Risks of Low Progesterone Levels in Early Pregnancy
Progesterone is a hormone produced by the ovaries that is responsible for thickening the lining of the uterus and preparing it for the implantation of a fertilized egg. Women who suffer from low progesterone levels prior to conception and during ovulation may have a difficult time conceiving. Those who do manage to successfully conceive are at an increased risk for miscarriage without the proper amount of progesterone to safely maintain the pregnancy.
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Function
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During a woman's reproductive cycle, the egg is released from the follicle, called the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone for approximately 12 to 16 days. After fertilization, the corpus luteum continues to produce progesterone until the placenta takes over at 10 weeks. Progesterone maintains a healthy pregnancy until birth, and without sufficient amounts of the hormone a miscarriage will occur. It prevents uterine contractions, inhibits immune responses and decreases prostaglandins, which are hormonelike substances that control blood pressure.
Identification
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Progesterone naturally rises significantly after ovulation in preparation for the uterus to receive a fertilized egg. By charting the basal body temperature each month prior to conception, a woman can estimate if her progesterone levels are adequate. A rise in progesterone is accompanied by a rise in body temperature, therefore, if body temperature does not rise consistently after ovulation a health care provider should be contacted to determine if all hormones are at the recommended levels.
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Considerations
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Women who have insufficient progesterone production may also have low estrogen levels since estrogen is responsible for regulating progesterone. Estrogen and progesterone work together intricately to ensure proper fetal development throughout pregnancy. While testing specifically for progesterone levels is not routine at many health care facilities because of the expense and inexperience of health care provider interpretations, a health care professional can conduct a simple blood, urine or saliva test to determine if other hormones, including estrogen, are at adequate levels.
Prevention/Solution
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Progesterone creams can be applied after ovulation to supplement a woman's natural progesterone. Also, vaginal progesterone suppositories can be used one to two times per day starting a day or two before ovulation and continuing for up to 11 weeks after ovulation has occurred. Progesterone supplements are designed to increase progesterone as ovulation occurs and continuing afterward, but are unlikely to raise progesterone levels the proper amount if started after receiving a positive pregnancy test.
Warning
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Women with low progesterone levels and who are considering the use of progesterone supplements should discuss the possible risks and side effects with a health care professional. Progesterone supplements should be used only under the supervision of a doctor and dosage instructions should be carefully followed. Contact a health care professional immediately if any adverse reactions are noticed while taking progesterone supplements.
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