The role of progesterone during pregnancy

Contents 1 Overview 2 Role of progesterone in a woman 3 Progesterone in pregnancy 4 Levels 5 Effects of progesterone on the body 6 Treatment for low progesterone levels 7 References

Overview

Progesterone is a major hormone in female mentrual cycles and its role is essential in a healthy pregnancy. Progesterone levels are relatively low during the preovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle. Progesterone levels rise after ovulation and stay elevated until a woman gets her period. This phase from ovulation to menstruation is called the luteal phase; the length of this phase is essential for maintaining a pregnancy.

Progesterone is produced in the ovaries, the placenta and the adrenal glands. Before pregnancy and early in pregnancy, the corpeus luteum generates progesterone. Once the placenta is developed (around week 6-8), the placenta takes over the production of progesterone.

Progesterone and estrogen in some ways are interdependent on each other. Healthy progesterone levels can help to drive healthy estrogen levels, which are also important for acheiving and maintaining pregnancy.

Role of progesterone in a woman

• It plays a role in regulating the menstrual cycle.
• It prepares the body for pregnancy.
• It contributes to symptoms of PMS; high levels of progesterone are often the cause of sore breasts, head aches, bloated feelings, etc.
• Very low progesterone levels can lead to skipping or missing periods.
• It helps to develop the lining of the endometrium up until menstruation
• A drop in progesterone levels signals signals to the body to start menstruating, as the uterine lining begins to break down.

Progesterone in pregnancy

• Because progesterone helps to build the endometrial lining, it is important that its levels stay high in pregnancy. A thick lining is key for the healthy implantation of a fertilized egg.
• Low or dropping progesterone levels can be correlated with early miscarriage in pregnancy.
• High progesterone levels inhibit ovulation; (so a woman does not ovulate again after becoming pregnant until she is no longer pregnant.)
• Once a placenta develops in pregnancy, additional progesterone is produced from it. This progesterone helps to protect the placenta through fighting off unwanted cells that might harm the placenta or fetus.
• It strengthens the mucousal lining that covers the cervix; this protects infection from entering the cervix.
• Progesterone levels can inhibit the uterus from having contrations (which might play a role in terminating a pregnancy.)
• It stimulates the growth of milk-producing glands in the breast (often the cause of sore breast in pregnancy.)
• Towards the end of pregnancy, the levels of progesterone drop off. Some believe it is this drop that signals to the body to begin the process of child birth.

Levels

Progesterone levels in the body change, based on where a woman is in her mentrual cycle and in her stage of pregnancy.

Before Pregnancy
Prior to ovulation: Progesterone levels tend to be < 2 ng/ml
After Ovulation: > 5 ng/ml after ovulation

In Pregnancy
Progesterone levels rise with pregnancy. This can often indicate the health of a pregnancy.
First Trimester: 9-47 ng/ml
Second Trimester: 17-147 ng/ml
Third Trimester: 55-200 ng/ml

Effects of progesterone on the body

Rising progesterone levels are responsible for much of the symptoms associated with pregnancy. Here are some of the symptoms associated with higher progesterone levels:

• Headaches
• Food cravings or increased hunger
• Mood swings
• Bloating
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Breast tenderness and swelling

Treatment for low progesterone levels

Low progesterone levels are associated with increased risk of miscarriage in the first trimester. There are many forms of treatment and/or supplementation that help to increase and maintain the production of progesterone. The treatment options listed below are generally followed for the first trimester of pregnancy. Dosages vary based on specific need or deficiency.

• Intra-muscular progesterone injections- self administered for the first trimester of pregnancy
• Oral progesterone capsules (standard or sustained release)
• Micronized progesterone vaginal capsules
• HCG- Human chorionic gonadotropin

If you suspect that you have short luteal phases (length of time from ovulation to menstruation) then you might have a problem with low progesterone levels. If you are trying to get pregnant or have suffered multiple miscarriages, check with your doctor. Your progesterone levels can be tested and treated accordingly.

References

• Wikipedia.org
• Taking Charge of your Fertility by Toni Weschler