Progesterone and Estrogen Levels

Progesterone and Estrogen play important roles in the reproductive system, and without these two hormones the system wouldn’t be able to properly function. One of the most important functions of Progesterone is thickening the lining of the uterus each month. This lining is prepared to receive a nourished and fertilized egg. Without the thickened lining of the uterus, reproduction wouldn’t be successful. If pregnancy occurs, progesterone is produced in the placenta and the levels of placenta remain elevated throughout the nine months of pregnancy. However the development of female secondary sexual characteristics is the primary function of estrogen. These characteristics include breasts, endometrium, regulation of the menstrual cycle, etc… males estrogen helps in maturation of the sperm and maintenance of a healthy libido. These two hormones are vital in the process of a healthy and guaranteed reproduction.

All women experience a normal condition in which they stop

menstruating. This marks the end of her reproductive period. This condition is known as menopause, as the term “menopause” can describe any of he changes that the woman may go through. Menopause usually takes place around the age of 50, however in some cases menopause occurs at the age of 20, or 30 and in that case the woman can no longer reproduce. However hormonal therapy can be preformed to increase the level of progesterone, and estrogen in the woman’s reproductive system. Hormonal Therapy is a controversial topic as it has life threatening side effects.. Prempro, is a pill with a combination estrogen-progesterone. A study has found that this pill increases the risk of certain serious conditions such as:

• Heart disease

• Stroke

• Blood clots

• Breast cancer

• Osteoporosis

• Coronary heart disease

• Earlier death

• Parkinsonism (Parkinson's-like symptoms)

Doctors usually advise Hormonal Therapy to women between the ages of 20-40 with menopause, but not to women over the age of 55.

Estrogen and Progesterone can also be used to prevent pregnancy. Oral contraceptives (birth-control pills) are combinations of estrogen and progesterone work together to preventing ovulation (the process of releasing egg from the ovaries). However these pills also have some life threatening side effects. Liver Disease, Gallbladder Disease, stroke, severe blood clots, high blood pressure, or even many types of heart diseases are a common effect of birth-control pills. As for minor side effects, such as nausea, weight gain, sore or swollen breasts, lighter periods, and mood changes result Hormone Therapy may be conducted.