Progesterone – everything you need to know

Progesterone is a hormone of steroidal nature, which belongs to the group of progestogens. It has an active role in our reproductive system and in women is responsible for the proper and regular course of the menstrual cycle, and is extremely important in the period of pregnancy.

The hormone is synthesized in the largest quantities in the adrenal and sex glands, also in the brain. During pregnancy, the placenta is also included in this list as a key element for the proper development and wear of the fetus. It is also progesterone’s role to prepare the body for the fetus and ensure a normal pregnancy.
All these functions are extremely important and without them our reproduction would not be possible. That is why one of the tests that must be done during the process of trying to conceive and subsequently, during the actual wearing of the baby, is to monitor the levels of progesterone in the mother’s body. The first tests are done to most accurately identify the period of ovulation – the time when a woman is most fertile and the chances of conception are greatest. During and after pregnancy, the hormone stimulates breast growth and lactation. In addition, however, it is also one of the hormones that, along with estrogen, strongly influence the psychological state of ladies. Last but not least, hormone levels also affect our weight. With low levels of the hormone, it is much harder to get rid of those few annoying kilos that plague us so much – even if we move actively and follow strict diets.

Progesterone deficiency and its consequences:

• Constant stress and overwork;
• Poor diet, poor in vitamins and minerals;
• Harmful habits – smoking, alcohol, addiction to drugs or medicines;
• Impaired thyroid and adrenal gland functions;
• Chronic diseases: kidney failure;

The consequences of progesterone deficiency manifest themselves in the form of:

• Insomnia;
• Nervousness;
• Headache;
• Increased blood pressure;
• Lack of sexual desire;
• Irregular or excessive bleeding during menstruation;
• Chest pain

With age, progesterone levels progressively decrease. They drop sharply as you enter menopause, and you should take this into account if you are approaching this period in your life.

Foods rich in progesterone

• Nuts and seeds: raw or dried, all types of nuts contain higher or lower levels of progesterone.
• Dairy products: contain natural progesterone, and we find it in higher amounts in the fattier cheeses, cottage cheese and milk.
• Seafood, eggs and fish: they do not contain the hormone itself, but are rich in cholesterol, which helps the synthesis of the hormone.
• Different types of meat: turkey, veal, rabbit, chicken, liver.
• Vegetables and pick fruits.

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