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Lutein, or progesterone, is an important female hormone. It is responsible for the correct menstrual cycle, and its concentration changes depending on the phase of the cycle. It is very low at first and begins to increase before ovulation to reach its highest level between days 20 and 22 of the cycle. After fertilization, lutein is still produced, and if it is not achieved, lutein levels drop around day 27 and menstruation begins.
Lutein – action
Lutein (progesterone) is a hormone produced by the corpus luteum and placenta, produced by the adrenal cortex and the central nervous system. Thanks to it, the endometrium and ovulation are transformed. Lutein is also a yellow pigment naturally found in plants that enables proper vision and is often confused with progesterone.
Lutein (progesterone) and lutein, i.e. the yellow pigment present in the retina of the eye, are linked only by the name, because they are two different substances with different effects. “Luteus” is Latin for “yellow” – lutein (progesterone) is made from the yellow body. Both substances can be supplemented, but only ophthalmic lutein can be purchased without a prescription – progesterone should be taken in certain diseases.
- Blueberry with lutein + for sight is available on Medonet Market.
Progesterone is a hormone without which it is impossible to sustain a pregnancy. For this reason, it is worth controlling its concentration, which changes depending on the phase of the cycle. In the follicular phase, it ranges from 0,28 to 0,72 ng / ml; in the around-ovulatory phase from 0,64 to 1,63 ng / ml; in the luteal phase from 4,71 to 18,0 ng / ml. In the first trimester of pregnancy, it ranges from 11,0 to 44,3 ng / ml; in the second trimester from 25,4 to 83,3 ng / ml; in the third trimester from 58,7 to 214 ng / ml. For men, the reference range is 0,2 to 1,38 ng / ml.
Lutein can be found, for example, in Bioherba’s edible avocado oil, which you can buy at a favorable price on Medonet Market.
Also check: Lutein 50 – opinions, dosage, form, tablets, side effects, composition
Properties and application of lutein
Lutein allows a fertilized egg to nest in the uterine mucosa – the hormone improves blood circulation and thickens the mucosa. It has a protective function during pregnancy until the placenta is formed and prevents premature birth. Lutein levels are highest in the 9th month of pregnancy and fall before delivery – for the uterus it is a signal to start labor.
The action of lutein is mainly mediated by receptors located i.a. in the uterus, pituitary gland, nervous system and in the mammary glands. Thanks to it, the production of fetal metabolic hormones and the reduction of Graff’s follicles is possible – it is necessary throughout pregnancy. In addition, lutein also regulates body temperature.
Lutein stimulates the mammary glands by influencing the glandular vesicles and the epithelium of the introducer ducts. Thanks to progesterone, estrogens and prolactin, the mammary glands are adapted to lactation. Moreover, progesterone influences the structure of the breasts during the menstrual cycle and is even a topic of discussion by breast cancer scientists.
Progesterone is also a drug that has found application in gynecology. It is used as an ingredient in contraceptive preparations and as an ingredient in a drug used in hormone replacement therapy. In some cases, doctors prescribe it to patients diagnosed with a failure of the corpus luteum – thanks to it, the risk of another miscarriage is reduced.
Order Lutein Plus Viridian today – a dietary supplement available at a promotional price on Medonet Market.
Lutein deficiency in pregnancy – symptoms
Lutein deficiency in women is manifested, among others, by irregular periods. Other symptoms of low progesterone levels are problems with getting pregnant, general mood deterioration, skin and nail problems, and hormonal disorders. The level of lutein depends on the particular phase of the menstrual cycle – in the first two weeks it is low and highest in the luteal phase.
Lutein deficiency in pregnant women up to the 13th week is manifested by pain in the lower abdomen or uterine contractions and the appearance of blood spots. In this case, it may be necessary to use progesterone in the form of tablets. However, the hormone is also administered to women in advanced pregnancy – in these cases, it is recommended to use lutein in vaginal injections or tablets.
Doctors often recommend the use of the hormone to women whose previous pregnancies ended prematurely or have had a miscarriage. Taking lutein is also recommended for women diagnosed with cervical insufficiency – in this case there is a risk of premature birth. Caution should be exercised when taking lutein during pregnancy, especially if a woman has kidney or liver problems.
Read more about lutein and its role during pregnancy: Lutein in pregnancy – what it is, action
Excess lutein in pregnancy – symptoms
Sometimes it is a sign of multiple pregnancy or the presence of pregnancy complications. The body also produces excess progesterone in the event of complications such as adrenal and ovarian tumors, ovarian cystic disease, ovarian cancer, and liver failure. Nevertheless, high levels of progesterone in pregnancy often have no negative health effects and are not harmful to the baby. Its symptoms are mostly:
- general fatigue,
- flatulence
- Stuffed nose,
- constipation
- excessive breast sensitivity.
Also read: Hormones under control, i.e. the hormonal profile for women
How to reduce elevated lutein levels?
To reduce its excess, the amount of estradiol should be increased. For this purpose, it is recommended to eat red clover, black cohosh and maca root. The detoxification process is also supported by vitamins from the group B, Artichoke Extract, Milk Thistle and MSM. People using progesterone cream should reduce its dose. It is worth taking care of your well-being and starting to work on reducing stress.
Also check: Vaginal lutein – when can my doctor recommend it?
How to raise progesterone levels?
A natural way to increase the amount of progesterone in the blood is to consume more of the so-called good cholesterol found in eggs, clarified butter and offal. Herbs are also helpful, e.g. monks chaste and yam. The first one stabilizes the hormonal balance, and the second one contains diosgenin, from which progesterone can be produced.
The type of containers in which we heat food and drink water have a great impact on the level of progesterone in the body. You should definitely give up plastic bowls and bottles, because plastic contains estrogen-like compounds that cause estrogen dominance – instead, it is worth using glass bottles and containers. In addition, plastic bottles contain many harmful chemicals that can get into the water.
Find out more: Use of Duphaston in pregnancy
What is a Progesterone Test?
The hormone is also used in the progesterone test to determine the cause of infertility in amenorrhoeic women. The patient is given a hormone that triggers her periods. When he stops using the preparation, it is a good symptom to bleed – no bleeding means that the ovaries and uterus are not functioning properly.
Before the test is performed, the doctor conducts an interview with the patient. An important element of the test is the determination of prolactin in non-menstruating women. Progesterone is administered in one of two ways – vaginally or sublingually. A progesterone test lasts for 7 to 10 days. A negative test result means that the patient is not bleeding and may indicate pregnancy as well as a defect of the reproductive organs.
Also read: Endometrium – structure, endometrial cycle, fertilization, diagnostics, diseases
How to monitor lutein levels?
Testing the concentration of progesterone is safe and makes it possible to exclude diseases and various disorders. Whether or not they should be performed is decided by the doctor who always takes into account the moment of the menstrual cycle, because each of them has a different concentration of the hormone. The test is usually performed about a week before ovulation.