Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhere It’s MadeFunctionAssociated ConditionsSupplements
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Where It’s Made
Function
Associated Conditions
Supplements
Progesterone is a sex hormone that plays a key role in themenstrual cycleand in pregnancy. It’s also responsible for breast development and preparing the body for breastfeeding.
Progesterone keeps a balance withestrogen, the other primary sex hormone in those assigned female at birth. Progesterone also helps to producetestosterone, the primary sex hormone in males.
Carol Yepes / Getty Images
In males and females, a small amount of progesterone is made in theadrenal glands, which release hormones for a variety of bodily functions.
Recap
Progesterone plays a few different roles, starting with causing breasts to grow at puberty. Its main jobs are preparing the body for pregnancy and supporting a pregnancy if it occurs.
Progesterone is the dominant hormone inthe luteal phase, which is the second half of a menstrual cycle. The luteal phase begins after ovulation and continues until the first day of your period.
How to Increase Progesterone Levels Naturally
Breast Development
Beginning at puberty, progesterone stimulates the growth of breast tissue.
During each luteal phase, the breast tissue is stimulated. The increase in progesterone in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle is thought to be the cause of the breast swelling, pain, and tenderness that often occurs in this phase of the cycle.
Mastalgia(breast pain) due to the swelling is a common symptom ofpremenstrual syndrome (PMS).
If you become pregnant, progesterone prepares your breasts for milk production andlactation.
Menstrual Cycle
After ovulation, the corpus luteum ramps up its progesterone production. This continues the work of estrogen in preparing the lining of theuterusso that it can accept a fertilized egg and so the egg can be implanted for pregnancy.
If you do not become pregnant, then your corpus luteum dissolves and your progesterone levels drop, causing the uterine lining to start to break down.
This results in a period and a new menstrual cycle begins.
Pregnancy
If you become pregnant, the corpus luteum continues to produce progesterone until about 10 weeks of pregnancy. At around 10 weeks, the placenta takes over progesterone production for the remainder of the pregnancy. Progesterone is at its highest point in the third trimester.
Progesterone is critical in supporting a pregnancy because it thickens the uterine lining. A thick uterine lining helps a fertilized egg grow into an embryo, and then to a fetus.
Research suggests that progesterone may have anti-inflammatory activity and influence over theimmune system.These functions of progesterone may help protect an early developing pregnancy frommiscarriageand prevent later pregnancy loss andpreterm labor(i.e., that which occurs before the 37th week of pregnancy).
High Progesterone Symptoms and Causes
Low progesteronelevels are associated with certain issues, such as:
If you have problems getting pregnant, your healthcare provider can check your progesterone levels with a blood test. Recent studies suggest that progesterone supplements may help prevent miscarriages.
Mood and Energy Levels
Estrogen and progesterone interact with chemicals in your brain to control your mood and your general sense of well-being.
One way progesterone does this is via its metabolite, a compound known as allopregnanolone.
Allopregnanolone works on a particular receptor in your brain called the GABA receptor. It typically has anxiety-busting action and a calming quality similar to the actions of alcohol and other sedative drugs like benzodiazepines.
This can be beneficial and it may make you feel sleepy or a little low energy right before your period. It also contributes to fatigue that’s common during the early part of pregnancy.
How Progesterone Promotes Brain Health
Progesterone Supplements
Supplemental progesterone that’s made from natural or synthetic sources can be prescribed for a variety of reasons ranging frompregnancy supportto contraception.
Methods for supplementing progesterone include:
Micronized progesterone, which is decreased in particle size for longer effect, can be taken in some instances. It may be prescribed as part of a menopausal hormone replacement regime or to restore periods if you stopped getting periods before menopause.
For Pregnancy After IVF
For some women, it may be necessary to take supplemental progesterone during pregnancy.
If you conceived with the help ofin vitro fertilization (IVF), you might not ovulate naturally and your corpus luteum may not produce enough progesterone.
Your healthcare provider may recommend some type of progesterone support either in the form of a vaginal gel or suppository, tablet, or injections until about 10 to 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Supplemental progesterone may also be used during IVF orintrauterine insemination (IUI)to help promote pregnancy.
For Preterm Labor Prevention
If you have a history of preterm delivery and/or preterm premature rupture of membranes in a previous pregnancy, are pregnant with only one fetus, and have a shortened cervix, you may be a candidate for vaginal progesterone.
