#Progesterone. The dance partner to #estrogen. This hormone is responsible for the “rest &
digest” phase of our ovulation cycle. Without the balance of progesterone in the second half of the #ovulation cycle, things can feel out of balance.
Progesterone is produced as a result of ovulation (see our previous posts about the hormones involved in ovulation). It is a vital #hormone that helps balance estrogen during the cycle.
When progesterone is high, consider this part of the cycle as a hormonal “fall” season. While many consider progesterone the pregnancy hormone since it helps prepare the uterus for possible pregnancy, it does A LOT more. We will dive into this coming up, but first the question…
How do you know your progesterone is dominant, and what effects can indicate you’re in the #luteal phase of your cycle?
👉🏻 High progesterone levels put our bodies in rest & relax mode. Typically, women sleep better in the luteal phase of their cycles when progesterone is adequate.
😌 Progesterone is amazing for your neurons, and is helpful in counteracting the hyper-drive productivity that estrogen can promote. Progesterone helps calm the body, acting as a natural anti-anxiety agent.
🍎 You may find you’re more attentive to appetite in the luteal phase - this is biologic! Since the luteal phase is physiologically a time when the body is kicking in gear to support a *possible* pregnancy, our need for rest and focus on calorie intake increases.
🧘♀️ You might find yourself trading in your weightlifting and HIIT workouts for yoga, light running and lower impact exercise due to increased need for rest in the luteal phase.
🌡 Physically, you may also notice that your core body temperature is increased during this phase which can be monitored by tracking basal body temperature.
👌🏻 Also, cervical mucus changes to a thick, dense type that is experienced as a dry sensation and typically minimally noticed. This type of mucus acts like a plug in the cervix and does not allow for entry of sperm or microbes.
Do you notice a difference in how you feel in the last half of your cycle?