Progesterone: The Hormone That Supports Women’s Health and Fertility

Functional Beginnings | Frisco, TX

Progesterone is one of the most essential hormones for women’s reproductive health, yet it often gets less attention than estrogen. From regulating menstrual cycles to supporting pregnancy, progesterone plays a critical role at nearly every stage of a woman’s reproductive life. When levels are out of balance, it can affect fertility, mood, and overall well-being. At our women’s health clinic in Frisco, TX, we help women understand and optimize their progesterone levels so they can feel their best and support their reproductive goals.

What Is Progesterone?

Progesterone is a steroid hormone primarily produced in the ovaries after ovulation, by a structure called the corpus luteum. It is also produced in smaller amounts by the adrenal glands and, during pregnancy, by the placenta.

Progesterone’s primary function is to prepare the uterus for a potential pregnancy after ovulation:

• It thickens the uterine lining so a fertilized egg can implant.

• It supports early pregnancy by maintaining that lining.

• It prevents uterine contractions that could interfere with implantation.

If pregnancy does not occur, progesterone levels drop, triggering menstruation and the start of a new cycle.

The Role of Progesterone in Women’s Health

While most known for its reproductive role, progesterone has far-reaching effects throughout the body:

1. Menstrual Cycle RegulationProgesterone works alongside estrogen to regulate cycles, ensuring the body transitions smoothly between the follicular (first half) and luteal (second half) phases.

2. FertilityWithout sufficient progesterone, the uterine lining may not be able to support embryo implantation—leading to difficulty conceiving or maintaining early pregnancy.

3. Pregnancy MaintenanceIn early pregnancy, progesterone is critical to preventing miscarriage. By around 10–12 weeks, the placenta takes over production.

4. Mood and Brain HealthProgesterone has calming, anti-anxiety effects due to its influence on brain neurotransmitters like GABA.

5. Bone and Breast HealthIt supports bone density and works in balance with estrogen to maintain breast tissue health.

Signs and Symptoms of Low Progesterone

Low progesterone can occur naturally (often during perimenopause) or as a result of irregular ovulation. Common symptoms include:

• Irregular or missed periods

• Spotting before periods

• Infertility or difficulty maintaining pregnancy

• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) with mood swings or irritability

• Headaches or migraines

• Sleep disturbances

• Anxiety or depression

• Hot flashes or night sweats

During pregnancy, low progesterone can increase the risk of miscarriage or preterm birth.

Causes of Low Progesterone

Several factors can contribute to reduced progesterone production:

• Anovulatory cycles (when ovulation does not occur)

• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

• High stress levels, which increase cortisol and can suppress reproductive hormones

• Thyroid disorders

• Perimenopause or menopause

• Certain medications, including hormonal birth control that suppresses ovulation

Diagnosing Progesterone Imbalances

Progesterone levels vary throughout the menstrual cycle, peaking about a week after ovulation. To accurately assess levels, blood tests are usually performed during the luteal phase (days 19–21 in a typical 28-day cycle).

Your provider may also consider:

• Cycle tracking (to determine ovulation)

• Basal body temperature charts

• Ultrasounds to confirm ovulation and corpus luteum development

If you are pregnant, progesterone levels may be monitored early on to ensure adequate support for implantation and fetal development.

Supporting Healthy Progesterone Levels

The right approach depends on whether you are trying to conceive, managing symptoms, or addressing an underlying condition.

1. Lifestyle and Nutrition

• Eat a nutrient-rich diet with healthy fats (avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil) for hormone production.

• Manage stress with mindfulness, yoga, or deep breathing.

• Avoid excessive exercise or under-eating, which can disrupt ovulation.

• Maintain a healthy body weight.

2. Addressing Underlying Conditions

Treating thyroid imbalances, insulin resistance, or PCOS can help restore regular ovulation and healthy progesterone production.

3. Bioidentical or Supplemental Progesterone

Your provider may prescribe oral capsules, vaginal suppositories, or topical creams to support luteal phase progesterone or early pregnancy. These treatments are often used for:

• Luteal phase defect

• Recurrent miscarriage

• Hormone replacement therapy during perimenopause or menopause

4. Fertility Support

For women undergoing fertility treatments, progesterone supplementation is often part of the protocol to support implantation after ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination (IUI), or in vitro fertilization (IVF).

The Connection Between Progesterone and Fertility

One of the most important aspects of progesterone is its role in preparing the uterus for implantation. Without adequate levels during the luteal phase, even a fertilized egg may not implant successfully. This is known as luteal phase defect.

Women experiencing recurrent early miscarriages are often tested for progesterone deficiency, and supplementation has been shown to improve outcomes in certain cases.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

If you’re experiencing irregular cycles, difficulty conceiving, early pregnancy loss, or significant PMS symptoms, it may be worth checking your progesterone levels. Early detection and treatment can:

• Improve fertility outcomes

• Reduce miscarriage risk

• Relieve disruptive hormonal symptoms

At Functional Beginnings in Frisco, TX, we take a comprehensive approach—looking not just at your hormone levels but at your whole health picture, including lifestyle, nutrition, stress, and underlying medical conditions.

Schedule a Discovery Call Today

Progesterone is a powerhouse hormone that supports reproductive health, mood, and overall wellness. If you suspect a hormone imbalance or simply want to better understand your fertility health, we can help.

Schedule a discovery call with our women’s health specialists in Frisco, TX today—and take the first step toward balanced hormones, better health, and a stronger foundation for your reproductive goals.

Talk to you soon!

Stacia

References:

1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2023). Progesterone Supplementation During Pregnancy. https://www.acog.org

2. Mayo Clinic. (2023). Progesterone. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/progesterone/about/pac-20384811

3. National Institutes of Health. (2022). Role of Progesterone in Women’s Health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9395278/

4. American Society for Reproductive Medicine. (2022). Progesterone and Reproductive Function. https://www.asrm.org