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Progesterone – meaning, action, deficiency, excess

8 kwietnia 2021
Progesterone, hormonal system, lutein, endometriosis
Progesterone, known as one of the main female hormones, is another in a series of hormones described by experts collaborating with ONSEN® in response to readers' requests on the best blog about sleep.

As with almost any hormone, even the slightest disruption in progesterone levels can result in disruption of the entire hormonal system. Our biopsychosocial functioning throughout the day and the possibility of comfortable and restorative sleep at night depend on this system.

Therefore, it is crucial to know not only what progesterone is but also how it works. This way, you can predict the risks of deficiency or excess of progesterone and also recognize early signs of medical conditions.
Low progesterone, progesterone concentration, endometrium

Progesterone – meaning

Progesterone is one of the key sex hormones, playing a significant role in the bodies of both women and men, although its levels are much higher in women. It is synthesized primarily in the adrenal cortex, ovaries, and placenta in pregnant women. The corpus luteum produces progesterone under the influence of luteinizing hormone (LH), secreted in humans by another gland, namely the pituitary gland.

The synthesis of progesterone begins with cholesterol. It is converted into pregnenolone, and then the process of its transformation into 17-hydroxypregnenolone occurs, which is a precursor to progesterone. This process takes place in the adrenal cells under the influence of another important hormone, which is adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). As for the female ovaries, progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum, which forms after ovulation.

High progesterone, progesterone levels, menstruation

Progesterone – action

Progesterone is a sex hormone that plays a fundamental role mainly in women's bodies. It is primarily synthesized in the adrenal glands, but also partly in the ovaries and placenta during pregnancy. Similar to testosterone, the action of progesterone is closely related to the regulation of metabolic processes. This hormone plays a crucial role in preparing the uterine lining for the reception of a fertilized egg after ovulation.

Progesterone levels rise mainly after ovulation under the influence of luteinizing hormone (LH) and help maintain pregnancy by inhibiting uterine contractions. During the first weeks of pregnancy, the corpus luteum produces progesterone, which is essential for maintaining pregnancy, and then the placenta takes over the production of this hormone.

In addition to its crucial role in pregnancy, progesterone also affects other aspects of health. It can influence the regulation of mood and emotions by acting on the central nervous system. Moreover, it modulates the action of insulin, playing a significant role in controlling blood glucose levels.

The action of progesterone is multifaceted and essential for the proper functioning of women's bodies. Its levels change cyclically depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle, which is crucial for fertility and reproductive health.
Night cream, water retention, infertility, sterility

Progesterone – deficiency

A deficiency of progesterone can lead to various issues related to the hormonal system in women. The most commonly encountered causes of progesterone deficiency are diverse and may include:

  • Irregular menstrual cycles;
  • Ovarian dysfunctions, particularly polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS);
  • Insufficiency of the corpus luteum;
  • Hypothyroidism;
  • Adrenal gland disorders;
  • High levels of stress.

Persistent progesterone deficiency can lead to various severe health and hormonal consequences. The most common symptoms associated with progesterone deficiency in women include:

  • Menstrual cycle disorders;
  • Painful menstruation;
  • Increased risk of miscarriage;
  • Infertility;
  • Osteoporosis;
  • Mood disorders;
  • Sleep disturbances.
Lutein, progesterone, female hormones, ovulation, PMS

Progesterone – excess

An excess of progesterone can lead to various issues related to the hormonal system in women. The causes of excessive production of progesterone are diverse and may include:

  • Irregular ovulatory cycles;
  • Tumors, especially in the ovaries or adrenal glands;
  • Failure of the corpus luteum to regress after ovulation;
  • Previous miscarriages;
  • Endometriosis.

Persistent excess of progesterone can lead to various health and hormonal effects in women. The most common symptoms associated with excessive production of progesterone include:

  • Menstrual irregularities;
  • Swelling and increased sensitivity of the breasts;
  • Emotional instability;
  • Increased irritability;
  • Water retention in the body;
  • Reduced fertility.
Progesterone, lutein, female hormone, premenstrual tension, pregnancy

Progesterone – sleep comfort

Collaborating with ONSEN®, health and rehabilitation psychologist, Mr. Mateusz Nesterok, points out that progesterone directly affects mood and well-being. An imbalance in progesterone levels can lead to mood disorders. On the other hand, when the progesterone level is too high for an extended period, it can trigger emotional instability and irritability.

As shown in scientific research results, the concentration of progesterone in the blood is essential for proper sleep. Progesterone influences sleep in a rather diverse way as it exhibits a wide range of biological activities in various tissues of the body. This hormone affects numerous processes, including reproduction, sleep, breathing, mood, and appetite. Moreover, progesterone exerts a sedative or hypnotic effect, aiding in the induction of sleep. Additionally, it is a powerful stimulant of breathing, meaning it increases its frequency. It may also help alleviate sleep apnea in men.

Maintaining an optimal level of progesterone in the blood promotes comfortable, healthy sleep. Achieving this requires a functional mattress that provides ideal body support and spinal support. Maintaining the physiological curves of the spine during sleep, as well as enabling complete relaxation of the body, have a beneficial effect on all bodily systems, including the hormonal system.

ONSEN® offers the Osaka Air mattress, which is the most functional mattress available on the market. Its jobs to be done are to meet the users' needs and to effectively solve problems they may have. Thanks to this, it has become a cult product that fulfills all 10 basic mattress functionalities and allows for comfortable and healthy sleep. Moreover, like all ONSEN® products, the mattress is covered by even a 15-year warranty, as well as a program allowing for return within 100 days, minimizing the purchase risk to zero.

We also encourage you to explore other articles on the best sleep and health blog, as well as the Encyclopedia of Healthy Sleep prepared by the ONSEN® team of specialists. For those who care about spine health, we recommend a set of spine exercises prepared by our physiotherapist.
Foam mattress, mattresses 120x200, comfortable sleep, good night

FAQ: Progesterone

What is progesterone responsible for?

Progesterone is a steroid hormone that plays a key role in regulating the menstrual cycle, preparing the body for pregnancy, and maintaining pregnancy. Additionally, progesterone influences the uterine lining, preparing it for the implantation of a fertilized egg.

What are the effects of progesterone deficiency or low levels?

A deficiency of progesterone can lead to various health issues, such as menstrual cycle disorders, difficulty getting pregnant, and an increased risk of miscarriage. Low levels of progesterone can also cause symptoms such as mood changes, breast pain, headaches, and chronic fatigue.

What are the effects of excess or high levels of progesterone?

Excess progesterone can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, bloating, and increased appetite. Some individuals with excessive progesterone may even experience depression. High levels of progesterone are also often observed in multiple pregnancies and pregnancies with twins.

How to increase progesterone secretion?

Increasing progesterone levels naturally can be challenging, but some strategies include maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress reduction. In some cases, a doctor may recommend hormone therapy.
 

How to decrease progesterone secretion?

Decreasing progesterone levels is challenging and not recommended without consulting a doctor. Excessively lowering progesterone levels can lead to health issues such as menstrual cycle disorders and difficulty getting pregnant. In the case of issues related to high progesterone levels, it is best to consult a doctor.

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