By Rut Gómez de Segura (Gynaecologist – Reg. No. 28/2908776).
Progesterone is the hormone responsible for preparing the endometrium for embryo implantation and for maintaining foetal development throughout pregnancy, especially in the first trimester.
We review the role of this steroid hormone, which is a key element in achieving pregnancy.
Progesterone is formed in the ovaries after ovulation. It originates in the corpus luteum of the ovarian follicle and its purpose is to prepare the endometrium for embryo implantation. This hormone also promotes the growth of the placenta, regulates the maternal immune response so that the body does not reject the embryo and prepares the mammary glands to produce milk after birth. From 8-10 weeks the placenta takes over the production of progesterone, ensuring its continuity throughout gestation.
But it does not work alone, it works in balance with other hormones such as oestrogen, hCG, Prolactin, Oxytocin and Cortisol, among others, to ensure the proper development of the foetus.
Progesterone levels are critical during the luteal phase and during pregnancy. In fact, low progesterone levels during early stages can increase the risk of miscarriage. Therefore, supplemental progesterone is sometimes administered to enhance its protective effect.
In assisted reproduction, progesterone levels are monitored to ensure that the endometrium is in optimal condition for implantation. Poor coordination between the embryo and the endometrium due to inadequate progesterone levels can reduce success rates.
The role of progesterone in assisted reproductive treatments, such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF), is critical to the smooth development of a pregnancy. It is administered to ensure that the endometrium is receptive and can support embryo implantation, but it also helps prevent uterine contractions that could complicate pregnancy.
On the other hand, progesterone levels can be altered during the ovarian stimulation that takes place during assisted reproduction treatments. It is therefore closely monitored to ensure that it is at optimal levels.
In general, high levels of progesterone are not usually harmful. However, the clinical context is key to interpreting its significance. In addition to pregnancy, an elevated progesterone level may be due to the use of hormonal medications, the presence of functional ovarian cysts, adrenal hyperplasia, or even progesterone-producing tumours such as ovarian or adrenal tumours.
Treatment will depend on the underlying cause, which may include hormone regulation, changes in medication or specific treatments depending on the diagnosed condition.
Low progesterone levels can be caused by a number of different circumstances, such as corpus luteum insufficiency (which can make embryo implantation difficult), anovulation, chronic stress or thyroid problems.
Treatment may include progesterone supplements in different forms (oral, injectable, vaginal) or adjustments to diet and lifestyle to improve hormone production naturally.
It is usually performed in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (between days 21 and 28 of the menstrual cycle) to assess whether ovulation has taken place. A blood test is performed and helps diagnose hormonal disorders or fertility problems.
Normal progesterone levels vary according to the phase of the menstrual cycle:
In fertility, it is common to monitor progesterone levels during ovarian stimulation and before embryo transfer. It may even be necessary to take measurements on the day of the pregnancy test.
Progesterone can be administered in various ways depending on the needs of each patient. It can be administered orally (in the form of tablets), vaginally with gels for local absorption or capsules, progesterone injectable in oil for prolonged release or through creams or gels applied to the skin.
Taking progesterone is safe, but always under medical supervision. Progesterone is a hormone that the body produces naturally, but sometimes it is necessary to supply it synthetically. Its use can cause fatigue or drowsiness, mood swings or fluid retention, as well as breast tenderness, dizziness or nausea. However, the benefits always outweigh the risks.
As with any hormone treatment, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions and report any unexpected symptoms so that the dose or method of administration can be adjusted if necessary.
Progesterone is the hormone responsible for preparing the endometrium for embryo implantation and for maintaining foetal development throughout pregnancy, especially in the first trimester.
We review the role of this steroid hormone, which is a key element in achieving pregnancy.
Progesterone is formed in the ovaries after ovulation. It originates in the corpus luteum of the ovarian follicle and its purpose is to prepare the endometrium for embryo implantation. This hormone also promotes the growth of the placenta, regulates the maternal immune response so that the body does not reject the embryo and prepares the mammary glands to produce milk after birth. From 8-10 weeks the placenta takes over the production of progesterone, ensuring its continuity throughout gestation.
But it does not work alone, it works in balance with other hormones such as oestrogen, hCG, Prolactin, Oxytocin and Cortisol, among others, to ensure the proper development of the foetus.
