Using Natural Progesterone When Trying to Conceive

It is estimated that more than 6 million women in the U.S. have difficulty conceiving children, with more than 9 million women using infertility services. While there are many factors involved in conception, the use of natural progesterone can help facilitate conception and ensure that when it does occur, the pregnancy is maintained.

Function:
Progesterone is a natural hormone produced by the body that is released from the ovary after ovulation. Progesterone helps maintain the uterine lining to facilitate implantation of the fertilized egg. When conception occurs, the fertilized egg stimulates further production of progesterone for about 3 months to maintain uterine tissue and ensure the survival and development of the fetus. The placenta then takes over progesterone production. If conception does not occur, progesterone levels fall and the lining of the uterus is shed during menstruation.

Significance:
Adequate levels of progesterone are essential to prepare and maintain the uterus for pregnancy. Women who believe they are infertile may actually be conceiving a child, but are not producing enough progesterone. In fact, one research study found that 70 percent of women considered to be infertile for 1½ or more years conceived a child within 6 months of using progesterone therapy.

Prevention/Solution:
Begin natural progesterone supplementation either after ovulation or immediately after a positive pregnancy test to ensure maintenance of the uterine lining and survival of the fertilized egg. A basal body temperature thermometer can help you to determine when you are ovulating. The progesterone released by the ovary during ovulation causes a small increase in body temperature. A basal body temperature thermometer reads slight changes in temperature down to 1/100th of a degree (unlike a standard medical thermometer, which rounds your temperature to the nearest whole degree). Use a basal body temperature thermometer to determine the slight increase in your body temperature associated with progesterone release and ovulation. Begin progesterone supplementation at this time of your menstrual cycle.

Types:
There are several forms of natural progesterone. Progesterone creams are applied twice a day to thin, soft areas of skin: the wrists, breasts, inner thighs, lower abdomen, upper arms, neck and back of hands. You can also use new, oral progesterone supplements, which are micronized to prevent degradation by stomach acids and ensure absorption. Talk to your doctor about which form of progesterone would be best for you and in what amounts.

Warning:
Remember that a drop in progesterone occurs at the end of the menstrual cycle if the released egg has not been fertilized. Do not discontinue progesterone supplementation unless certain you are not pregnant. A sudden decrease in progesterone levels will cause the uterine lining to be shed. If you are pregnant, progesterone supplementation should be continued until 3 months into your pregnancy. Your physician is your best ally in effectively utilizing natural progesterone to conceive a child.