The vital hormone progesterone is produced in the second half of the ovulation cycle thanks to a small structure called the “corpus luteum.” (See previous posts on this!)
We need our #progesterone (in balance with #estrogen) to support various functions throughout the body including:
Brain & cognitive function
nervous system support
bone health and density
improved sleep quality
prevention of miscarriage
and MORE!
The greatest source of progesterone production in the body comes from the corpus luteum after ovulation. That’s why the transition to ovulating cycles during puberty and the decline of ovulatory cycles in peri-menopause causes some hormonal upheaval!
No ovulation = inadequate progesterone & systemic symptoms
Low progesterone can often be spotted when charting the female cycle with #fertility awareness based methods, and further confirmed by lab tests during the luteal phase. Some over-the-counter urine tests are also available to assess whether or not progesterone levels are adequate throughout the luteal phase. (We love @proovtest for this!).
Check out the graph above. See how that progesterone curve tanks midway through the luteal phase? See also how the different days highlighted in the chart appear inconsistent? These charting signs and diagnostic labs confirm that this woman has what’s termed a “luteal phase defect,” which is impacting her progesterone levels.
Why is it important to have a nice bell curve of progesterone in the luteal phase?
Without adequate progesterone, those bodily functions don’t operate well and may cause sleep disturbances, mood issues, increased PMS symptoms . . . OH MY! If women are intending on getting pregnant, progesterone levels must be adequate to sustain pregnancy in the first trimester specifically.
So, regardless of #healthgoals, progesterone is an important player in overall wellness.
#ovulation is a sign of #health