Progesterone is a type of female hormone essential for breast development and pregnancy. Women who do not create enough progesterone may have difficulty maintaining a pregnancy. Progesterone is often given to treat infertility or other menstrual conditions. Weight loss associated with some of these conditions may occur, but maintaining a healthy weight is important with progesterone therapy.
Identification
Progesterone is produced by the ovaries and works to prepare the body for pregnancy by thickening the lining of the uterus. If pregnancy occurs, the body continues to create progesterone until the placenta has developed to the point that it can take over. If pregnancy does not take place, progesterone levels drop and menstruation occurs.
Supplements
For women with low progesterone, the uterine lining may not be thick enough, and the fertilized egg will be unable to attach and allow the pregnancy to grow. In some of these situations, women may receive progesterone supplements to support a pregnancy. According to the University of Nebraska Medical Center, progesterone supplements come in several forms, including vaginal suppositories, oral medications or injections. Although supplements may help to sustain a pregnancy, they do not have an effect on weight loss.
Amenorrhea
Amenorrhea occurs when a woman does not have a menstrual period. Amenorrhea can happen for various reasons, including pregnancy, stress, delayed puberty or illness. In some situations, extreme weight loss, such as that due to anorexia, can cause amenorrhea. Doctors treat amenorrhea depending on the cause, but may use progesterone supplements to induce a menstrual period. In situations where amenorrhea is caused by weight loss, establishing a regular diet may also be necessary to regulate menstruation.
PCOS
Polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, is a condition that can cause infertility and the development of some male characteristics in women, including excess facial hair, acne and male pattern baldness. PCOS inhibits ovulation, thereby reducing female fertility. According to the University of Chicago Medical Center, PCOS is often treated by oral contraceptives, which are a mixture of estrogen and progesterone that will regulate menstrual cycles. Women who have PCOS are often overweight and may have difficulty with weight loss. The combination of progesterone supplements and weight loss may help women with PCOS.
Considerations
Both natural and synthetic forms of progesterone are available as supplements. Notify your doctor if you plan to use either type of progesterone for your condition. According to the University of Michigan Health System, synthetic progesterone has side effects such as increased cholesterol, breast tenderness, bloating and depression. Natural progesterone has few side effects but may cause a skin rash. Neither synthetic nor natural progesterone is shown to have an effect on weight loss.
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