What is progesterone?

Progesterone is a hormone produced by your ovaries after ovulation. It helps balance estrogen levels during a normal menstrual cycle by regulating the growth of your uterine lining. During perimenopause, more estrogen and less progesterone can lead to longer and heavier periods that can be very uncomfortable. Increasing progesterone can level out hormones, alleviate irregular and painful menstrual cycle symptoms, and avoid unchecked thickening of the uterine lining. 

Transgender women, and women who have had a hysterectomy, have a hormonal IUD, or have a congenital absence of the uterus will not need progesterone.