Why is Progesterone so Important during Pregnancy?
As a result of talking to many women going through miscarriage scares. I have learned a bit about the importance of progesterone and how it is an issue in some pregnancies. Too many doctors downplay the significance of supplements during the first trimester.
I am hoping the information on this page will educate women on the importance of progesterone, whether it might be an issue in their own pregnancy and whether they should discuss this issue with their physicians.
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I am not a medical professional. The information I share is meant to supplement the information given you by your doctor. If you feel your doctor is not doing enough for you or not willing to listen to your concerns, I strongly encourage you to take what you've learned here and get a second opinion.
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Progesterone, Why is it so Important?
the keep-it-simple version
After reading the stories at Saving Babies Online I am really interested in the role progesterone plays in miscarriage. I would just like to pass on a bit of what I've learned in hopes it may help somebody else.
The Importance of Progesterone:
Progesterone is important not only to keeping a pregnancy but also may determine whether or not you conceive. During your cycle, the uterine lining grows thicker in anticiption of a fertilized egg and progesterone helps ensure the endometrium (lining) is ready. Progesterone is responsible for preparing the uterus for implantation. If you have low progesterone, chances are the baby will not be able to implant which may result in a chemical pregnancy. And, low progesterone may keep you from ovulating. Keep in mind that once both estrogen and progesterone levels drop, your body prepares to break down the lining and thus your period begins. If your progesterone is dropping during pregnancy, you are in danger of losing the baby.
Some symptoms of low progesterone:
If you have short cycles (25 days or under), you may have low progesterone. As women age, progesterone may decrease as well. Other symptoms may be severe PMS and weight gain. Stress, whichs stimulates cortisol production, will also decrease progesterone production making conception more difficult and could jeopardize a pregnancy. Progesterone actually produces a more calming effect than cortisol which increases stress
Natural or Synthetic (man-made) Progesterone:
Although I'm reading alot on the benefits of both synthetic and natural progesterone in maintaining a pregnancy, there does seem to be some consensus that synthetic progesterone may cause some birth defects. I haven't really seen that those studies are reproduceable and am unsure how valid they are, but the risk of birth defects should be taken into consideration. Natural progesterone, however, looks to be much safer with no side effects as long as you don't overload yourself with it. Also topical progesterone and injected progesterone seems to be more effective than progesterone taken orally.
What it boils down to is this:
If you have short cycles, have suffered from infertility or are a bit older than the average mother, you may want to have your progesterone checked. The best time to get checked is around the time of ovulation so you can begin taking supplements if needed. Natural progesterone seems to be a safer than synthetic progesterone and can aid in both achieving and maintaining a pregnancy. Take what you've learned about progesterone to your doctor. If you have a doctor who is not open to testing for progesterone, it may be time to find a new doctor.
Hope this helps.
The Importance of Progesterone:
Progesterone is important not only to keeping a pregnancy but also may determine whether or not you conceive. During your cycle, the uterine lining grows thicker in anticiption of a fertilized egg and progesterone helps ensure the endometrium (lining) is ready. Progesterone is responsible for preparing the uterus for implantation. If you have low progesterone, chances are the baby will not be able to implant which may result in a chemical pregnancy. And, low progesterone may keep you from ovulating. Keep in mind that once both estrogen and progesterone levels drop, your body prepares to break down the lining and thus your period begins. If your progesterone is dropping during pregnancy, you are in danger of losing the baby.
Some symptoms of low progesterone:
If you have short cycles (25 days or under), you may have low progesterone. As women age, progesterone may decrease as well. Other symptoms may be severe PMS and weight gain. Stress, whichs stimulates cortisol production, will also decrease progesterone production making conception more difficult and could jeopardize a pregnancy. Progesterone actually produces a more calming effect than cortisol which increases stress
Natural or Synthetic (man-made) Progesterone:
Although I'm reading alot on the benefits of both synthetic and natural progesterone in maintaining a pregnancy, there does seem to be some consensus that synthetic progesterone may cause some birth defects. I haven't really seen that those studies are reproduceable and am unsure how valid they are, but the risk of birth defects should be taken into consideration. Natural progesterone, however, looks to be much safer with no side effects as long as you don't overload yourself with it. Also topical progesterone and injected progesterone seems to be more effective than progesterone taken orally.
What it boils down to is this:
If you have short cycles, have suffered from infertility or are a bit older than the average mother, you may want to have your progesterone checked. The best time to get checked is around the time of ovulation so you can begin taking supplements if needed. Natural progesterone seems to be a safer than synthetic progesterone and can aid in both achieving and maintaining a pregnancy. Take what you've learned about progesterone to your doctor. If you have a doctor who is not open to testing for progesterone, it may be time to find a new doctor.
