The hormone progesterone and its many important functions for the body

You may be familiar with the hormone progesterone, especially for women. The hormone progesterone is a hormone that helps the smooth progress of pregnancy and the growth and development of the prospective fetus until the time of its birth. However, the function of the hormone progesterone is not only that. Come on, get acquainted further with this one hormone!

What are the functions of the hormone progesterone?

The progesterone hormone is a female sex hormone produced by the ovaries (ovaries) and adrenal glands.

Besides functioning to maintain pregnancy and embryo growth and development, progesterone functions to regulate the menstrual cycle by controlling the growth of uterine lining tissue (endometrium). In pregnant women, progesterone is also produced by the placenta.

Before and during pregnancy, progesterone plays a role in the following processes:

• Produces eggs during ovulation.
• Strengthens uterine tissue in preparation for implantation of a fertilized egg.
• Maintenance of the endometrium during pregnancy.
• Prevents the ovaries from producing too many eggs during pregnancy.
• Prevent multiple pregnancy.
• Stops muscle contraction in the posterior fallopian tube for egg displacement.
• Embryo growth.
• Strengthening the pelvic muscles in preparation for childbirth.
• Breastmilk production.

Very low progesterone levels in women can have one or more of the following consequences:

• Infertility.
• Miscarriage.
• Increased sexual arousal.
• Increase in body weight that is not normal.

The function of the hormone progesterone in the male body

Men also have progesterone, although in lower levels than women. In seven men, progesterone also functions to keep the body functioning normally. One of the functions of the male hormone progesterone is to stimulate the production of testosterone.

Lack of progesterone can cause men to experience one or more of the following conditions:

• Low libido.
• Hair loss abnormally.
• Gaining weight.
• Constant fatigue.
• Depression.
• Growth of breasts in men (also known as gynecomastia)
• Erectile dysfunction.
• Impotence.
• Brittle bones and / or muscles.
• Increased risk of developing osteoporosis, arthritis, prostate cancer and prostatism.

How can I increase my progesterone intake?

Some of the following foods are good sources of progesterone, including:

• Different types of nuts.
• Vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, mini cabbage (Brussels sprouts), cauliflower, kale, etc.
• Various types of whole grains.

In addition, certain lifestyle habits can also help increase natural progesterone levels in the body, including:

• Have a balanced diet and exercise regularly to maintain a healthy body weight.
• Reduces stress.
• Not doing physical activity that is too burdensome.

In addition, you can also use progesterone supplement creams or ointments that are easily absorbed by the body.

Increase progesterone production with progestin hormone therapy

Low levels of progesterone in the body can cause all kinds of problems. So, your doctor can recommend that you undergo hormone therapy with progestins.

Progestin is a synthetic steroid hormone that acts like natural progesterone. Progestins are generally used for the following purposes:

• Contraception: Progestins are found in a wide variety of contraceptives, including birth control pills, vaginal gels, implants (implants), spiral birth control (IUD), and injectable birth control.
• Menstrual problems.
• Abnormal uterine bleeding.
• Amenorrhoea or no menstruation.
• Endometriosis.
• Abnormally thickening of the uterine wall.
• Treatment of breast cancer, kidney cancer, or uterine cancer.
• Abnormal hair growth.
• Changes in sexual arousal.
• Hormonal anticancer therapy.
• Abnormal breast pain.
• Prevent premature birth.
• Acne.
• Treatments for infertility.
• Breastmilk production.

While taking progestins, patients may experience one or more of the following side effects:

• Headache.
• Breast pain.
• Ulcer (dyspepsia).
• Constipation or diarrhea.
• Gag.
• Abnormal appetite changes.
• Gaining weight.
• Fluid retention.
• Fatigue.
• Pain in joints, muscles, or bones.
• Irritability and / or frequent mood swings
• Too worried.
• Cold symptoms, including sneezing and coughing.
• Abnormal vaginal discharge.
• Difficulty urinating

Other more serious side effects that need to be consulted with a doctor include:

• Breast lumps.
• Dimples that appear on the skin area of ​​the breast.
• Discharge from the nipple.
• Inward nipple.
• Crusty or scaly nipples.
• Stool that is colored like clay.
• Migraine.
• Very intense dizziness.
• Trouble speaking.
• Limb malfunction, such as weakness or numbness.
• Difficulty in coordinating movements.
• Shortness of breath.
• Fast and heavy heartbeat.
• Sharp pain in the chest.
• Coughing up blood.
• Swollen foot.
• Visual disturbances.
• Bulging eyes (also known as exophthalmos).
• Double vision.
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding.
• Hands shaking uncontrollably.
• Seizures.
• Swollen stomach or stomach pain.
• Depression.
• Hives, skin rash.
• Difficulty swallowing
• Hoarse throat.

Patients who have had one or more of the following conditions should also avoid taking progestins:

• Liver tumor.
• Genital cancer.
• Breast cancer.
• Diseases related to the arteries.
• Previous abnormal vaginal bleeding.
• Acute porphyria
• Idiopathic jaundice.
• The occurrence of pruritus or pemphigoid during pregnancy.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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