Progesterone plays a key role in a woman’s reproductive system. During pregnancy, it helps relax smooth muscle tissue to facilitate embryo implantation and placental development. Understanding the role of progesterone in throughout a woman’s cycle and during pregnancy may offer clues when diagnosing unexplained infertility. Here are some key ways progesterone aids a woman’s reproductive system:
The Role of Progesterone
Menstrual Cycle
Progesterone rises after ovulation, stimulating the growth of the uterine lining. If no conception occurs, progesterone levels drop, triggering menstruation. This cyclic rise and fall regulates the menstrual cycle. For conception, adequate progesterone helps to prime the uterus for implanting an embryo. Doctors can check progesterone levels at different menstrual cycle phases to identify deficiencies. Blood tests measure progesterone around ovulation and in the mid-luteal phase, about a week after ovulation. Low levels may indicate that the corpus luteum is not producing enough progesterone for optimal fertility. Taking progesterone supplements may help regulate the menstrual cycle and treat amenorrhea, better preparing the body for pregnancy later.
Early Pregnancy
Once pregnant, the corpus luteum continues producing progesterone to maintain a thick uterine lining for the developing embryo. Progesterone acts on the uterus to support placental function and helps to suppress immune responses that may prevent the body from accepting the pregnancy. The hormone further aids pregnancy by suppressing preterm labor. Preterm birth prevention may involve prescription progesterone supplements for women with a history of preterm deliveries. Testing may reveal how much additional progesterone a patient needs, and doctors can prescribe supplements for at-risk pregnancies.
Fertility
Insufficient progesterone can impair fertility and early pregnancy and may cause irregular ovulation. Lack of progesterone after ovulation can lead to a thin uterine lining, making implantation difficult. Even with normal ovulation, low progesterone may result in a short luteal phase, limiting the implantation window. Recurrent miscarriages may also signal progesterone issues. Testing may reveal how much additional progesterone a patient needs, and doctors often prescribe supplements during the first trimester to decrease the risk of miscarriage.
Progesterone Deficiencies
Certain medical conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome can increase the risk for low progesterone. Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome may have irregular ovulation, resulting in insufficient progesterone. Thyroid disorders and obesity can also disrupt progesterone levels. Structural problems like uterine fibroids or adhesions may prevent adequate progesterone absorption. High amounts of physical or psychological stress may impair reproductive hormones like progesterone. Depending on the cause, progesterone deficiencies may be treated naturally by eating foods rich in vitamins C and B, zinc, and magnesium. Increased sleep, reduced stress levels, and additional exercise can also help the body increase its progesterone production.
Unexplained Infertility
Testing for progesterone along with other hormones such as estrogen, FSH, and LH throughout the menstrual cycle may pinpoint potential issues. For couples with unexplained infertility, hormone testing can provide insight into potential underlying conditions. Pelvic imaging can identify possible structural abnormalities. Once diagnosed, progesterone deficiencies can be treated to boost fertility. Doctors may recommend lifestyle changes to lower stress, improve diet, increase exercise, and reduce alcohol intake to optimize hormone balance.
Treating Progesterone Deficiencies
Supplements
Taking bioidentical progesterone supplements can help rectify deficiencies and support healthy conception. Supplements provide the extra progesterone the body needs for ovulation, implantation, and early pregnancy. Two common options are progesterone pills or suppositories inserted vaginally where absorption occurs. Doctors tailor the dose and timing of supplements to each patient based on hormone test results. Many fertility specialists prescribe progesterone supplements along with ovulation-inducing medications.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies
Boosting progesterone may assist fertility treatments like intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization (IVF). Supplemental progesterone prepares the uterine lining for accepting embryos. It also can reduce the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, a condition that causes swelling of the ovaries and lowers the body’s natural progesterone production. In IVF cycles, progesterone supplements are continued until the placenta takes over production.
Understand Progesterone in Your Fertility Journey
Unexplained infertility can be challenging to deal with for couples struggling to conceive without obvious cause. New insights into hormonal influences may indicate progesterone deficiency. Testing progesterone levels throughout a woman’s cycle may illuminate underlying issues affecting fertility. Progesterone can optimize every stage, from ovulation to early pregnancy, and by understanding its role, couples can better understand their conception journey. Contact a fertility specialist today to test your progesterone levels and begin a new stage of your conception journey today.