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What matters most is understanding their balance, function, and effect on your body. Two primary hormones are the luteinising hormone (LH) and progesterone. Both these hormones play an important role in your adolescence, menstrual cycle, sexual activities, and pregnancy. However, their functionalities impact your overall health.
What Is Luteinising Hormone (LH)?
Luteinising hormone, or LH, is closely linked to your body’s reproductive health. It’s made by a tiny gland in your brain called the anterior pituitary gland. Once released, LH sends signals to your reproductive organs, helping them do their job properly, whether that’s producing hormones or supporting fertility.It also plays a pivotal role in your menstruation and ovulation. It performs different activities in the two stages of your reproductive cycle. LH, in combination with FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), regulates your overall cycle. Both these hormones function as chemical indicators that signal your sex organs to start the menstrual cycle.
What is Progesterone?
Progesterone is another hormone that supports your menstrual cycle and aids in pregnancy. It is one of the key hormones from the “Progestogens” hormone group.During the second phase of your menstrual cycle, the corpus luteum (the empty follicle) is formed inside your ovary. This follicle is responsible for the synthesis of progesterone in your body. Progesterone supports your menstrual cycle and maintains the early stage of pregnancy.
The Menstrual Cycle and Hormonal Shifts
Every month, your body goes through a series of hormonal changes to prepare for the possibility of motherhood. These shifts determine whether you get pregnant or have your period. These hormones guide your menstrual cycle, control ovulation, the timing of your period, and the overall rhythm of your reproductive system.Experiencing any hormonal imbalance can lead to irregular menstrual cycles. Understanding the link between your menstruation and hormonal changes can help you plan your pregnancy.
- Day 1 of your cycle initiates the follicle phase, which lasts until the end of ovulation. During this time, the FSH hormone helps produce and hold the egg. Oestrogen is also released during this phase to help rebuild the uterine lining.
- Your menstrual phase begins on the initial day of the cycle and lasts till the bleeding stops. Your oestrogen and progesterone levels are low at this time, leading to fatigue and mood swings.
- Ovulation begins around the middle of your cycle. Your egg is released from the ovary at this stage and gets ready for fertilisation. This phenomenon indicates the luteinising hormone surge in your body to ensure that your egg is released.
- Lastly, the post-ovulation phase continues till you bleed the next time. Once your egg is released, the follicle becomes the corpus luteum for progesterone secretion. Your progesterone levels remain high for around a week during this phase. It supports pregnancy when your egg is fertilised. Otherwise, the uterine layer ruptures to prepare you for the next cycle.
LH and Progesterone in Fertility and Conception
While the luteinising hormone specifies the egg release, the progesterone hormone is termed “pregnancy hormone”. Both of them define your fertility and play different roles in this phase. However, progesterone secretion depends on the luteinising hormone.Luteinising Hormone: Luteinising hormone (LH) works alongside follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to manage the different phases of the menstrual cycle. It plays a crucial role in triggering ovulation, the release of an egg from the ovary.
Without enough LH, ovulation may not occur, which can sometimes lead to infertility. LH also stimulates the ovaries to produce essential hormones like oestrogen and progesterone, vital for maintaining a healthy reproductive system.
Progesterone Hormone: Progesterone plays a key role in supporting the early stages of pregnancy. It prepares your uterus lining for the implantation of your fertilised egg and aids in its growth. For most women, this process typically occurs every 21 to 35 days, though cycle length can vary from month to month due to factors like stress, health, and lifestyle.
Progesterone is essential for early pregnancy. It helps thicken the uterine lining, creating a supportive environment for the embryo to implant. Without enough progesterone, the lining may not be able to hold the pregnancy, which can make it harder for pregnancy to be sustained.
Hormonal Imbalances: What Happens When Things Go Wrong?
Hormonal imbalance indicates that your hormones are not synthesised in a normal amount. This leads to many complications in your menstrual cycle and pregnancy. There might be several reasons for your hormonal imbalance, but understanding the consequences is more important.- A disproportion of these hormones can impact the menstrual cycle. It sometimes results in too much or too little bleeding. Prolonged irregular menstrual cycle increases the chance of PCOD (polycystic ovarian disease) or amenorrhoea.
- An imbalance in fertility hormones can cause infertility. Hormone-related reproductive conditions like PCOS and anovulation result in infertility.
- Irregularity in hormone synthesis can surge the production of oil in your skin, resulting in acne. Acne is quite common during pregnancy or menopause, as hormonal changes are very obvious at these times.
- Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are thyroid disorders that can affect your menstrual cycle and overall health. These conditions occur when the thyroid produces too little or too much hormone, which can disrupt your body's normal functions.
There are other major issues like obesity, diabetes, and hair fall related to your hormonal imbalance. Consult your doctor to know more about it.
How Are LH and Progesterone Tested?
LH and progesterone tests are done to determine their levels in your body. The most common of these is a blood test. In addition, urine or saliva samples are also used to test your LH and progesterone levels. In the case of the LH test, ovulation predictor kits are also used. These tests help you detect:- Normal hormone levels.
- Scope of ovulation.
- Scope of infertility.
- Progesterone tests sometimes help you understand the risk of miscarriage and ovarian cancer.
Supporting Healthy Hormone Levels Naturally
Your hormone levels are responsible for your healthy body and reproductive health. You are responsible for understanding the natural ways to manage your hormonal levels.- Engaging yourself in regular exercise can help you keep a balanced hormonal level.
- Obesity leads to hormonal imbalance. Weight management through different activities like yoga can help you manage hormone levels.
- Increase protein in your meals. Eating protein-rich foods like chicken, eggs, fish, or lentils can help you manage your hormonal levels.
- Sugars increase health risks. Lower sugar intake can help you stay healthy and manage your hormonal levels.
Understanding your reproductive health includes knowledge of these vital hormones. Every hormone plays a major role every month in preparing you for motherhood. Focusing on their roles helps you plan your sexual activities and pregnancy accordingly. However, if you notice any unusual changes in your health or menstrual cycle, consult with your doctor immediately.
FAQs on Understanding LH and Progesterone: What They Are and Why They Matter
- Why is LH important?
LH is important to activate your ovulation, which is the egg release process. It indirectly aids in progesterone secretion to support you in pregnancy. - What is the function of Progesterone?
Progesterone strengthens your endometrium to support the embryo's growth during the initial pregnancy period.
