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 lactation process. Next, we discuss the entire role of progesterone in female fertility.
When we mention the word hormones we refer to those chemical substances that the glands of the body secrete, these hormones usually circulate in the blood and are also responsible for controlling all the functions of other organs, they also communicate to the cells of the body what they should do to achieve what the body requires. Progesterone in regard to achieving pregnancy plays an indispensable role.
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, this helps it to pass in a very safe way.
During the period of breastfeeding, progesterone helps prepare the mammary glands so that they can increase the size of the breasts so that it can secrete milk.
In addition, progesterone fulfills other functions such as:
- Helps increase the excretion of chlorine and sodium.
- It manages to increase the secretions of the cervix.
- In the uterine mucosa, progesterone manages to maintain vascularization.
- It manages to exert a relaxing effect on the female uterus.
As for 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 progressively decrease 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, oatmeal, banana or corn.
- All antioxidant foods.
- Vegetables and fruits high in vitamin C.
- The omega-3 it contains: shellfish, olive oil, oily fish, among others.
It is important to keep in mind that progesterone does not make you fat by itself, however, it can produce effects that can be unpleasant, such as fluid retention or a bloated feeling.
progesterone in female fertility
When a woman ovulates and the egg is expelled from the follicle, it is when the phase of the cycle in which progesterone predominates begins. This progesterone will be provided mainly by the corpus luteum or corpus luteum, the resulting structure of the follicle that has ovulated.
The purpose of progesterone is to make the endometrium receptive to the embryo, so that it can receive it, this in the best conditions, if this does not happen, it is there when the endometrium detaches from the uterus and it is expelled from the body, in this case we call it “Menstrual Bleeding”.
In pregnancy, progesterone has many functions, at the beginning of the gestation phase, it manages to maintain the uterine tissue in an optimal way to achieve the development of the fetus. In childbirth, this hormone continues to work, since it follows the stage of breastfeeding.
Progesterone level for female fertility
It is vital for pregnancy to be possible that there is a 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 that is administered exogenously or secreted by the corpus luteum has the job 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 to 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 what is ovulation and menstruation, is what is called the luteal phase and its duration is usually between 12 to 16 days, at this time, progesterone levels tend to increase and the uterine lining thickens in order to create a healthy environment to achieve the implantation of the fertilized egg.
There are women who have a luteal phase that is usually shortened, this of 10 days or much less, this means that these women usually experience very low levels of progesterone and also the uterine lining is 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 hinder a healthy pregnancy.
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 the implantation of eggs and also fetal development.
When detecting a luteal phase defect, this can be treated very easily if you make changes in what is the lifestyle, in addition to having medications that are supportive to progesterone.
Causes of short luteal phase
A woman can develop a short luteal phase when her body fails to produce enough progesterone. The short luteal phase or luteal phase deficiency can be caused by certain health conditions that usually place women at greater risk, among which we can mention are:
- Overactive or underactive thyroid problems.
- Stress.
- Anorexia.
- 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 allows to help the development of pregnancy or to treat other possible problems, let's see 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 that nothing that can be easily controlled fails. For this reason, since progesterone levels can be easily controlled with blood tests and by providing progesterone vaginally, orally or by injection, it is normally provided as the usual protocol until well into pregnancy. The medical team will be in charge of assessing the dose, via and repeating any analysis if necessary.
Artificial progesterone (Risk of miscarriage)
Abortion can occur during pregnancy when there is a low level of hormones, that is why, to avoid an involuntary interruption of pregnancy, it is through the external supply of progesterone, this process manages to normalize the hormonal levels of the woman and It also allows the pregnancy to continue.
Artificial progesterone (changes in menstruation)
In many women, by artificially supplying progesterone, the body will continue to not menstruate until the progesterone is removed from the body. The body does not know whether it is a progesterone that comes from outside or the ovaries continue to produce progesterone through the corpus luteum. So, if you are undergoing assisted reproduction and your period does not come, 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 what 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 that the medication guideline is very clear.
Progesterone Side Effects
It is important to mention that progesterone can cause side effects, such as:
- Drowsiness.
- Nausea, dizziness or headaches are indicative that you should take into account, it is also necessary to go to the 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 leaflet or consult your pharmacy.
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