The hormone progesterone work in symphony with other hormones to maintain a healthy pregnancy. Fertility expert Dr. Marilyn Glenville PhD also maintains that low progesterone levels can cause cause infertility in women. This hormone peaks during ovulation or the release of an egg from an ovary. Progesterone is needed to signal the uterus or the womb to begin preparing its endometrium lining to receive a fertilized egg; without it, implantation of the fertilized egg into the womb cannot occur. Dr. Glenville notes that even if implantation does occur, inadequate levels of progesterone can lead to the uterus contracting, causing an early miscarriage.
Step 1
Record your menstrual cycles for up to four months in advance so that the dates of peak progesterone production can be determined by your doctor.
Step 2
Make an appointment with an obstetrician, gynecologist or a fertility doctor. A referral from your family physician may be needed.
Step 3
Discuss concerns and your menstrual cycle dates with the doctor. Get a female hormone test, which can be done with saliva or blood, to test your progesterone levels. This can be done at the doctors office and the specimen will be sent to a lab for testing. Results may take up to a few days. Book a follow-up appointment.
Step 4
Discuss the results of your progesterone test with your doctor. High-dose progesterone supplements for infertility typically require a prescription. Get a prescription from your doctor.
Step 5
Take the progesterone supplements as recommended by your doctor. Continue recording your menstrual cycles. Schedule regular appointments to have your progesterone levels measured to monitor the effectiveness of the supplements.
Tips and Warnings
- According to Drugs.com, progesterone supplements are also available in injection form. Talk to your doctor about the best way to take progesterone for you. Certain foods may also help to increase fertility. Talk to a fertility expert about the best diet plan to raise progesterone levels in conjunction with the supplements.
- As with all medications, progesterone supplements can cause cause side effects. Drugs.com list common side effects to include breast tenderness, bloating, dizziness, irritability, diarrhea, dry mouth, nausea, headache, muscle pain, stomach cramping and vomiting. Report any adverse side effects to your doctor.