Hope this helps.
What are Typical Progesterone Levels?
(taken from fertilityplus.org 's website)
Mid-Luteal Phase
5+ ng/ml -- A level of 5 indicates some kind of ovulatory activity, though most doctors want to see a level over 10 on unmedicated cycles, and over 15 with medications. There is no mid-luteal level that predicts pregnancy.
First Trimester
10-90 ng/ml -- Average is about 20 at 4 weeks LMP, and 40 at 14 weeks LMP. It is important to note that while a higher progesterone level corresponds with higher pregnancy success rates, one cannot fully predict outcome based on progesterone levels.
Second Trimester
25-90 ng/ml Average is 40 at beginning, 90 at end.
Third Trimester 49-423 ng/ml Usually peaks at about 175.
One note, FertilityPlus has some wonderful information, however, they do take the stance that beginning progesterone supplements after a positive test is unlikely to do much. I've been able to find studies online to contradict that opinion. I'll be sharing some of those studies on this page as well.
Mid-Luteal Phase
5+ ng/ml -- A level of 5 indicates some kind of ovulatory activity, though most doctors want to see a level over 10 on unmedicated cycles, and over 15 with medications. There is no mid-luteal level that predicts pregnancy.
First Trimester
10-90 ng/ml -- Average is about 20 at 4 weeks LMP, and 40 at 14 weeks LMP. It is important to note that while a higher progesterone level corresponds with higher pregnancy success rates, one cannot fully predict outcome based on progesterone levels.
Second Trimester
25-90 ng/ml Average is 40 at beginning, 90 at end.
Third Trimester 49-423 ng/ml Usually peaks at about 175.
One note, FertilityPlus has some wonderful information, however, they do take the stance that beginning progesterone supplements after a positive test is unlikely to do much. I've been able to find studies online to contradict that opinion. I'll be sharing some of those studies on this page as well.
Studies involving Progesterone
why progesterone may be more important than you or your doctor realize
Some studies I have stumbled across in my quest for more information on progesterone in pregnancy. I'll post the conclusions of the studies. Feel free to take a look at the links and then take this information and discuss it with your healthcare provider.
more to follow...
A combination treatment of prednisone, aspirin, folate, and progesterone in women with idiopathic recurrent miscarriage: a matched-pair study.
In a nutshell, this study found that taking this combination resulted in a much higher rate of live births (77% vs. 35% in the group who were not treated) in women who have had recurrent miscarriages.
Use of synthetic progestogen in the treatment of threatened habitual miscarriage
Synthetic progestogen was begun no earlier than 7 weeks in women who were 7 to 16 weeks pregnant and experiencing a threatened miscarriage. Of those studied, approximately 8% miscarried, 9% experienced preterm birth and 82% gave birth 'normally'.
Effects of vaginal progesterone on pain and uterine contractility in patients with threatened abortion before twelve weeks of pregnancy.
This study found that the use of vaginal progesterone diminished pain and contractions in women with threatened abortion. They also found that the placebo group had twice the miscarriage rate of the supplemented group.
Estrogen Dominance: Losing the Healthy Hormonal Balance
This article discusses estrogen and progesterone imbalances. Some of the reasons given why women of childbearing age may have low progeterone: toxins, contraceptive use, stress, extremes in diet and exercise, or xenoestrogens found in foods.
more to follow...
A combination treatment of prednisone, aspirin, folate, and progesterone in women with idiopathic recurrent miscarriage: a matched-pair study.
In a nutshell, this study found that taking this combination resulted in a much higher rate of live births (77% vs. 35% in the group who were not treated) in women who have had recurrent miscarriages.
Use of synthetic progestogen in the treatment of threatened habitual miscarriage
Synthetic progestogen was begun no earlier than 7 weeks in women who were 7 to 16 weeks pregnant and experiencing a threatened miscarriage. Of those studied, approximately 8% miscarried, 9% experienced preterm birth and 82% gave birth 'normally'.
Effects of vaginal progesterone on pain and uterine contractility in patients with threatened abortion before twelve weeks of pregnancy.
This study found that the use of vaginal progesterone diminished pain and contractions in women with threatened abortion. They also found that the placebo group had twice the miscarriage rate of the supplemented group.
Estrogen Dominance: Losing the Healthy Hormonal Balance
This article discusses estrogen and progesterone imbalances. Some of the reasons given why women of childbearing age may have low progeterone: toxins, contraceptive use, stress, extremes in diet and exercise, or xenoestrogens found in foods.
