This increase is primarily due to the activity of theΒ corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine structure formed from the follicle that housed the egg. The role of progesterone during the luteal phase is multifaceted: it not only prepares the uterine lining for possible implantation of a fertilized egg but also stabilizes the endometrium to support a potential pregnancy.
If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum degenerates, leading to a sharp decline in progesterone levels. This drop triggers the onset of menstruation, as the uterine lining sheds.
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Conversely, if the egg is fertilized, progesterone continues to be produced to ensure the uterine environment remains conducive to fetal development, preventing contractions and facilitating the early stages of pregnancy. After childbirth, progesterone levels decrease significantly, marking a transition back to a non-pregnant state.
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Progesterone's Influence on Hair Growth
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One of the primary roles of progesterone in relation to hair health is its ability to inhibit hair loss. It achieves this by decreasing the conversion of testosterone, a hormone that can contribute to hair thinning, into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a more potent androgen responsible for hair follicle miniaturization. This conversion is mediated by an enzyme known as 5-alpha reductase. By inhibiting this enzyme, progesterone helps maintain healthier hair follicles and prevents excessive shedding.