Miscarriage Due to Low Progesterone
A miscarriage is often unexplained. Chromosomal abnormalities, or an otherwise nonviable pregnancy are often to blame. Low progesterone levels, however, aren't a common cause of miscarriage.
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Misconceptions
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Although, some women believe low progesterone levels cause miscarriage, it is usually the other way around. Usually, there are low progesterone levels because of a nonviable pregnancy.
Timing
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A miscarriage indicated by low progesterone levels typically occurs before 9 weeks. It is then the placenta takes over progesterone production, according to Dr. Amy Tuteur, a Harvard College and Boston University School of Medicine obstetrician-gynecologist at AskDrAmy.com
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Treatment
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Some doctors prescribe progesterone suppositories to boost hormone levels. This treatment, however, is not successful unless the woman actually has the uncommon condition of low progesterone, which often leads to repeat miscarriages, says Dr. Tuteur.
Luteal Phase Defect
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The only time progesterone is certainly to blame for miscarriage is when the corpus luteum doesn't produce enough hormones during ovulation.
Self Correcting Problem
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In most women, a luteal phase defect can correct itself during the next ovulation cycle, so there is no need for concern in the future.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Josh Parrish
