Progesterone is naturally secreted by the ovaries during the second week of a woman's menstrual cycle, by the testes in men and in a smaller quantity in the brain, adrenal glands and the glial cells of both sexes, according to Progesteronetherapy.com. This hormone is essential in the regulation of ovulation and menstruation and plays a role in the overall functions of the body. Progestins or progestagens are synthetically made progesterones.
Protection Against Cancer
Women in their premenopausal phase may have menstrual cycles without ovulation, or they may ovulate but fail to produce an adequate amount of progesterone; meanwhile, their bodies continue to produce estrogen, according to NaturalProgesteroneAdvisoryNetwork.com. Estrogen stimulates the cells to grow, which can lead to cancer. Progesterone works to inhibit the effect of estrogen and diminishes the risks of cancer.
Diuretic Effect
Progesterone acts as a natural diuretic. It stimulates the kidneys to remove excess body fluids into the bladder and out through the urine, reducing water retention. According to Progesteronetherapy.com, doctors administer progesterone intravenously to patients with brain trauma to reduce pressure off the brain due to retained fluid.
Pregnancy
Progesterone plays a vital role in a woman's ovulation and menstruation cycles and in the development of her baby. Progesterone prepares the endometrial lining of the uterus to receive the egg for implantation and for the growth and development of the embryo. According to Healthywomen.org, if implantation does not occur the levels of progesterone and estrogen drop, the lining of the uterus breaks done, resulting in menstruation. If conception is successful, the placenta increases the progesterone level and remains elevated during the pregnancy.
Additional Effects
Progesterone has other benefits, including relieving insomnia and depression by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. Increased serotonin levels improves your mood. It also helps insomnia since it's a precursor of the sleep hormone, melatonin, according to Progesteronetherapy.com. Progesterone also works to regulate blood sugar levels. It enhances the immune system and acts as a vasodilator, allowing the blood vessels to relax and widen, which improves blood circulation.
