Progesterone (Prog)

Progesterone is an endogenous steroid and progestogen sex hormone involved in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and embryogenesis of humans and other species. It belongs to a group of steroid hormones called progestogens and is the major progestogen in the body.

Details

Progesterone levels vary during a woman's menstrual cycle. The levels start low, then increase after the ovaries release an egg. If you become pregnant, progesterone levels will rise as your body gets ready to support a developing baby. If you do not become pregnant (your egg is not fertilized), your progesterone levels will decrease, and your period will begin.

Progesterone levels in a pregnant woman are about ten times higher than in a woman who is not pregnant. Men also make progesterone but in much smaller amounts. In men, progesterone is made by the adrenal glands and testes.

Progesterone