Progesterone: What Does It Do? (Episode 492)

Full Episode Transcript – Episode 492: Progesterone: What Does It Do?

Lisa:
Welcome back to the Fertility Friday Podcast. Today, I’m sharing my interview with Serrita, one of the members of my Fertility Awareness Mastery Live group coaching program. We dive into how the Fertility Awareness Method can be used both for conception and as a tool to assess hormone health—specifically, progesterone levels.

Serrita:
Thank you. I’m so excited to be here. I’ve been a fan for years, so this is a big moment for me!

Lisa:
I love these episodes. My heart is with supporting women to understand their bodies, and cycle charting gives us so many choices. Let’s jump in. How old were you when you had your first period?

Serrita:
I was about 12. I was actually hoping it would come because all my friends had started theirs. It was pretty smooth—not painful early on. Just learning how to manage it at school.

Lisa:
Were you on hormonal contraceptives?

Serrita:
Not until my mid-20s. My dermatologist suggested birth control for my acne. I tried Ortho Tri-Cyclen for a couple of months, but I didn’t see much improvement and started experiencing body changes—like breast tenderness and weight gain. I eventually stopped taking it.

Later, I started again during a relationship and switched to a low-dose version. After that relationship ended, I’d stop taking it. I was never on it consistently—just when I felt I needed it.

Lisa:
That’s a pretty common pattern. Did your cycles return normally each time?

Serrita:
Yes, they came back right away. I never had delays in getting my period again.

Lisa:
Tell us more about your journey to fertility awareness.

Serrita:
I got married in my late 30s. We had a miscarriage early on, and then after marriage, we conceived quickly—but it ended in a stillbirth due to an incompetent cervix. After that, I had a transvaginal cerclage placed. We tried naturally for a while, but when nothing happened, I explored IVF and had my daughter that way.

After birth, my doctor suggested birth control at my six-week check-up. But I was still nursing and didn’t want to go back on hormones. So we used withdrawal.

Later, we tried a frozen embryo transfer, which sadly ended in miscarriage. That’s when I decided to join your class to learn more about ovulation and improve my chances naturally. I had no idea when I ovulated—even with ovulation kits.

Lisa:
Thank you for sharing. You’ve been through so much. When did your cycle return after birth?

Serrita:
Nine weeks postpartum. I was surprised—it came back early even though I was breastfeeding.

Lisa:
Yes, the return of cycles varies a lot with breastfeeding. Let’s move into charting. What would you like to focus on today?

Serrita:
I want help interpreting my recent chart. I’ve been seeing cervical mucus again after stopping antihistamines.

Lisa:
Right, we talked about how antihistamines can dry up mucus. Now that you’re seeing clear, stretchy fluid again, that’s a great sign.

From your chart, your peak day looks like cycle day 9. Your temps confirm ovulation likely happened around then. That’s earlier than average, but not uncommon in your early 40s. Were you surprised?

Serrita:
Not really—I’ve noticed I get a little more frisky and my body temperature shifts earlier in my cycle.

Lisa:
Libido can be a helpful secondary sign! Are you tracking intimacy on your chart?

Serrita:
I am, but I haven’t had any this cycle.

Lisa:
Okay. You also mentioned seeing creamy mucus post-ovulation. Let’s talk about that.

Serrita:
Yes, I’ve had some lotion-like mucus after ovulation. I wasn’t sure how to categorize it.

Lisa:
That’s likely non-peak mucus. If it’s cloudy and doesn’t stretch, mark it accordingly. And note any underwear-only observations separately—they can be useful but aren’t counted in wiping-method data.

Let’s shift to progesterone. You mentioned this is an area you really care about.

Serrita:
Yes. During pregnancy, I had weekly progesterone shots due to my previous loss. Now I want to support my luteal phase naturally.

Lisa:
Your previous chart showed a 12-day luteal phase, which is a good sign of healthy progesterone. You’ve also been working on foundational habits—exercise, protein intake, and better sleep.

Tell me about your sleep.

Serrita:
I go to bed around 10:30 and wake up at 6. But I usually wake up once to pee, so I’d rate my sleep a 6/10.

Lisa:
Consider cutting off water earlier in the evening. Maybe hydrate more in the morning—try two glasses right when you wake up.

Serrita:
I can definitely try that.

Lisa:
Are you sleeping in complete darkness?

Serrita:
Yes—room is totally dark.

Lisa:
Great. You’re also incorporating more protein—how’s that going?

Serrita:
It’s going well. I add collagen to yogurt, have a protein shake, and snack on sardines and eggs. I’m trying to reach for protein instead of cookies!

Lisa:
That’s excellent. Protein helps stabilize blood sugar and supports hormone production. For supplements, we’ve talked about vitamin D. Are you taking magnesium?

Serrita:
I have some—glycinate and topical spray—but haven’t been taking it yet.

Lisa:
Magnesium, vitamin C, and B6 all support progesterone. But supplements work best after foundational habits are in place. Based on your chart, I think you’re ready to try them and observe any shifts in your luteal phase.

Before we wrap up—what would you tell someone considering fertility awareness for conception?

Serrita:
Do your research. This method gives you so much insight—beyond just timing. You get real data to support your health. It’s empowering.

Lisa:
And what would you say to someone nervous about joining a group coaching class?

Serrita:
It’s awesome. You’re not alone. The shared experience with women from different backgrounds is powerful. I’ve learned so much from the group.

Lisa:
Thank you, Serrita. This has been a pleasure. I’ll see you in class soon!