Progesterone levels are critical during the luteal phase and during pregnancy. In fact, low progesterone levels during early stages can increase the risk of miscarriage. Therefore, supplemental progesterone is sometimes administered to enhance its protective effect.
In assisted reproduction, progesterone levels are monitored to ensure that the endometrium is in optimal condition for implantation. Poor coordination between the embryo and the endometrium due to inadequate progesterone levels can reduce success rates.
The role of progesterone in assisted reproductive treatments, such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF), is critical to the smooth development of a pregnancy. It is administered to ensure that the endometrium is receptive and can support embryo implantation, but it also helps prevent uterine contractions that could complicate pregnancy.
On the other hand, progesterone levels can be altered during the ovarian stimulation that takes place during assisted reproduction treatments. It is therefore closely monitored to ensure that it is at optimal levels.
In general, high levels of progesterone are not usually harmful. However, the clinical context is key to interpreting its significance. In addition to pregnancy, an elevated progesterone level may be due to the use of hormonal medications, the presence of functional ovarian cysts, adrenal hyperplasia, or even progesterone-producing tumours such as ovarian or adrenal tumours.
Treatment will depend on the underlying cause, which may include hormone regulation, changes in medication or specific treatments depending on the diagnosed condition.
Low progesterone levels can be caused by a number of different circumstances, such as corpus luteum insufficiency (which can make embryo implantation difficult), anovulation, chronic stress or thyroid problems.
Treatment may include progesterone supplements in different forms (oral, injectable, vaginal) or adjustments to diet and lifestyle to improve hormone production naturally.
It is usually performed in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (between days 21 and 28 of the menstrual cycle) to assess whether ovulation has taken place. A blood test is performed and helps diagnose hormonal disorders or fertility problems.
Normal progesterone levels vary according to the phase of the menstrual cycle:
In fertility, it is common to monitor progesterone levels during ovarian stimulation and before embryo transfer. It may even be necessary to take measurements on the day of the pregnancy test.
Progesterone can be administered in various ways depending on the needs of each patient. It can be administered orally (in the form of tablets), vaginally with gels for local absorption or capsules, progesterone injectable in oil for prolonged release or through creams or gels applied to the skin.
Taking progesterone is safe, but always under medical supervision. Progesterone is a hormone that the body produces naturally, but sometimes it is necessary to supply it synthetically. Its use can cause fatigue or drowsiness, mood swings or fluid retention, as well as breast tenderness, dizziness or nausea. However, the benefits always outweigh the risks.
As with any hormone treatment, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions and report any unexpected symptoms so that the dose or method of administration can be adjusted if necessary.
Di Renzo GC, Mattei A, Gojnic M, Gerli S.
Progesterone and pregnancy.
.
2005;
598-600
Revisión sobre el papel de la progesterona en la reproducción y el embarazo, incluyendo su utilización en el aborto amenazado, las pérdidas gestacionales recurrentes, el soporte de la fase lútea y el parto prematuro:
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.gco.0000191899.84567.4d?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Duncan WC.
The inadequate corpus luteum.
.
2021;
C1-C7
Revisión sobre la función del cuerpo lúteo y su producción de progesterona durante la fase lútea y el primer trimestre del embarazo, así como sobre la suplementación con progesterona en fertilidad y embarazo temprano:
https://doi.org/10.1530/RAF-20-0044
Bosch E, Broer S, Griesinger G, Grynberg M, Humaidan P, Kolibianakis E, Kunicki M, La Marca A, Lainas G, Le Clef N, Massin N, Mastenbroek S, Polyzos N, Sunkara SK, Timeva T, Töyli M, Urbancsek J, Vermeulen N, Broekmans F.
ESHRE guideline: ovarian stimulation for IVF/ICSI.
.
2020;
hoaa009
Guía basada en la evidencia sobre la estimulación ovárica para FIV/ICSI que incluye recomendaciones sobre el soporte de la fase lútea con progesterona después de la fecundación in vitro:
https://doi.org/10.1093/hropen/hoaa009
Piette PCM.
The pharmacodynamics and safety of progesterone.
.
2020;
13-29
Revisión sobre la farmacodinámica, farmacocinética, mecanismos de acción y perfil de seguridad de la progesterona natural y los progestágenos sintéticos:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2020.06.002
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