Progesterone

Moving on from the Estrogen post... 

As ive mentioned, Hormones are interesting as fuck! 

So the next one to tick off the list is……. Progesterone.

Well, what the hell is Progesterone?

It is another major reproductive hormone that is released from the corpus luteum after the release of the egg. It plays a role in the reproductive system and its health especially in the cycle and pregnancy.

In preparation for a pregnancy, progesterone antagonizes/reverses the effects of estrogen and  will increase those blocks and will cause the female body to store more fat in the fat cells and will burn more muscle. 

The effects in training that progesterone produces, it tends to decrease tendon strength (re read the post about the cycle and find out when and use the training considerations listed) and the ability to build muscle. 

Did you know (because I surely didn't)… 

Due to an increase in progesterone during the cycle, the Basal Body Temperature rises, this is when you can determine when ovulation has occurred. 

There's some changes in vaginal mucus (from estrogen) and can help determine Peak Fertility Times. 

Also during Shark Week as the progesterone levels drop, it's partially responsible for symptoms like sore boobs, mood swings, and water retention. 

  
UM SORRY WOT! 

MIND BLOWN 🤯

There's a huge rabbit hole you can go down for the effects it has on the body when it comes to dieting and fat loss, but that's a whole other story. 

Look up Lyle McDonald's - Womens Series Vol 1 for more info. 

Its function in the Menstrual Cycle is to promote gestation. To help fertilization and the implantation of the egg for pregnancy. 

Its to prepare the endometrium lining for potential pregnancy, the uterus lining will thicken to get ready for the fertilized egg to implant to. 

If the egg is fertilized:

• The corpus luteum continues to produce progesterone in the placenta

• Levels of progesterone remain elevated throughout pregnancy

• Encouragement of milk producing glands in the breasts

If an egg is not fertilized: 

• Estrogen and Progesterone levels drop

• The Endometrium breaks down

• Menstruation happens