What is progesterone?
Progesterone belongs to a gaggle of steroid hormones called progestogens. it’s mainly secreted by the endocrine gland within the ovary during the last half of the cycle. It plays important roles within the cycle and within the maintenance of the first stages of pregnancy.
During the cycle, when an ovule is released from the ovary within the ovulation (approximately day 14), the remains of the ovarian follicle that enclosed the developing ovule form a structure called the endocrine gland. This releases progesterone and, to a lesser extent, estradiol. Progesterone prepares the body for pregnancy just in case the released egg is fertilized. If the egg isn’t fertilized, the endocrine gland decomposes, progesterone production drops and a replacement cycle begins.
If the egg is fertilized, progesterone stimulates the expansion of blood vessels that provide the liner of the uterus (endometrium) and stimulates the glands of the endometrium to secrete nutrients that nourish the embryo early. Progesterone prepares the liner of the uterine tissue to permit the embryo to implant and helps maintain the endometrium throughout pregnancy. During the first stages of pregnancy, the endocrine gland still produces progesterone and is important to support pregnancy and establish the placenta. Once the placenta is established, it takes over progesterone production around the 8-12 weeks of pregnancy. the extent of progesterone within the body constantly increases during pregnancy until delivery occurs and therefore the baby is born.
Although the endocrine gland within the ovaries is that the main site of progesterone production in humans, the ovaries, the adrenal glands and, during pregnancy, the placenta also produces progesterone in lesser amounts.
How is progesterone controlled?
The formation of the endocrine gland (which produces the bulk of progesterone) is triggered by a rise in LH production by the anterior pituitary gland. This usually occurs approximately on day 14 of the cycle and stimulates the discharge of an egg from the ovary and therefore the formation of the endocrine gland. The endocrine gland then releases progesterone, which prepares the body for pregnancy. If the egg isn’t fertilized and no embryo is conceived, the endocrine gland decomposes and progesterone production decreases. because the lining of the uterus is not any longer maintained by the progesterone of the endocrine gland, however, if the ovulated ovum is fertilized and leads to an embryo, the cells surrounding this early embryo (which are destined to make the placenta) will secrete human chorionic gonadotropin. This hormone features a chemical structure very almost like the LH. this suggests that it can bind and activate equivalent receptors because the LH, which suggests that the endocrine gland doesn’t break down and, instead, continues to supply progesterone until the placenta is established.
What happens if I even have an excessive amount of progesterone?
There are not any known serious medical consequences of getting an excessive amount of progesterone. Progesterone levels naturally increase in pregnancy as mentioned above. High levels of progesterone are related to the condition of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. However, high levels of progesterone are a consequence and not an explanation for this condition. additionally, high levels of progesterone are related to an increased risk of developing carcinoma. Women take progesterone, either alone or together with estrogens, as a pill (‘the pill’). ‘The pill’ works by preventing ovulation, which makes it almost 100% effective in preventing pregnancy. Progesterone is employed in hormone replacement therapy to alleviate symptoms of menopause in women. There are many recognized advantages and drawbacks of hormone replacement therapy; See the article on menopause for more information.
What happens if I even have insufficient progesterone?
If progesterone is absent or levels are too low, irregular and heavy menstrual bleeding may occur. A fall in progesterone during pregnancy can cause miscarriage and premature delivery. Mothers in danger of parturition timely may receive an artificial sort of progesterone to delay the onset of labor. The lack of progesterone within the bloodstream may mean that the ovary has not been ready to release an egg in
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