Progesterone

The hormone that rises after ovulation. It slightly raises body temperature in the luteal phase.

What does progesterone mean?

Progesterone: The hormone that rises after ovulation. It slightly raises body temperature in the luteal phase.

How it is used in the Splash library

After ovulation, progesterone gives it a small nudge up, and it stays higher until your next period.
From “Basal body temperature, explained”
Desire tended to be higher when oestrogen was higher and lower when progesterone was higher.
From “Libido through your cycle”
The leading idea is that some people are more sensitive to the normal rise and fall of oestrogen and progesterone, and to brain chemicals such as serotonin.
From “PMS: the week-before, decoded”
Your ovaries grow and release an egg, and make oestrogen and Progesterone.
From “What actually is a menstrual cycle?”
Oestrogen and progesterone are at their lowest.
From “The four phases, in depth”

Progesterone explained

Progesterone is a hormone made mainly by the corpus luteum in the ovary after ovulation, and by the placenta in pregnancy. It prepares and maintains the womb lining so a fertilised egg can implant and grow.

If pregnancy doesn't happen, progesterone falls at the end of the luteal phase, and that drop triggers your period.

What's typical

Progesterone is low in the follicular phase, rises after ovulation, peaks about a week later and falls before your period. A blood test about 7 days before a period is expected (day 21 on a 28-day cycle) is often used to check whether ovulation happened.

It slightly raises body temperature and can cause breast tenderness, bloating, constipation and tiredness. Many contraceptives use synthetic versions called progestogens.

In HRT, a progestogen is given with oestrogen to people who have a womb, to protect its lining.

When to talk to a GP, nurse or pharmacist

You are trying to conceive and your cycles are irregular. A GP can check whether you are ovulating.
You have side effects from a progestogen contraceptive that you can't live with: there are other options.
You have bleeding in early pregnancy. Contact a GP, midwife or early pregnancy unit.

In the UK you can call NHS 111 for advice at any time. In an emergency call 999 (UK) or 911 (US). This is general information, not medical advice.

Where it comes up

Body literacyBasal body temperature, explained5 min read · Deep dive Body literacyLibido through your cycle4 min read ConditionsPMS: the week-before, decoded5 min read Cycle basicsWhat actually is a menstrual cycle?4 min read Cycle basicsThe four phases, in depth5 min read · Deep dive Cycle basicsMeet your hormones5 min read · Deep dive Fertility & TTCTemperature tracking (BBT) when trying to conceive5 min read · Deep dive Mind & moodWhy your mood shifts across the cycle4 min read Mind & moodSleep and mood: the luteal link2 min read Movement & sleepSleep across your cycle3 min read · Deep dive Movement & sleepNight sweats: what is normal?2 min read PerimenopauseHRT options compared: patches, gels, tablets and more5 min read · Deep dive Period careSleeping well on your period4 min read Fertility & TTCPMS or pregnant? How to tell the difference4 min read

Sources

Sources checked October 2026.

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