Updated: January 17, 2025

Progesterone is a hormone that occurs naturally in the body. It can also be synthesized in a laboratory, where it is referred to as progestin. Often called the "pregnancy hormone," progesterone plays a critical role in women's health, particularly before and during pregnancy. It helps regulate the menstrual cycle and prepares the uterus for pregnancy by thickening its lining to receive a fertilized egg. If no fertilization occurs, progesterone levels drop, leading to menstruation. If a fertilized egg implants in the uterine wall, progesterone helps maintain the uterine lining throughout pregnancy.

Progesterone is a hormone released by the ovaries. When progesterone levels change, it can contribute to abnormal menstrual periods and menopausal symptoms. Progesterone is also necessary for the implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterus and for maintaining pregnancy. Men produce a small amount of progesterone to help in sperm development.

Progesterone supplements or lab-made progesterone are used to regulate the functions of the progesterone released by the ovaries. It is used in oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy. All progesterone and progestin products are made in the laboratory. "Natural progesterones," including the prescription products Crinone and Prometrium, are made from a chemical called diosgenin that is isolated from wild yam or soy. In the laboratory, wild yam or soy is converted to pregnenolone and then to progesterone. As the human body cannot make progesterone from diosgenin, eating wild yam or soy will not boost your progesterone levels.

Progesterone as a prescribed hormone supplementation is often necessary during Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) procedures, such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF). This is because the medications you may use during these procedures can suppress your body's ability to produce progesterone. Certain procedures can even unintentionally remove progesterone-producing cells from your ovaries. Occasionally, there are other reasons for using progesterone supplementation; these include little or no progesterone synthesis from the ovaries, or developing follicles that synthesise tiny amounts of progesterone to create the uterine lining.

OTC progesterone products, in fact, may not have progesterone levels as stated on the label. Some topical progesterone products available over the counter as cosmetic products do not need FDA approval before they can be marketed and there is as yet no restriction on the maximum amount of progesterone to be used in cosmetic products.

Progesterone is used to help restart menstrual periods that unexpectedly stopped, treat abnormal uterine bleeding associated with hormonal imbalance, and treat severe symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Progesterone is also used in combination with the hormone estrogen to "oppose estrogen" as part of hormone replacement therapy. If estrogen is given without progesterone, estrogen increases the risk of uterine cancer.

Progesterone cream is sometimes used in hormone replacement therapy and for treating menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. Many doctors prescribe progesterone gel to relieve breast pain in women who have noncancerous breast lumps, to treat and prevent endometrial hyperplasia, and to stop preterm labor . It is administered orally, intravaginally or by injection for infertility treatment and menopausal syndrome.

Low Progesterone Level and Its Concerns

Progesterone is important during childbearing years as it works with testosterone, the precursor for adrenal hormones, and complements some effects of estrogen. It is necessary for breast development and breastfeeding. Your progesterone levels should rise when your ovaries release an egg. Progesterone helps the uterus thicken in anticipation of receiving a fertilized egg. If it is not thick enough, the egg won't implant.

Symptoms of low progesterone in women who aren't pregnant include headaches or migraines, mood changes, including anxiety or depression, and irregularity in menstrual cycles.

Low progesterone may cause abnormal uterine bleeding in women who aren't pregnant. Irregular or absent periods may indicate poorly functioning ovaries and low progesterone. If you get pregnant, you still need progesterone to maintain your uterus until your baby is born. Your body will produce this increase in progesterone, which causes some of the symptoms of pregnancy, including breast tenderness and nausea. If your progesterone levels are too low, your uterus may not be able to carry the baby to term. During pregnancy, symptoms of low progesterone include spotting and miscarriage. Low progesterone may indicate ectopic pregnancy. This can result in miscarriage or fetal death.

Dietary Supplements and Nutrition

While foods don't necessarily contain progesterone, some foods may help stimulate its production in our bodies. These include beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, nuts, pumpkin, spinach, and whole grains. Some foods are also associated with lowering estrogen levels in the body, which could increase the ratio of progesterone to estrogen. These include bananas, cabbage, shellfish, and walnuts.

B2B Solutions in Healthcare and Pharma

The demand for progesterone products is growing quickly. More people are dealing with infertility and hormonal issues. There is also greater awareness about reproductive health. Pharma companies are investing in research to meet different medical needs. Popular brands like Crinone and Prometrium lead the market. New companies in this industry are also creating bioidentical hormone solutions to compete.

Pharmaceutical companies are creating new progesterone treatments to help fertility clinics. They use advanced delivery methods like slow-release gels and injections. These methods make treatments more effective for ART procedures. Drug companies and fertility specialists work together on research. This helps create therapies designed for specific patient needs. For hormone replacement therapy (HRT), companies are making options like skin patches and small capsules. These give patients more choices and make it easier to stick to their treatments.

Final Thoughts

Progesterone is a vital hormone with many important roles in the body, especially for women. It regulates menstrual cycles, supports pregnancy, and helps manage hormonal balance. Its uses extend beyond natural production, with lab-made progesterone offering solutions for fertility, hormone replacement therapy, and other health concerns.

On a larger scale, the growing demand for progesterone-based products shows how important this hormone is in healthcare. Pharmaceutical companies are working to develop advanced treatments like slow-release gels and customized therapies for fertility and hormone replacement. These innovations address medical needs and provide new opportunities for businesses in the healthcare industry.