (with the exception of menstruation) leads to an excess of progesterone. The same changes can be observed with severe renal failure.

Lack of progesterone after conception often leads to miscarriage in the 1st trimester of pregnancy. With a deficiency of this hormonal substance, ovulation is delayed. After that, more serious disturbances in the body's work begin: prolonged and painful rejection of the tissues of the uterus, which is almost always accompanied by painful and prolonged uterine bleeding.

The reasons may be prolonged use of hormonal contraceptives, nervous or physical exhaustion, the wrong choice of diet, malfunctions of any part of the neuroendocrine system, tumors, stress, lack of sleep. Diseases of the adrenal glands, liver, thyroid gland, pituitary gland, or ovaries can lead to a lack of progesterone.

How to increase the content of the hormone

If you have been diagnosed with a lack of progesterone, you have to raise its concentration in the blood to normal levels. Nowadays, pharmaceutical and pharmacological companies have developed special preparations of the female hormone progesterone based on its synthetic analogues.

Natural hormonal substances are used with a decrease in the concentration of the hormone in the body caused by endocrine factors. Similar remedies are used for mastopathy, during menopause, with menstrual irregularities and with PMS. If there is a threat of miscarriage and miscarriage, your doctor may also prescribe natural hormones.

Nevertheless, if you are wondering how to increase the female hormone progesterone, in no case should you choose the drugs yourself and adjust the hormonal background. Effective treatment with a minimum of side effects can only be prescribed by a qualified specialist.