During ovulation, the ovary produces progesterone, which consequently assists in the production of other hormones like estrogen. At the time of ovulation, progesterone is responsible for an increase in body temperature, which lasts during most of the luteal phase. This temperature rise can often be charted during family planning.
Low Progesterone as Cause of Infertility or Miscarriage
Low progesterone is a very common cause of infertility in women. Progesterone is responsible for creating a proper environment for a fetus. Progesterone levels are supposed to increase upon fertilization of the egg. The hormone then supports the pregnancy by increasing tissue development in the uterus where the embryo will attach. Proper progesterone levels will delay the shedding of the endometrium, which causes menstruation. However, if progesterone levels are low in the first several weeks of pregnancy, a miscarriage may occur. After the first trimester, progesterone production is taken over by the placenta.
Symptoms of Low Progesterone
Women may experience just a few symptoms, or many of them. Not all symptoms mean low progesterone, but if a woman is having recurrent miscarriages she should assess her symptoms and present them to her physician.
Symptoms of low progesterone include:
- Infertility
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Depression
- Irritability and anxiety
- Fibrocystic breasts
- Gallbladder disease
- Low Blood Sugar
- Panic attacks
- Water retention
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Blood clots during menstruation
- Magnesium deficiency
- Vaginal dryness
- Breast tenderness
- Painful Intercourse
- Headaches linked to menstrual cycle
- Bladder infection
- Night sweats
- Sleeping problems
- Weight gain (unexplained)
- Memory loss
- Reduced libido
Causes of Low Progesterone
High levels of estrogen, insulin resistance, chronic stress, malnutrition, insufficient exercise or certain medications can cause low progesterone. Sometimes the cause of low progesterone levels is either never researched or never found.
Detecting Low Progesterone
Progesterone is typically documented in one of three ways:
- A woman can chart her own fertility cycle, recording a rise in temperature at ovulation to ensure that progesterone is being produced
- By taking a blood test after ovulation
- By taking note of a short luteal phase. The luteal phase is the time between ovulation and the day before a woman’s next period begins. Luteal phases shorter than ten days often indicate a low level of progesterone.
Treating Low Progesterone
Before a woman can diagnose and begin treating low progesterone levels, her doctor will most likely need to have documentation recording recurrent miscarriages. Doctors will generally not check progesterone levels without sufficient evidence that it is necessary.
If low progesterone levels are found, doctors may prescribe progesterone capsules, injections, vaginal suppositories, or natural progesterone creams. These will supplement the hormone sufficiently to maintain the pregnancy by preparing the uterine wall for egg implantation and sustaining the endometrium.
Overview
Low progesterone levels have been found in many women who have suffered recurrent miscarriages or who are unable to get pregnant. It is important that these women are educated about progesterone hormone therapy to increase their chances of sustaining a healthy pregnancy.
 |
