The role of progesterone in female fertility and assisted reproduction
In pregnancy, progesterone is an essential hormone for its development, this is because progesterone influences menstruation and during the breastfeeding process. Next, we discuss the entire role of progesterone in female fertility.
When we mention the word hormones we are referring to those chemical substances that the body's glands secrete. These hormones usually circulate through the blood and are also responsible for controlling all the functions of other organs. They also communicate to the body's cells what they should do. to achieve what the body requires. Progesterone plays an indispensable role in achieving pregnancy.
What is progesterone?
Progesterone is nothing more than a female sex hormone that usually released first in the ovaries and then in the placenta, its function is related to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Progesterone seeks to condition the endometrium to facilitate the implantation of the embryo in it, in pregnancy, it helps it to proceed very safely.
During the breastfeeding period, progesterone helps prepare the mammary glands so that they can increase the size of the breasts so that milk can be secreted.
In addition, progesterone fulfills other functions such as:
- Helps increase the excretion of chlorine and sodium.
- It manages to increase cervical secretions.
- In the uterine mucosa, progesterone manages to maintain vascularization.
- It manages to exert a relaxing effect on the female uterus.
Regarding its production, progesterone begins to be produced after puberty in women, this when they have their first menstruation, then it will be produced in each menstrual cycle and little by little it will decrease progressively until menopause arrives.
Among the foods that help improve progesterone levels are the following:
- Foods rich in zinc, such as: nuts, seeds, legumes, among others.
- Foods rich in Vitamin B, such as: avocado, oats, banana or corn.
- All the antioxidant foods.
- Vegetables and fruits high in vitamin C.
- The omega-3 it contains: seafood, olive oil, blue fish, among others.
It is important to keep in mind that progesterone does not make you gain weight by itself, however, it can produce effects that may be unpleasant, such as fluid retention or a feeling of bloating.
Progesterone in female fertility
When a woman ovulates and the egg is expelled from the follicle, this is when the phase of the cycle in which progesterone predominates begins. This progesterone will be provided mainly by the corpus luteum or yellow body, the resulting structure of the follicle that has ovulated.
Progesterone aims to make the endometrium receptive to the embryo, so that it can accommodate it, this in the best conditions. If this fails to happen, that is when the endometrium detaches from the uterus and is expelled from the body. In this case we call it “Menstrual Bleeding”.
During pregnancy, progesterone has many functions. At the beginning of the gestation phase, it manages to maintain the uterine tissue optimally to achieve the development of the fetus. During childbirth, this hormone continues to work, since the breastfeeding stage continues.
Progesterone level for female fertility
It is vital for pregnancy to be possible that there is hormonal balance, this in all phases of your cycle. During the first phase of the cycle having high levels and during the second phase of the cycle low levels would prevent pregnancy from occurring.
Progesterone, which is administered exogenously or secreted by the corpus luteum, has the task of making the proliferative endometrium can become secretory, this so that it produces the implantation of the embryo.
Progesterone levels during pregnancy usually increase progressively:
- During the first trimester of pregnancy, it increases from 10 ng/ml to 44 ng/ml.
- In the second trimester of pregnancy, it is between 19.5 and 82.5 ng/ml.
- During the third trimester of pregnancy, it increases from 65 to 290 ng/ml.
Luteal phase deficiency
The period of time between ovulation and menstruation is called the luteal phase and its duration is usually between 12 to 16 days. During this time, progesterone levels usually increase and the uterine lining thickens. in order to create a healthy environment to achieve implantation of the fertilized egg.
There are women who have a luteal phase that is usually shortened, 10 days or much less, this means that these women usually experience very low levels of progesterone and the uterine lining is also usually thinner, this makes it more difficult to stay or stay pregnant.
In this sense, when there is a defect in the luteal phase we find ourselves in a fertility condition that affects the ovulation cycle in women and, furthermore, this can make a healthy pregnancy difficult.
In this sense, it is characterized by having low levels of progesterone, which means that a luteal phase defect can inhibit the growth of the uterine lining necessary to achieve egg implantation and also fetal development.
When detecting a luteal phase defect, this can be treated very easily if changes are made in lifestyle, in addition to having medications that are supportive to progesterone.
The causes of the short luteal phase
A woman may develop a short luteal phase when her body fails to produce enough progesterone. The short luteal phase or luteal phase deficiency can occur due to certain health conditions that usually place women at greater risk, among which we can mention:
- Overactive or underactive thyroid problems.
- Stress.
- Anorexy.
- Age.
- Excessive exercises.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Obesity, among others.
Assisted reproduction (artificial progesterone)
There are some cases where it is essential to introduce progesterone externally, this helps the development of the pregnancy or to treat other possible problems. Let's look at some of the cases, where assisted reproduction (artificial progesterone) is indicated.
Assisted reproduction with in vitro fertilization
When a woman or a couple is undergoing an assisted reproduction process, care is taken to ensure that nothing that can be easily controlled fails. Therefore, since progesterone levels can be easily controlled with blood tests and providing progesterone vaginally, orally or by injection, it is normally provided as a standard protocol well into pregnancy. The medical team will be in charge of evaluating the doses, routes and repeating any analysis if necessary.
Artificial progesterone (Risk of miscarriage)
Abortion can occur during pregnancy when there is a low level of hormones, which is why, to avoid an involuntary interruption of pregnancy, it is through the external contribution of progesterone, this process manages to normalize the woman's hormonal levels and It also allows pregnancy to continue.
Artificial progesterone (changes in menstruation)
In many women, when progesterone is provided artificially, the body will continue without menstruation until the progesterone is removed from the body. The body does not know how to distinguish if it is a progesterone that comes from outside or if the ovaries continue to produce progesterone through the corpus luteum. So, if you are undergoing assisted reproduction and you do not get your period, it is very important that before withdrawing any medication, you take a pregnancy test and discuss it with your specialists.
Methods of administration of artificial progesterone
To introduce progesterone artificially, there are several means, among the most used are:
The injections
This procedure consists of placing daily injections in the buttocks or thigh that are normally prescribed by the specialist.
Vaginal suppositories and vaginal gel
These are also usually prescribed by specialists, this will depend on the woman.
Tablets or oral tablets
It is another route, for some women it is the most desired route because it does not involve vaginal manipulation or punctures.
In any case, your specialist will tell you which progesterone he considers most suitable for you, the dose and how often you should repeat the intake. If something is not clear to you or you want to discuss something with your gynecologist, do not hesitate to ask and have the medication regimen very clear.
Progesterone side effects
It is important to mention that progesterone can cause side effects, such as:
- Drowsiness.
- Nausea, dizziness or headaches are indicators that you should take into account, and it is also necessary to see a specialist.
- Fluid retention is a factor that can cause swelling and pain in the breasts, this is due to the development of the mammary glands and also causes fluid and liquid retention.
Remember, when in doubt, ask your specialist, read the information on the medication's leaflet or consult your pharmacy.
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