Progesterone is a hormone secreted mainly in the second phase of the ovarian cycle, after ovulation. Among its functions, progesterone is responsible for making the endometrium secretory in order to prepare it for implantation.
If the egg has not been fertilised and implantation has not taken place, about 11 days after ovulation, progesterone levels fall and this leads to the shedding of the endometrium and, therefore, menstruation.
If there is no prior oestrogenic impregnation of the endometrium, i.e. no prior oestrogen production, progesterone will not induce these changes in the endometrium and endometrial shedding or menstruation will not occur.
Read the full article on: Progesterone hormone: functions, normal values and medications ( 56).
Mónica Aura Masip
M.D., M.Sc.
Dr. Mónica Aura has a degree in Medicine and General Surgery from the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB). She is also a specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics from the Hospital de Santa Creu y Sant Pau and has a Master's degree in Human Assisted Reproduction from the University Juan Carlos I of Madrid and another in Health Center Management from the UB.
Licence number: 31588
