About Progesterone

Hormones are the body's chemical messengers. Released by different organs (such as the adrenal glands), they tell cells and other parts of the body how to behave, thus affecting everything from mood to appetite and sexual functions. Every multicellular organism relies on hormones for effective interaction between its systems. Needless to say, hormones are vitally important and the smallest imbalance thereof can cause many unpleasant side effects.

In women, there are two major hormones that have great influence over the body: estrogen and progesterone. In the following section, progesterone will be discussed thoroughly.

What is Progesterone?

Progesterone is a female steroidal hormone that is produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands (and in the placenta during pregnancy). Progesterone is linked closely to the female reproductive system and plays a large role during pregnancy.

Progesterone is fundamental to fulfill reproductive functions. For example, while young girls and post menopausal women have the lowest levels of progesterone because they are not menstruating, premenopausal and pregnant women have the highest levels.

In women, progesterone is produced when a new egg is generated. It is then released into the uterus in preparation for a fertilized egg. If the egg is not fertilized, the lining of the uterus is discarded and a normal menstrual period occurs.

Indelibly associated with pregnancy and the menstrual cycle, progesterone nevertheless serves many other functions as well. If a progesterone deficiency exists, infertility and problems with menstruation can result. Maintaining balanced levels of progesterone and estrogen is thus essential to overall health.

Progesterone and Steroidal Hormones

Progesterone, created by cholesterol-derived pregnenolone, is a steroidal hormone, which means it is a steroid that behaves like a hormone and is transported throughout the body via fat cells.

Steroidal hormones, such as progesterone, have four cyclic hydrocarbons, each of which is an amalgamation of hydrogen and carbon and are hydrophobic (meaning they are repelled by water).

As it is possible to read above, progesterone is extent topic and its effects reach throughout the body. To keep learning about it, click on role and effects of progesterone.

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