Formerly, those without a shortened cervix were recommended to instead have progesterone injections of Makena (17-OHPC) and its generics. However, Food and Drug Administration approval for these drugs was withdrawn in 2023.This was based on insufficient data that it was an effective treatment for a broad range of pregnant people.
For Contraception
Oral medications containing progestins are commonly used as a contraceptive to prevent pregnancy. An increase in progesterone and its properties prevents ovulation.
Different synthetic progestins act on the progesterone hormone receptors in your body.
Progestins are used in allhormone-containing contraceptivesincluding:
Most of these synthetic progestins are derived from testosterone.
For Conditions That Cause Excess Estrogen
Progesterone and estrogen act together to prepare the body for pregnancy, and to support many other bodily functions.
If you have a condition where you are not ovulating but have excess estrogen—which is the case inpolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)and occasionally inobesity—your healthcare provider may suggest the use of a progestin to help protect the lining of your uterus and to treatabnormal uterine bleeding.
For Hormone Replacement Therapy
Taking an estrogen replacement alone will effectively treat these symptoms and protect your bones. However, if you still have your uterus, you may need to also use a progestin or progesterone supplement to prevent abnormal growth of yourendometriumand to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.
RecapProgesterone can be supplemented in certain situations. It can also be used to either prevent or help sustain a pregnancy and is sometimes used in hormone replacement therapy during menopause. Forms include pills,shots, vaginal gels, and suppositories.
Progesterone can be supplemented in certain situations. It can also be used to either prevent or help sustain a pregnancy and is sometimes used in hormone replacement therapy during menopause. Forms include pills,shots, vaginal gels, and suppositories.
Summary
Progesterone is a sex hormone that plays crucial roles in the menstrual cycle and all stages of pregnancy. It also plays a role in breast development and preparing for breastfeeding.
Progesterone can be supplemented to support a pregnancy if there are certain risks, such as a history of preterm birth.
Progestins, which act similar to progesterone, are commonly used in hormonal contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy during menopause.
A Word From Verywell
Progesterone plays many roles in the body and it may affect your moods and energy levels in different ways. Different types and formulations of supplemental progesterone have many different uses—including helping promote pregnancy and for contraception.
If you have any concerns about your hormone levels, discuss them with your healthcare provider.
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Macias H, Hinck L.Mammary gland development.Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews. Developmental Biology,1(4), 533–557. 2012 doi:10.1002/wdev.35Reed BG, Carr BR.The normal menstrual cycle and the control of ovulation.Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.Shah NM, Lai PF, Imami N, Johnson MR.Progesterone-related immune modulation of pregnancy and labor.Front Endocrinol. 2019;10:198. doi:10.3389/fendo.2019.00198McEvoy K, Osborne LM.Allopregnanolone and reproductive psychiatry: an overview. Int Rev Psychiatry. 2019 May;31(3):237-244. doi: 10.1080/09540261.2018.1553775. Epub 2019 Jan 31.Bäckström T, Bixo M, Strömberg J.GABAA receptor-modulating steroids in relation to women’s behavioral health.Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2015;17(11):92. doi:10.1007/s11920-015-0627-4Bulletti C, Bulletti FM, Sciorio R, Guido M.Progesterone: the key factor of the beginning of life.Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(22):14138. doi:10.3390/ijms232214138American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Progestin-only hormonal birth control: pill and injection.Regidor PA.The clinical relevance of progestogens in hormonal contraception: Present status and future developments.Oncotarget. 2018;9(77):34628–34638. Published 2018 Oct 2. doi:10.18632/oncotarget.26015American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Updated clinical guidance for the use of progesterone supplementation for the prevention of recurrent preterm birth.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.ACOG statement on the FDA withdrawal of 17-OHPC.Chandra V, Kim JJ, Benbrook DM, Dwivedi A, Rai R.Therapeutic options for management of endometrial hyperplasia.J Gynecol Oncol. 2016;27(1):e8. doi:10.3802/jgo.2016.27.e8
