How Progesterone Influences Fertility, Pregnancy, and Menopause

Progesterone (黃體酮) is a key hormone in women's reproductive health. It influences fertility, the course of pregnancy, and the onset of menopause. Understanding how to manage progesterone levels can help optimise health and well-being during these critical phases of a woman's life. 

Where is Progesterone Produced?   

Progesterone (黃體酮) is primarily produced in the ovaries and the adrenal glands. During pregnancy, the placenta also takes over progesterone production to maintain a healthy pregnancy until the delivery of the baby. In males, small amounts are produced in the adrenal glands and testes. Progesterone production is crucial for regulating the menstrual cycle, supporting pregnancy, and influencing sexual health in both genders. 

Progesterone Effect in Women 

The following are some of the main effects of progesterone in women: 

• Maintain normal menstrual cycle, together with estrogen 

• Maintain a normal pregnancy until delivery 

• Promote breast milk gland growth in normal (non-pregnant) breast development and during pregnancy 

• Promotes bone formation, protective against osteoporosis, together with estrogen 

• Plays a major role in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical hormone axis of the body 

• May have neuroprotective function against degenerative diseases of the brain and nervous system 

How to Normalise Progesterone Levels in the Body? 

Normalising progesterone levels can benefit women experiencing low progesterone symptoms, which can primarily affect disrupt menstrual cycles and cause fertility problems. Methods to boost low progesterone include: 

• Dietary Adjustments: Consuming foods like beans, broccoli, spinach, and nuts, which are rich in magnesium, vitamins B and C, can help enhance progesterone production. 

• Lifestyle Changes: Reducing stress through yoga and meditation can help, as stress is known to decrease hormone production. 

• Supplements and Progesterone Cream: Using over-the-counter progesterone creams and taking supplements like vitamin B6, zinc, and L-arginine can aid in increasing progesterone levels. (Please consult with your doctor prior to using topical hormone preparations to be aware of precautions and possible side-effects). 

What Time of Day is Progesterone Highest?

Progesterone levels fluctuate throughout the day, typically peaking in the morning. This diurnal variation is why it's often recommended to test hormone levels in the morning to obtain a more accurate reading of the body’s progesterone status. 

Progesterone Effect in Men   

Although progesterone is commonly referred to as a female hormone, it does have effects in men such as: 

• Influences spermiogenesis, the development of sperm cells 

• Affects testosterone production in the testes 

• Central nervous system affects such as sleep improvement and effects on certain tumors 

How to  Normalise Progesterone Levels in Men?   

High levels of progesterone in men can lead to side effects such as fatigue, decreased libido, and depression. To lower high progesterone levels, men can: 

• Adjust Diet: Limit foods that increase progesterone production, such as nuts and dairy products. 

• Exercise: Regular physical activity can help regulate hormones and reduce progesterone levels. 

• Consult a Healthcare Provider: Men experiencing high progesterone symptoms should seek professional medical advice. A healthcare provider might recommend medications that inhibit progesterone production. 

How to Boost Estrogen and Progesterone in Pre-menopause and Menopause?   

Balancing estrogen and progesterone is crucial for hormonal health, particularly during the lead-up to menopause. Ways to boost these hormones include: 

• Herbal Supplements: Phytoestrogenic herbs like black cohosh and red clover can mimic estrogen and may help balance hormones or improve symptoms of pre-menopause and menopause. 

• Bioidentical Hormones: Under medical supervision, using bioidentical hormones can directly enhance hormone levels. 

• Healthy Fats: Incorporating omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil and flaxseeds may helps in hormone production and balance. 

Progesterone is a vital hormone with significant implications for women's health, affecting everything from fertility to the transition into menopause. Whether you're looking to increase or decrease your progesterone levels, it is important to approach changes holistically and under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Understanding how to manage and optimise progesterone levels can significantly enhance their overall health and well-being during various stages of life. 

References

1. Cleveland Clinic. Progesterone. 25 June 2024 Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24562-progesterone   
2. WedMD. Progesterone - Uses, Side Effects, and More. 25 June 2024 Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-760/progesterone  
3. Healthline. Everything You Need to Know About Progesterone. 25 June 2024 Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/progesterone-function  
4. Kolatorova, L, et. al., Progesterone: A Steroid with Wide Range of Effects in Physiology as Well as Human Medicine, 20 July 2022, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Retrieved on 04 July 2024 from https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/23/14/7989 
5. Franco, O.H., et. al., Use of Plant-Based Therapies and Menopausal Symptoms, A Systematic Review and Met-analysis, 21 June 2016, Journal of the American Medical Association, Retrieved on 04 July 2024 from  https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2529629