Let's talk about Progesterone

Progesterone is a steroid hormone that is secreted in small amounts by the adrenal cortex of the adrenal glands. However, the majority of progesterone is made by the corpus luteum (a temporary gland that forms) after ovulation. 

Progesterone should convert to allopregnanolone, which has a calming effect on our body, however if we are super stressed, this synthesis can lead to more conversion to cortisol instead (another reason why it is so important to manage stress levels).

Progesterone is of course important for fertility, but some of the other benefits this hormone exerts include; regulating the menstrual cycle, reducing weight gain, lowering triglycerides, reducing PMS, improving memory, easing stress and anxiety and supporting thyroid function. 

Progestins, which are synthetic forms of progesterone-like substances are in many hormonal contraceptives like the pill, implanon and IUDs such as the Mirena and Kyleena. These do not exert the same beneficial effects of natural progesterone, and generally hinder our own natural production of this in the process, due to their pharmaceutical mechanism of action. 

Some of the main signs of low progesterone include pms, irregular periods, spotting, sore breasts, moodiness, low libido and frequent miscarriages. 

The good news is that if you are not on hormonal contraception, you can effectively boost your progesterone naturally. Consider managing stress levels, focusing on good nutrition (including routines such as seed cycling), supporting ovarian function with herbs such as Chaste Tree, Dong Quai and Peony and don't forget to optimise liver and gut function to improve oestrogen metabolism- thus a healthy progesterone/oestrogen ratio.