Learning More About Progesterone
Dr. John Lee's Hormone Balance Made Simple: The Essential How-to Guide to Symptoms, Dosage, Timing, and More
Dr. Lee is recommended on several sites dealing with progesterone and miscarriage, including Saving Babies Online
Amazon Price: $9.74 (as of 12/27/2009) 
After Miscarriage: Medical Facts and Emotional Support for Pregnancy Loss
Ms. Danielsson writes an excellent blog on miscarriage and miscarriage related topics at about.com
Amazon Price: (as of 12/27/2009)
My Stories
and articles
My Own Misdiagnosed Blighted Ovum Story
- After turning down the D&C twice, we found my baby at nearly nine weeks!
My First Misdiagnosed Miscarriage
- During my first pregnancy, we believed I was miscarrying at 12 weeks
A collection of Misdiagnosed Miscarriage stories
Bleeding during the First Trimester
What your Doctor may not know about your pregnancy after IVF
Coping With A Miscarriage
Miscarriage News and Research
hCG levels and Pregnancy FAQ
When You've Been Diagnosed with a Miscarriage
Tilted Uterus and Early Pregnancy
16 Days Past Ovulation (DPO) and hCG levels
Blighted Ovum FAQ
Infant Survival Rates during Pregnancy
Progesterone and Miscarriage
Asherman's Syndrome: Why you may want to rethink your D&C
So You've Been Told You Have A Blighted Ovum
Non-Doubling hCG Levels in the First Trimester Do Not Mean Inevitable Miscarriage!
Can Stress Lead to Miscarriage?
The First Trimester: Enlarged Yolk Sac
Getting a Second Opinion about a Miscarriage Diagnosis
Why You May Want an Ultrasound Right Before Your D&C
Is This Really an Ectopic Pregnancy?
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I'd love to hear from you
If I don't reply to you here, please feel free to e-mail me directly at bonzobean@gmail.com
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- Joanne Wallace Joanne Wallace Dec 24, 2009 @ 1:29 pm
- I first became pregnant at the age of 19 in 1973 after several miscarriages, with one being at 5 months gestation and this baby was sent to Toronto Children's hospital for chromosone study and found him perfect; almost 10 years later I was prescribed progesterone suppositories and had a healthy baby girl in 1983, and again with progesterone had a healthy baby boy in 1987...At this time I was diagnosed with a very inactive Thyroid condition Hypothyroid...I had very bad acne as a teen...could I have had Thyroid Disease long before it was diagnosed? Therefore contributing to low progesterone levels?..My children are now 26 and 23 and beautiful. Glad I persisted through 10 years of miscarriages.....Thanks for reading me!
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- Depressed and Confused Depressed and Confused Dec 24, 2009 @ 4:36 pm
- I lost twins last year at about 12 or 13 weeks, my progesterone levels dropped significantly within days. Earlier this month I lost my baby girl at 23 weeks, my waters broke. I was put on vaginal progesterone at the very beginning of this pregnancy and still lost her. I don't know what if I did something to cause this miscarriage. Is there something wrong with my uterus??? I don't what steps to take next.
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- Nov 12, 2009 @ 4:41 pm
- I had two miscarriages in a row and became convinced it was a progesterone issue although my doctor dismissed this and said there were "mixed opinions" if progesterone supplements had any affect at all. I found a new doctor after calling around and asking about their use of progesterone. My current doctor uses it frequently with his patients. I became pregnant my first cycle after my second miscarriage. My progesterone was 11 and falling fast, even on progesterone suppositories. They quickly switched me to injectable progesterone and my levels jumped up to 20+ within a day or two. I now have a three week old daughter. It is a simple test to determine your progesterone levels and the supplements are easily accessible and affordable...make sure your doctor listens to your concerns or find another physician. We almost lost this pregnancy as well and I attribute our healthy, beautiful girl to progesterone.
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- Anna_D Anna_D Oct 17, 2009 @ 11:09 am
- Excellent insight. Very good lens.
A
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- Samantha Samantha Aug 20, 2009 @ 2:45 am
- My husband and I have many fertility issues. I have PCOS, and do not have period or ovulate on my own. My husband has a low sperm count. After 14 days of progesterone to induce a period and 50 mg of clomid we finally became pregnant! Then at 11 weeks I miscarried, I knew something was wrong, I was bleeding heavily and my doctor would not listen to me, he said it was normal. He never opened the blood work he ordered to check my progesterone. I am not pregnant with my second child and a different ( and better ) doctor has already started me on a daily progesterone supplament, she believes my miscarriage was caused my lack of progesterone causing me to shed my lining. Please trust your gut, this is important! If something doesn't seem right, and you feel like you are being ignored seek a second of thrid opinion. You can never get back that baby you lost, or get rid of those feelings.
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by Cari_Kay
Hello. My name is Kay. I'm not a medical professional but due to life's twists and turns, I've learned a bit about topics like miscarriage (as well... (more)
