This is again considered a female hormone. The root components of the word (“pro” means “for” and “gesterone” means “gestation”) clearly point out the importance of this hormone. It is produced in four areas of the body; the ovaries, the corpus luteum (the ruptured follicle), the adrenal glands – and pregnant women, the placenta. Progesterone is often used to treat PMS. It protects against uterine and breast cancers, osteoporosis, fibrocystic disease and ovarian cysts. Often synthetic progestin is used to replace natural progesterone – and is accompanied by significant side effects.