Hormones are biologically active substances that regulate the vital processes of all body systems. During pregnancy, hormones change. There is a hormone, the amount of which in the female body is especially significant during this period.
The main hormone of pregnancy, the hormone of motherhood, is called progesterone. It is he who provides the preparation of the uterine mucosa for the attachment of the embryo, creates optimal conditions for pregnancy. Progesterone affects the nervous system, preparing the female body for pregnancy and childbirth. It suppresses the activity of the muscles of the uterus and reduces the rejection of the ovum. This hormone stimulates the growth of the uterus, affects the production of milk in the mammary glands. Progesterone in women is formed in the ovaries and adrenal glands. With its deficiency, infertility can be diagnosed - the fertilized cell is not able to stay in the uterus for a long time.
When fertilization occurs, the placenta begins to produce increased doses of this hormone. During pregnancy, progesterone levels increase fifteen times. The amount of this hormone determines the state of the placenta, especially in the second half of pregnancy. Therefore, the analysis of progesterone is a necessary step for diagnosing the condition of the fetus. A decrease in its amount can be observed with the threat of termination of pregnancy, with delayed intrauterine development of the fetus, with insufficient function of the corpus luteum or placenta. In addition, progesterone helps diagnose prolonged pregnancy. Also, low progesterone can result from taking certain medications.
If progesterone is elevated, this suggests dysfunctional uterine bleeding, abnormalities in the development of the placenta, disturbances in the formation of hormones in the adrenal glands, corpus luteum cyst or renal failure. Certain medications can increase levels of this hormone.
It is very important to donate blood correctly for progesterone and get reliable results. To do this, you must follow the recommendations of your doctor. Usually, women are advised to donate blood for this test on the 22-24th day of the menstrual cycle. You need to donate blood strictly on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning. If a woman has an irregular cycle, the test is done several times.
The amount of progesterone produced is significantly affected by the absence or lack of protein. In addition, it is possible to raise the level of progesterone with the help of vitamin therapy. The main role here is played by vitamins E and group B. Therefore, when planning a pregnancy, spouses need to establish the intake of these vitamins, as well as consume more protein products - meat, cereals, fish, soy.
