Progesterone

The menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and embryogenesis of humans and other species are all influenced by the endogenous steroid and progestogen hormone known as Progesterone. It is a member of the class of steroid hormones known as progestogens and is the primary progestogen in the body.

Estrogen is typically a component of hormone replacement treatment, which is used to alleviate menopause symptoms and lower the chance of contracting certain diseases. Estrogen can, however, also lead to an unnatural thickening of the uterine lining and raise the risk of uterine cancer.

The danger of getting uterine cancer is reduced and this thickening is prevented by progesterone. In women of reproductive age who have previously ceased menstruating after experiencing regular periods, progesterone is also used to induce menstruation (period).

There is no reliable scientific evidence to support the use of progesterone supplements or other over-the-counter medications for infertility, menopausal symptoms, or any other condition.

Progesterone levels in over-the-counter medications may differ from those listed on the label. FDA approval is not necessary for these goods. With a healthcare professional, go over the use of prescription progesterone products. Don’t mistake progesterone for pregnenolone or wild yam, either. They are not equivalent.

How to consume Progesterone?

Progesterone is available to us in an oral pill form. Typically, one dose is given in the evening or right before bed. Progesterone is typically used on a rotating regimen, which alternates 10–12 days of progesterone use with 16–18 days without the drug. When exactly to take progesterone will be specified by your doctor.

Take progesterone at roughly the same time every evening to help you remember to take it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any instructions on your prescription label that you are unsure about following. Progesterone should be taken as prescribed. Never take it in larger or less amounts or more frequently than directed by your doctor.

Side effects

Common side effects observed while medicating with progesterone are:

• headache
• muscle, joint, or bone pain
• tiredness
• problems urinating
• mood swings
• irritability
• excessive worrying
• sneezing
• cough
• vaginal discharge
• runny nose
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• constipation
• breast tenderness or pain
• upset stomach

Inform the doctor if any of these conditions persist or get worse. There are also some severe side effects which must be informed to the doctor right away if observed such as:

• seizures
• stomach pain or swelling
• severe dizziness or faintness
• slow or difficult speech
• weakness or numbness of an arm or leg
• sharp chest pain
• coughing up blood
• leg swelling or pain
• depression
• hives
• skin rash
• itching
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• breast lumps
• migraine headache
• loss of vision or blurred vision
• bulging eyes

Other negative effects of progesterone are possible. If you experience any strange issues while taking this medicine, contact your doctor right away.

Precautions before using Progesterone

There are certain medical conditions or interaction of drugs in a human body in which intake of Progesterone must be limited or avoided in order to prevent complications, such as:

• If you have any of the following allergies: peanuts, oral contraceptives (birth control pills), hormone replacement treatment, progesterone, or any other drugs, let your doctor and pharmacist know right once.
• Please let your doctor know if you are taking any herbal supplements, especially St. John’s wort.
• Inform your physician if you experience or have previously experienced any of the following: unexplained vaginal bleeding between periods; a miscarriage where some tissue was left in the uterus; cancer of the breasts or of the female reproductive organs; seizures; migraine headaches; asthma; diabetes; depression; blood clots in the legs, lungs, eyes, brain, or anywhere else in the body; stroke or ministroke; vision issues; or liver, kidney, heart, or gallbladder.
• Inform your doctor if you are expecting, intend to get pregnant, or are nursing a baby. Call your doctor if you become pregnant while taking progesterone.
• Inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking progesterone if you are having surgery, including dental surgery.
• Progesterone may cause you to feel lightheaded or sleepy. Prior to understanding how this drug affects you, avoid using machinery or driving a car. Take your regular dose of progesterone at bedtime if it does cause you to feel woozy or sleepy.
• Progesterone may make you feel faint when you stand up too rapidly from a resting position, which is something you should be aware of. When you first begin taking progesterone, this is more typical. Get out of bed gradually, resting your feet on the floor for a few minutes before standing up, to avoid this issue.

Progesterone need fo ovulatioin and menstruation

• Lower progesterone before ovulation

Progesterone levels are low at the beginning of the menstrual cycle (during the period) and they stay low throughout the follicular phase.

• Increased progesterone after ovulation

After ovulation, progesterone predominates among the hormones (the luteal phase). The area on the ovary where the follicle that housed the ovulated egg collapsed, known as the corpus luteum, produces progesterone. In the middle of the luteal phase, progesterone levels reach their highest. If conception is unsuccessful, the corpus luteum begins to degrade 9 to 10 days after ovulation, which lowers progesterone levels and signals the onset of the period.

REFERENCES:

• https://helloclue.com/articles/cycle-a-z/progesterone-101
• https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a604017.html
• https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-760/progesterone
• https://www.everydayhealth.com/progesterone/guide/
• https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/low-progesterone

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