Introduction
Progesterone is a hormone that plays an important role in preparing the uterus for pregnancy and supports early pregnancy. Progesterone levels naturally change and rise after conception. Progesterone is responsible for implantation, determines early pregnancy, and is often used during fertility treatments. This blog will explain the key role progesterone plays.
What is progesterone?
The egg/ ovum is present inside a follicle. Once the ovulation happens, the egg comes out of the follicle to be picked up by the one end of the fallopian tube. The remaining follicle forms a temporary structure called corpus luteum in the ovary is a temporary structure in the ovary responsible for the production of the progesterone hormone, which develops after ovulation. When pregnancy happens, it continues to support the uterus lining during the early stages of the pregnancy. If pregnancy doesn’t happen, then this structure stops working and breaks down, causing progesterone levels to drop sharply.
Hence, its main role is to prepare and maintain the lining of the uterus so that the fertilised egg gets successfully implanted. It also works along with other hormones to support the changes happening in the body during pregnancy.
What is the role of progesterone in pregnancy?
As discussed, progesterone is important for establishing and maintaining pregnancy, particularly during the early stages.
- Supports the uterine lining: It helps maintain the lining of the uterus, which is needed to support an implanted embryo.
- Supports early pregnancy: Progesterone helps create a suitable environment for the developing embryo.
- Helps regulate uterine activity: It helps maintain a uterine environment that supports pregnancy.
- Supports breast changes: It contributes to changes in the breasts as the body prepares for breastfeeding.
In early pregnancy, the corpus luteum produces progesterone. Later, the placenta becomes the main source of progesterone as pregnancy progresses.
How does progesterone support implantation?
When pregnancy happens, progesterone helps prepare the endometrium, which is the inner lining of the uterus, to implant the embryo and supports the changes that make it suitable for implantation.
Once implantation occurs, rising hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) helps the corpus luteum produce progesterone until the placenta can produce enough of the hormone on its own.
What happens if progesterone levels fall during pregnancy?
If progesterone levels become too low during pregnancy, then the uterine lining may not receive enough hormonal support to maintain the pregnancy. Reduced progesterone can make the uterus more responsive to inflammatory signals and contractions.
That’s why sufficient progesterone production is important during pregnancy, especially in early stages. However, a low progesterone result alone does not confirm that it is the cause of a pregnancy complication.
If progesterone levels are too high, then it indicates the possibility of multiple pregnancy. Sometimes it also happens due to certain medications.
Why is progesterone used during IVF?
Progesterone is commonly used as luteal-phase support during certain fertility treatments, including IVF. Fertility treatment may change the natural hormonal environment of the menstrual cycle, so progesterone is prescribed to support the uterine lining after treatment.
How can Ekam Fertility & Women help you?
Trying to understand the progesterone levels during your pregnancy can be confusing. Therefore, at Ekam Fertility & Women, our specialists consider your entire fertility and pregnancy profile rather than depending on a single test result.
With the direct guidance from Dr. Nischala Reddy, you receive expert support throughout your pregnancy journey. If you are looking for the best gynecologist in Kokapet, Hyderabad, then Ekam Fertility & Women can help you make informed decisions at every step of your fertility journey.