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Macias H, Hinck L.Mammary gland development.Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews. Developmental Biology,1(4), 533–557. 2012 doi:10.1002/wdev.35Reed BG, Carr BR.The normal menstrual cycle and the control of ovulation.Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.Shah NM, Lai PF, Imami N, Johnson MR.Progesterone-related immune modulation of pregnancy and labor.Front Endocrinol. 2019;10:198. doi:10.3389/fendo.2019.00198McEvoy K, Osborne LM.Allopregnanolone and reproductive psychiatry: an overview. Int Rev Psychiatry. 2019 May;31(3):237-244. doi: 10.1080/09540261.2018.1553775. Epub 2019 Jan 31.Bäckström T, Bixo M, Strömberg J.GABAA receptor-modulating steroids in relation to women’s behavioral health.Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2015;17(11):92. doi:10.1007/s11920-015-0627-4Bulletti C, Bulletti FM, Sciorio R, Guido M.Progesterone: the key factor of the beginning of life.Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(22):14138. doi:10.3390/ijms232214138American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Progestin-only hormonal birth control: pill and injection.Regidor PA.The clinical relevance of progestogens in hormonal contraception: Present status and future developments.Oncotarget. 2018;9(77):34628–34638. Published 2018 Oct 2. doi:10.18632/oncotarget.26015American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Updated clinical guidance for the use of progesterone supplementation for the prevention of recurrent preterm birth.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.ACOG statement on the FDA withdrawal of 17-OHPC.Chandra V, Kim JJ, Benbrook DM, Dwivedi A, Rai R.Therapeutic options for management of endometrial hyperplasia.J Gynecol Oncol. 2016;27(1):e8. doi:10.3802/jgo.2016.27.e8
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Macias H, Hinck L.Mammary gland development.Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews. Developmental Biology,1(4), 533–557. 2012 doi:10.1002/wdev.35Reed BG, Carr BR.The normal menstrual cycle and the control of ovulation.Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.Shah NM, Lai PF, Imami N, Johnson MR.Progesterone-related immune modulation of pregnancy and labor.Front Endocrinol. 2019;10:198. doi:10.3389/fendo.2019.00198McEvoy K, Osborne LM.Allopregnanolone and reproductive psychiatry: an overview. Int Rev Psychiatry. 2019 May;31(3):237-244. doi: 10.1080/09540261.2018.1553775. Epub 2019 Jan 31.Bäckström T, Bixo M, Strömberg J.GABAA receptor-modulating steroids in relation to women’s behavioral health.Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2015;17(11):92. doi:10.1007/s11920-015-0627-4Bulletti C, Bulletti FM, Sciorio R, Guido M.Progesterone: the key factor of the beginning of life.Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(22):14138. doi:10.3390/ijms232214138American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Progestin-only hormonal birth control: pill and injection.Regidor PA.The clinical relevance of progestogens in hormonal contraception: Present status and future developments.Oncotarget. 2018;9(77):34628–34638. Published 2018 Oct 2. doi:10.18632/oncotarget.26015American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Updated clinical guidance for the use of progesterone supplementation for the prevention of recurrent preterm birth.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.ACOG statement on the FDA withdrawal of 17-OHPC.Chandra V, Kim JJ, Benbrook DM, Dwivedi A, Rai R.Therapeutic options for management of endometrial hyperplasia.J Gynecol Oncol. 2016;27(1):e8. doi:10.3802/jgo.2016.27.e8
Macias H, Hinck L.Mammary gland development.Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews. Developmental Biology,1(4), 533–557. 2012 doi:10.1002/wdev.35
Reed BG, Carr BR.The normal menstrual cycle and the control of ovulation.Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.
Shah NM, Lai PF, Imami N, Johnson MR.Progesterone-related immune modulation of pregnancy and labor.Front Endocrinol. 2019;10:198. doi:10.3389/fendo.2019.00198
McEvoy K, Osborne LM.Allopregnanolone and reproductive psychiatry: an overview. Int Rev Psychiatry. 2019 May;31(3):237-244. doi: 10.1080/09540261.2018.1553775. Epub 2019 Jan 31.
Bäckström T, Bixo M, Strömberg J.GABAA receptor-modulating steroids in relation to women’s behavioral health.Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2015;17(11):92. doi:10.1007/s11920-015-0627-4
Bulletti C, Bulletti FM, Sciorio R, Guido M.Progesterone: the key factor of the beginning of life.Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(22):14138. doi:10.3390/ijms232214138
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Progestin-only hormonal birth control: pill and injection.
Regidor PA.The clinical relevance of progestogens in hormonal contraception: Present status and future developments.Oncotarget. 2018;9(77):34628–34638. Published 2018 Oct 2. doi:10.18632/oncotarget.26015
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Updated clinical guidance for the use of progesterone supplementation for the prevention of recurrent preterm birth.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.ACOG statement on the FDA withdrawal of 17-OHPC.
Chandra V, Kim JJ, Benbrook DM, Dwivedi A, Rai R.Therapeutic options for management of endometrial hyperplasia.J Gynecol Oncol. 2016;27(1):e8. doi:10.3802/jgo.2016.27.e8
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