Progesterone

Sex HormonesHormonal BalanceBlood

Progesterone is a hormone that plays an important role in the reproductive system.

Why it matters: In females, progesterone supports menstruation and helps maintain the early stages of a pregnancy.

Source · Cleveland Clinic — what it is, why it matters, what moves it, related conditions

What Moves It

May increase with:

Ovulation, when the corpus luteum forms and begins producing it
Conception, when the corpus luteum keeps making more
Pregnancy, rising each trimester to a peak in the third

May decrease with:

A cycle where the egg is not fertilised and the corpus luteum breaks down
The years leading up to menopause, when ovulation stops
Associated Conditions
Ovarian or adrenal cancer, which in rare cases a high level can be a sign of
Related Markers
EstradiolLHFSHTestosterone (Total)
Common questions

What is Progesterone?

Progesterone is a hormone that plays an important role in the reproductive system.

What might a high or low Progesterone mean?

In females, progesterone supports menstruation and helps maintain the early stages of a pregnancy.

What can affect Progesterone?

It may be higher with: Ovulation, when the corpus luteum forms and begins producing it, Conception, when the corpus luteum keeps making more, Pregnancy, rising each trimester to a peak in the third. It may be lower with: A cycle where the egg is not fertilised and the corpus luteum breaks down, The years leading up to menopause, when ovulation stops.

More in Sex Hormones
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