Progesterone is a natural female hormone that is first produced by the corpus luteum, the cyst that is formed after the release of an egg during ovulation. If the egg is fertilized and a pregnancy occurs, progesterone production is taken over by the placenta which nourishes the baby in the womb. This hormone is important in maintaining the pregnancy because it keeps the lining of the uterus or womb from shedding. In women who have lower than normal levels of progesterone, infertility, difficulty getting pregnant or spontaneous abortions during the first trimester may occur. Natural progesterone creams and supplements are prescribed by doctors and fertility experts for women who are trying to conceive and pregnant women who do have adequate levels of this hormone.
Step 1
Consult an obstetrician doctor or fertility expert to check progesterone levels before or during pregnancy with a blood test. A minimum level of 10 ng/ml of progesterone is adequate during the first few weeks of pregnancy. Discuss the results with your doctor and how to use a natural progesterone cream to increase your hormone levels.
Step 2
Use a recommended natural progesterone cream to help become pregnant or maintain pregnancy by supplementing the body progesterone levels. Progesterone prepares the lining of the womb so that the fertilized egg can implant for a successful pregnancy. During pregnancy, this hormone is necessary to maintain the growing fetus and placenta and to prevent early contractions of the uterus.
Step 3
Apply the natural progesterone cream in the recommended doses, at approximately the same time every day. If using a cream, apply it over the belly or upper thighs in gently circular motions until it is absorbed into the body. Use the progesterone cream throughout the pregnancy. Do not stop using it suddenly, unless advised to do so by your doctor.
Step 4
Get regular blood tests at your doctor's office to measure your progesterone levels. Your doctor will ensure that your progesterone levels are at adequate amounts of 9 to 47 ng/ml during the first trimester, 17 to 147 ng/ml during the second trimester and 55 to 200 ng/ml during the third trimester.
Tips and Warnings
- Women who have difficulty becoming pregnant or a history of miscarriage may be advised to begin using natural progesterone cream, after every ovulation cycle beginning two to four months before trying to conceive. It should then be continued during the pregnancy under the supervision of a doctor.
- Natural progesterone cream is similar to the progesterone hormone produced in the body, but it is a medication and should not be used without the supervision of a doctor. Progesterone passes through the breast milk and should not be used once the baby is born.
Things You'll Need
- Progesterone cream or supplements
- Fertility doctor consultation
- Blood test
