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Progesterone, also known as the corpus luteum hormone, is crucial for the menstrual cycle, fertility, and hormonal balance. It is produced by the corpus luteum in the ovaries after ovulation and helps prepare the uterus for pregnancy. If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum breaks down, and menstruation begins.
A lack of progesterone can cause irregular periods, difficulty getting pregnant, PMS, and fatigue. Nutrients such as B6, magnesium, and zinc, as well as stress management, can support progesterone production. If necessary, medications can help balance hormone levels.
The corpus luteum hormone is produced mainly by the corpus luteum inside the ovaries after ovulation and by the placenta during pregnancy. A smaller amount is also synthesized in the adrenal glands and in men in the testicles.
What is the corpus luteum?
The corpus luteum is a temporary hormone-producing structure in the ovary that forms after an egg cell ruptures during ovulation. Its main function is to produce progesterone (corpus luteum hormone) to prepare the uterus for a possible pregnancy. If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum breaks down after about 10–14 days and progesterone production decreases, which in turn leads to menstruation. If fertilization occurs, however, the corpus luteum continues to produce the corpus luteum hormone progesterone until the placenta takes over this function around weeks 10–12 of pregnancy.
The corpus luteum hormone progesterone – crucial for fertility and hormonal balance
Progesterone, also called corpus luteum hormone, belongs to the group of steroid hormones and functions as a regulator in the reproductive system. The hormone is produced primarily by the corpus luteum and has several important functions:
- Menstrual cycle: After ovulation, the corpus luteum produces progesterone to prepare the uterine lining for a possible pregnancy.
- Pregnancy: If fertilization occurs, progesterone levels are maintained by the placenta to prevent menstruation and support fetal development.
- Hormone balance: Progesterone balances the effect of estrogen and helps stabilize mood, reduce inflammation, and regulate fluid retention.
Corpus luteum and nutrition
For the corpus luteum to function optimally and manage progesterone production, nutrition is required. Particularly important nutrients are the following:
- Vitamin B6 – This vitamin supports progesterone production.
- Magnesium – A mineral that is important for hormonal balance and reducing stress hormones that can negatively affect the corpus luteum.
- Zinc – Contributes to healthy ovulation and supports the function of the corpus luteum.
- Omega-3 fatty acids – These have an anti-inflammatory effect and can help improve hormonal balance.
To contribute to healthy corpus luteum function and stable hormone production, it is important to maintain a balanced diet with nutritious foods such as nuts, seeds, fish, whole grains and vegetables.
Symptoms of a deficiency in the corpus luteum hormone progesterone
Progesterone deficiency can lead to various symptoms and health problems, including:
- Irregular menstruation or lack of ovulation
- Difficulty getting pregnant or repeated miscarriages
- PMS symptoms such as mood swings, irritability and anxiety
- Fluid retention and swelling
- Fatigue and sleep problems
- Reduced sex drive
Corpus luteum during menopause
During menopause, levels of the corpus luteum hormone progesterone gradually decrease. This is because the function of the ovaries decreases, which leads to fewer ovulations and therefore less production of progesterone from the corpus luteum. When menstruation stops completely (menopause), the cyclical production of progesterone also stops almost completely.
The reduced progesterone level can lead to hormonal imbalance, especially in relation to estrogen, which can cause symptoms such as sleep problems, mood swings, hot flashes and dry mucous membranes. For some women, hormone therapy with progesterone may be an option to relieve these symptoms and balance the effects of estrogen.
Low progesterone levels can also be linked to hormonal imbalances that are dominated by estrogen (so-called estrogen dominance), which can contribute to conditions such as endometriosis and breast tenderness.
Corpus luteum is elevated during pregnancy
Elevated levels of the corpus luteum hormone progesterone are most common during pregnancy and can then cause symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness and increased body temperature. In addition, high progesterone levels can also occur during hormone therapy or in certain medical conditions such as adrenal gland diseases.
Can you influence the production of luteinizing hormone?
Yes, there are several ways that you can naturally support and balance your progesterone levels. Focus on a nutritious diet with intake of vitamin B6, magnesium and zinc which can benefit progesterone production. Make sure to reduce stress, as chronic stress leads to increased cortisol production which can inhibit progesterone. If you have a serious deficiency, you can get help with treatment, your doctor can prescribe progesterone supplements in the form of cream, tablets or vaginal gel.
