What is progesterone?
Progesterone is a naturally occurring female sex hormone responsible for regulating ovulation, pregnancy, and preventing certain diseases (namely uterine cancer).
Progesterone also helps regulate functions such as:
- Bone density
- Weight management
- Skin health
- Sleep
- Mood
As a hormonal supplement, progesterone is commonly prescribed for women who have passed menopause or women who experience irregular menstruation. Progesterone levels are usually at their highest during pregnancy. It is frequently used in birth control pills for this exact reason – it can actually trick the body into not ovulating. Progesterone levels usually start to decrease after menopause, which can lead to an increased risk of ovarian and uterine cancers.