We’ve introduced hCG before and today we’re going to introduce another kind of “pregnancy hormone” known as progesterone. The hormone makes the uterus ready to accept and maintain a fertilized egg by preventing muscle contractions in the uterus and establishing a healthy environment that nurtures the developing baby.
What is the Role of Progesterone in Pregnancy?
Progesterone is naturally produced in women’s ovaries, placenta and adrenal glands during pregnancy. The hormone is secreted by the corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine gland in the ovary early in pregnancy. The corpus luteum continues to secrete progesterone for 10 weeks during pregnancy. Then the placenta takes over and starts to produce progesterone after 8-10 weeks of pregnancy. The high levels of progesterone prevent the body from producing more eggs and prepare your breast for producing milk. Progesterone is also essential to help the immune system to tolerate foreign DNA.
How Does Progesterone Testing Help with Fertility?
If you have difficulty getting pregnant, your doctor may suggest a progesterone test. The test can help find the cause of infertility, and determine if ovulation is happening. The test can also monitor the performance of medicine for infertility, the effectiveness of progesterone treatment, and the function of the ovaries and placenta.
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References:
1.HealthLinkBC. 2021. Progesterone Test. www.healthlinkbc.ca/pregnancy-parenting/planning-your-pregnancy/fertility/progesterone
2. Fertility Center.N.D. What Does Progesterone Do in Pregnancy?www.myfertilitycenter.com/progesterone-and-pregnancy/
3. Cathay Cassata. 2018. What is Progesterone? www.everydayhealth.com/progesterone/guide/
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