The importance of progesterone

Why is ovulation so important? Because it's the only way we can produce progesterone. 


You might be thinking - why should I care about ovulation and progesterone if I’m not planning on getting pregnant? Because progesterone confers SO many other benefits other than just impacting pregnancy. 



  • Progesterone reduces anxiety; allopregnanolone (a progesterone metabolite) binds to GABA-A receptors. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, promoting calmness, good mood, and sleep, and reduces anxiety and depression. 

  • Progesterone also lightens periods, is anti-inflammatory, and promotes healthy hair and skin. 

  • Progesterone boosts energy by stimulating thyroid function, which supports metabolism. This boost results in body temperature rising by half a degree when we make progesterone after ovulation (this is why we track temperatures - to make sure we are ovulating!).

  • Progesterone helps us use fat as energy. 

  • Progesterone is cancer protective by counteracting the effects of oestrogen on uterine and breast tissue. 



Did you know that the oral contraceptive pill (OCP), Implanon and Depo Provera injections prevent pregnancy by shutting down ovulation? Remember no ovulation = no progesterone!

Hayley Brass