Progesterone
Progesterone is a sex hormone that helps regulate the menstrual cycle and supports pregnancy.
Progesterone is a sex hormone that helps regulate the menstrual cycle and supports pregnancy. In women it is made mainly in the ovaries after ovulation, and it prepares the lining of the uterus each cycle. Men and women also make small amounts in the adrenal glands. It is read together with estradiol and the day of the cycle.
The phase of the menstrual cycle has the largest effect: progesterone is low before ovulation and higher in the second half of the cycle. Pregnancy raises it markedly. Cycles without ovulation, the years around menopause, hormonal contraception, progesterone supplements, hard training, stress and age also play a part.
Foods that help
Regular meals with enough energy and protein, healthy fats from fish, nuts and seeds, and plenty of vegetables and whole grains. Good sleep and recovery also matter.
Foods to limit
Large amounts of alcohol, a diet built on ultra-processed food and sugar, and long periods of very low energy intake or very hard training can disturb the hormone balance.
Track it through the year
One value is a snapshot. Following it up shows whether what you changed is working.
Related markers
Educational information only — not a diagnosis. Every result is checked against safe limits, and anything critical is escalated for follow-up.
See all 84 markers →