Progesterone
Progesterone of the female steroid hormones is excreted from the ovary and placenta and is synthesized in the adrenal cortex. Progesterone plays an important role in the menstrual cycle, fertility rate, and pregnancy maintenance, but has no role in the formation of secondary sexual characteristics. Progesterone is secreted from the placenta throughout pregnancy, And is secreted in larger quantities as pregnancy progresses, and less secretion shortly before birth, and this hormone is responsible for the processing of the lining of the uterus to receive fertilized egg by increasing the blood level of the lining of the uterus. During pregnancy, progesterone is responsible for accepting the immune system of the fetus by weakening the immune system, reducing the contractile movement of the uterus muscles during pregnancy, preventing the production of milk during pregnancy, and before birth, the levels of progesterone cause milk secretion. Progesterone analysis is performed in cases of weak ovulation problems and for monitoring pregnancy status.
Progesterone analysis is required in the following cases:
- Problems associated with menstrual cycle, such as weak ovulation, polycystic ovaries.
- No pregnancy for more than one year after marriage.
- This analysis is conducted for women who are given an ovulation stimulant.
- This analysis is performed on the 21st day of the menstrual cycle for women.
- The level of this hormone is monitored during the onset of menopause.
- Follow up and control pregnancy.
Where Progesterone is Produced
Progesterone is made up of cholesterol in both men and women. This hormone is produced in small amounts in men from the adrenal cortex and from the testicles. In women, the ovary and placenta are responsible for the secretion of progesterone during pregnancy and are excreted in small amounts of adrenal glands.
Progesterone is secreted in the menopause stage. Progesterone is associated with the menstrual cycle. Ovulation increases the level of progesterone to prepare the uterus for pregnancy and increases the rate of blood circulation in the lining of the uterus. If pregnancy does not occur, the level of the hormone decreases significantly.
Forms of progesterone
* Progesterone which produces from the gonads such as ovaries, adrenal glands, placenta.
* Progesterone is naturally present in food, such as sweet potatoes.
* Progesterin, which is manufactured in the form of hormones and compensated in cases of deficiency in the level of this hormone.
The importance of progesterone hormone
The maintenance of the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, in cases of lack of this hormone, it directly affects the reproductive system and pregnancy, and the importance of this hormone in:
- Helps in metabolic processes and converts energy into energy.
- It is important to maintain the humoral density.
- Reduces the effects of water retention in the body, as a result of the presence of estrogen hormone.
- Helps maintain blood sugar level.
- Helps maintain the level of minerals in the body such as copper and zinc.
- Antidepressant.
- Prevents cancer of the uterus and breast.