Understanding progesterone — the calming hormone that balances oestrogen and supports fertility.
Progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum in the ovary after ovulation and by the placenta during pregnancy. It prepares the uterine lining for implantation, maintains pregnancy, and has a calming, anti-anxiety effect on the brain.
Symptoms include irregular or heavy periods, spotting, PMS, anxiety, insomnia, and difficulty maintaining pregnancy. Low progesterone is common during perimenopause and in women with anovulatory cycles (cycles where no egg is released).
Natural progesterone (micronised progesterone) is bioidentical — chemically identical to what your body makes. Progestins are synthetic versions found in many contraceptives and some HRT formulations. They have different effects and side effect profiles.
Progesterone is used in HRT to protect the uterine lining (endometrium) from overgrowth caused by oestrogen. It can be taken orally, as a cream, or via an IUD. Micronised progesterone is preferred by many specialists for its safety profile and sleep benefits.