Progesterone is a female sex hormone. The corpus luteum which is the follicle from which the egg is released,  releases progesterone to help get the uterus ready for pregnancy. After ovulation, this hormones thickens the uterine lining in preparation for a fertilized egg. If there is no fertilized egg, the progesterone level drops and menstruation begins. If a fertilized egg get implanted in the uterine lining however,  the corpus luteum continues to produce the hormone to maintain the developing pregnancy .
 

 

What is the importance of progesterone

This sex hormone is very important . It can be difficult to get pregnant if your progesterone level is low. High levels of this hormone is required to thicken the uterine wall so that implantation can take place.

During pregnancy, you need progesterone to maintain the uterus until the baby is born. If the level of this sex hormone is  low, you may not be able to carry the baby to term.

How do i know i have low level of progesterone ?

Low levels of progesterone may present symptoms such as abdominal pain and spotting. It may also indicate ectopic pregnancy to toxemia . Low levels of this hormone may also mean you are at risk of a miscarriage or fetal death.

In women who are not pregnant, low levels of progesterone may cause abnormal uterine bleeding.  It may also lead to irregular or absent menstruation which is an indication of poor functions of the ovaries.

Low levels of progesterone may result in estrogen becoming the dominant hormone. This may cause the the following signs

• decreased sex drive
• weight gain
• mood swings
• irregular menstrual cycle or heaving bleeding
• tender breast
• thyroid dysfunction
• gall bladder problems
• fibroids
• endometriosis
• depression

Is there a test for low progesterone levels

 
The progesterone test (PGSN) can be used to determine low levels of progesterone. This is a simple blood test and offers clues as to why you are having trouble getting pregnant. It can also find out if you’ve ovulated or not. This test can also be used to monitor high risk pregnancy and can be useful during hormone replacement therapy.
 

What can be done about low progesterone level ?

 
Low progesterone level poses no harm and may not need any treatment. However if you are trying to get pregnant, hormone therapy is needed to increase progesterone level. This will help thicken the uterine lining and may improve your chances of having a healthy pregnancy and carrying to term.
 
Content Sources