ProgesteroneUnderestimated.Misunderstood.Critical.
A hormone that does more than you think.
Download Research BriefNot Just for Fertility
Progesterone is best known for supporting pregnancy, but its reach goes far beyond reproduction. It acts as an anti-inflammatory, a neurosteroid, and a stabilizer of your body's hormonal symphony.
Systems Affected by Progesterone
Debunked.
Both men and women produce progesterone, albeit in different quantities. In men, it's involved in sperm development, brain function, and serves as a precursor to testosterone.
While critical during pregnancy, progesterone also regulates menstruation, affects bone density, plays a role in cognitive function, and influences mood regulation throughout life.
Progesterone is the natural hormone produced by the body, while progestins are synthetic compounds that mimic some, but not all, of progesterone's effects and may have different side effects.
Low progesterone can cause mood swings, anxiety, sleep disturbances, headaches, and irregular menstrual cycles—affecting quality of life well beyond fertility concerns.
From Puberty to Brain Aging
Puberty
- •Initiation of menstrual cycles
- •Mood fluctuations as hormones stabilize
- •Brain development influenced by increasing hormone levels
Natural Fluctuations vs. Clinical Intervention
Natural Production
Cyclical Nature
Progesterone levels rise after ovulation, peaking about 7 days after, then declining if pregnancy doesn't occur
Production Sites
Primarily produced by the corpus luteum after ovulation, plus smaller amounts from the adrenal glands
Brain Synthesis
The brain can locally produce progesterone and its metabolites, independent of reproductive organs
Clinical Applications
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Used alongside estrogen to prevent endometrial hyperplasia and manage menopausal symptoms
Fertility Treatments
Supplementation during luteal phase support in IVF and for recurrent pregnancy loss
Gender-Affirming Care
Used in some transgender healthcare protocols to suppress menstruation or offset estrogen effects
Progestins ≠ Progesterone
Progestins are synthetic compounds that bind to progesterone receptors but often have different molecular structures and activities. Unlike bioidentical progesterone, progestins may have additional androgenic, estrogenic, or glucocorticoid effects, resulting in different clinical outcomes and side effect profiles.
In the Brain, It's a Big Deal
Progesterone helps regulate GABA receptors, support myelin growth, and may offer neuroprotective benefits — including potential roles in recovery from brain injury or slowing cognitive decline.
GABA Receptor Modulation
Progesterone and its metabolites (particularly allopregnanolone) act as positive allosteric modulators of GABA-A receptors, enhancing their inhibitory effects and producing calming, anti-anxiety effects in the brain.
Myelin Formation
Progesterone stimulates the production of myelin basic protein and increases the number of oligodendrocytes, cells responsible for creating the myelin sheath that insulates neurons and allows for efficient signal transmission.
Key Neural Actions
Quick Facts
Get the 2-Minute Research Summary
Download a concise PDF summary that breaks down progesterone's role, real-world use cases, and relevant citations from peer-reviewed journals.