The Role of Progesterone: Getting To Know Your Hormones
Last week we talked to you about Estrogen and its role in the body. Remember estrogen is a really important hormone throughout our life span. It’s vital in our reproductive years, during pregnancy, and the menopausal cycle.
Some of the functions of estrogen include:
Maintaining the thickness for the vaginal wall and promotes lubrication
Helps in the formation of breasts and helps to stop milk production after weaning from breast feeding
Helps to enhance and maintain the mucous membranes that lines the uterus.
Stimulates the growth of the egg follicle
Now that we’ve revisited some of the key roles that estrogen plays on our body, let’s take a look at its compliment hormone: Progesterone.
Progesterone is mainly produced in the ovary and is also found in brain tissue! Cool right?!
Let’s first take a look at the function of progesterone during the reproductive cycle and pregnancy.
Menstrual Cycle/Pregnancy:
Progesterone’s main role is to prepare the lining of the uterus for pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, progesterone continues to be produced by the ovary for the first 10 weeks and helps to prevent uterine contraction. After 10 weeks of pregnancy, the placenta will take over the production of progesterone.
If pregnancy does not occur, progesterone levels drop and you get your period.
Not only is progesterone a key player in your menstrual cycle and pregnancy, it is also a key hormone when it comes to breast development. Progesterone helps to stimulate the growth of breast tissue as well as prepares your body to produce milk. Interesting how estrogen and progesterone compliment each other right!
During your cycle, progesterone also plays a role on your mood and overall “feeling”. Progesterone is the hormone that is responsible for making you feel a little lower energy or more tired right before your period (little teaser… this hormone has been known to have a calming effect!)
So, now that we have a little understand progesterone’s role during the our reproductive years. What about the menopausal cycle?
Menopause:
Progesterone levels are typically the first to change during this stage of life (peri-menopausal). Low progesterone levels cause periods to become irregular. The lower levels of progesterone during this time can also cause periods to become heavier and last longer. In some cases, progesterone treatments are used to help manage menopause symptoms.
We have heard before that estrogen and progesterone are key hormones for our reproductive system but did you know that progesterone is also essential for your brain!
Brain function:
Progesterone helps to protect the brain from damage and promotes repair after an injury. Fascinating right?!
Remember above when we talked about progesterone being responsible for you having lower energy right before your period. Well, in the brain, progesterone has a calming effect and can help was anxiety. Hence the slightly more relaxed or lower energy feeling during your menstrual cycle.
With both estrogen and progesterone, if they are not balanced, we can experience a variety of side effects like irregular periods, mood swings, weight gain etc.
Regular exercise and proper nutrition are vital to hormone regulation. We can be proactive about decreasing our risk for hormonal imbalances or helping to manage hormonal imbalances by making the SHIFT to focus on a well balanced nutrition plan and being more active throughout the day.
The more we know, the more confidence and control we have! WIN!!
Reach out to us at Shift Physical Therapy and Wellness to learn how to get started on a safe, effective, and simple fitness or nutrition plan.
Written by: Jackie Giese
