Progesterone is a naturally occurring steroid hormone. In nonpregnant women, the main sites of progesterone synthesis are the ovaries and the adrenal cortices. Because of the poor oral absorption of progesterone and its susceptibility to rapid first-pass metabolism in the liver, a variety of oral, injectable and implantable synthetic analogs, called "progestins," have been developed. Progestational agents have many important clinical functions, including regulation of the menstrual cycle, prevention of endometrial hyperplasia, treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding and contraception.

Because of the reported side effects of synthetic analogs called "progestins," there has been interest in replicating the natural hormone for clinical use. Natural progesterone is obtained primarily from plant sources and is currently available in injectable, intravaginal and oral formulations. An oral micronized progesterone preparation has improved bioavailability and fewer reported side effects compared with synthetic progestins. Adolescents and perimenopausal women may require progestational agents for the treatment of dysfunctional uterine bleeding resulting from anovulatory cycles. These agents may also be used in women at risk for endometrial hyperplasia because of chronic unopposed estrogen stimulation. Progestin-only contraceptives can be used in women with contraindications to estrogen; however, efficacy requires rigorous compliance. New progestins for use in combination oral contraceptive pills were specifically developed to reduce androgenic symptoms. It is unclear whether these progestins increase the risk of venous thromboembolic disease.

Progesterone and menstrual cycle
Progesterone plays an important role in postovulatory regulation of the menstrual cycle. Under the influence of luteinizing hormone, the corpus luteum secretes progesterone, which stimulates the endometrium to develop secretory glands. The corpus luteum produces progesterone for approximately 10 to 12 days of the cycle. If a fertilized ovum is not implanted, progesterone and estrogen levels decline sharply, resulting in menstrual bleeding. If fertilization occurs, progesterone supports implantation of the ovum and maintains the pregnancy.

How's is Progesterone made?
The human body uses a natural hormone called pregnenolone to convert into progesterone. While progesterone is only available by prescription, pregnenolone is sold over the counter. The biological actions of pregnenolone somewhat overlap with that of pregnenolone.

Natural Progesterone supplement
Natural progesterone is obtained from compounds derived from soybeans and Mexican yam roots, and occasionally from animal ovaries. The hormone is not available from any natural source without extraction and synthesis.

Oral Micronized Progesterone -- Micronizing is a process designed to increase the half-life of progesterone and reduce its destruction in the gastrointestinal tract. Micronization decreases particle size and enhances the dissolution of progesterone. Maximal serum concentrations are achieved more rapidly with orally administered micronized progesterone (Prometrium) than with injected progesterone. Absorption of micronized progesterone is enhanced twofold when the hormone is taken with food.

Progesterone hormone supplement questions
Q. Is vaginal micronized progesterone and effective way to deliver progesterone?
   A. Yes, vaginal micronized progesterone is a good option.

Q. I saw your page on progesterone hormone supplement and most of the questions submitted were dealing with menopause. My husband and I are both young (early 20s) and active with no health complications that we know of. We have been trying to conceive for several months now with no luck (we use Natural Family Planning, so we know when-abouts I'm ovulating). I have brown bleeding the last few days of my period (I have always had this since my very first period I'm pretty certain) and a very low libido (again- always have). Post- ovulation my cycle length varies from 3 days post ovulation (this was just last month) to 16 days post ovulation, but typically its around 10-12! I asked my doctor about getting my progesterone levels tested and she said- even if I had low progesterone there is nothing they can do about and that all of my symptoms are most likely related to something else, so she wouldn't even test me! So, I ordered Source Natural's Progesterone Cream and have been using it this cycle (I only use it from 3 days post ovulation until my period starts). I'm a little concerned- the container says the chemical is known to cause cancer- should I be worried? And, is there anything else I can be taking to help with conceiving?
   A. See fertility. Long term use of hormones, including progesterone, may lead to a variety of health issues. It is possible that the risk for cancer is increased by the long term use of progesterone when done so for several years.

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