Low progesterone can cause many problems during pregnancy!

What is Progesterone? Why is low progesterone dangerous to the fetus? How to limit this?

Progesterone levels that are too low can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth . Therefore, this symptom is being concerned by many mothers. First of all, please learn the concept, symptoms and treatment with aFamilyToday Health.

What is Progesterone?

Progesterone is the main female sex hormone secreted in the ovaries after each monthly ovulation. It plays an important role in the menstrual cycle and maintaining pregnancy.

Progesterone helps regulate the menstrual cycle and is primarily responsible for keeping the uterus ready for pregnancy. After ovulation, progesterone thickens the lining of the uterus (the lining of the uterus) in preparation for fertilization of the egg cells. If fertilization does not occur, progesterone levels drop and menstruation begins. If an egg fertilizes the uterine wall, progesterone helps maintain this endothelium throughout pregnancy .

Progesterone is an essential hormone for breast development as well as milk production. It will provide additional support for estrogen. In addition, progesterone plays an important role in the formation of testosterone, because it is a precursor to the adrenal hormone.

It is also interesting to note that men also produce small amounts of progesterone for sperm growth.

Is low progesterone a concern?

Progesterone is especially important in reproductive age . If you have a progesterone deficiency, you will most likely experience problems during pregnancy. After ovulation, progesterone levels need to be increased to help the uterine lining thicken to facilitate fertilization of the egg. If the endothelium is not thick enough, fertilization will not occur.

For women who are not pregnant, symptoms of low blood progesterone levels include:

Headache or migraine;

Mood changes, including anxiety or depression ;

Reduced libido;

Frequent anger;

The menstrual cycle is irregular.

In these women, low progesterone levels can also cause abnormal uterine bleeding.

Effects of progesterone deficiency on pregnant women

For pregnant women, symptoms of low progesterone are dripping vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain. In addition, low progesterone can also cause anemia or ectopic pregnancy.

During pregnancy, you will still need progesterone until your baby is born. If progesterone levels are too low, the uterus will not be able to hold the full term fetus, which means it is possible to have a premature birth.

If you don't supplement with progesterone, estrogen becomes the dominant hormone. It can cause many different symptoms:

Weight gain;

Decreased libido, mood swings or depression;

Premenopausal syndrome, irregular menstruation, heavy bleeding;

Chest tightness, fibrosis of the breast;

Fibroids, endometriosis;

Gallbladder problems;

Thyroid dysfunction.

Quantification of progesterone concentrations

A progesterone test (PGSN) will help the doctor determine if progesterone levels are too low. This is a simple blood test without any prior preparation.

Testing will show evidence why you are having trouble getting pregnant, and will also help determine if you are likely to ovulate. It is also used as an alternative to other hormone therapy or to check the health of pregnant women.

Progesterone levels will fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle and will peak about 7 days before your period. Progesterone levels during pregnancy are always above normal values ​​and will increase even more if you have multiple pregnancies.

Poor ovarian function can also be a cause of low progesterone. During menopause, estrogen and progesterone levels naturally drop. Postmenopausal people will have lower progesterone levels than people of childbearing age.

What to do when progesterone is low?

If you want to have a baby, hormone therapy progesterone can help thicken the lining of the uterus. This will increase your chances of having a healthy pregnancy and a full term pregnancy. Hormone therapy also helps to improve menstrual irregularities and bleeding irregularities.

For severe symptoms during menopause, you need to balance and regulate both estrogen and progesterone levels. Mothers having higher levels of estrogen than progesterone increase the risk of cancer of the endometrium.

Hormone therapy may also help relieve symptoms such as irritability, night sweats, and vaginal dryness, while also helping to improve mood in some women. It also reduces the risk of osteoporosis and diabetes.

What to note when using hormone therapy?

Hormone therapy can increase your risk of stroke, blood clots, and gallbladder problems. If you have breast or endometrial cancer, your doctor will not recommend this therapy. Women with a history of liver disease, thrombosis, or stroke should also not receive the therapy.

Hormone therapy promises a long-term solution, especially in postmenopausal women. aFamilyToday Health recommends that you see your doctor to reassess your treatment each year.