Low progesterone: what to do to get pregnant? Progesterone levels when planning pregnancy in women: how to naturally increase low levels and reduce high levels.

Progesterone is very important for female body a steroid hormone produced by the ovaries and placenta. It actively regulates the menstrual cycle and prepares the expectant mother for pregnancy. Under its influence, the uterus contracts much fewer times, and the already fertilized egg attaches more actively and quickly to the endometrium. Therefore, it is so important to know how much progesterone is present in the body when planning pregnancy, in order to bring it to the required level in case of deviations.

Progesterone should be normal in the female body at the time of conception, because it plays a significant role in her reproductive function. This hormone:

helps create conditions in the uterus favorable for conception;
helps improve the quality of the fertilized egg;
strengthens the endometrium in the uterus, which supports the embryo throughout pregnancy;
prevents endometrial rejection, which eliminates miscarriage.

Therefore, it is so important to take a blood test for progesterone in a timely manner when planning a pregnancy, to identify its level and bring it to the desired level. To make the results more accurate, you need to adhere to a number of recommendations on how to correctly pass this analysis.

Blood analysis

Since the performance of this analysis will depend on the phase menstrual cycle Your doctor will determine when to take progesterone when planning a pregnancy. When the date is set, follow simple recommendations so as not to re-donate blood later:

it is better to do this in the morning;
the analysis is taken on an empty stomach, so 8 hours before blood sampling you cannot eat anything: you are only allowed to drink clean, still water;
the day before the progesterone test it is better not to smoke or drink alcoholic drinks and do not engage in intense physical activity.

With the usual duration of the menstrual cycle being 28 days, the doctor prescribes a blood test for progesterone on days 22–23. It will depend on individual characteristics body. The indicators, in turn, will depend on the phase of the cycle.

Norm

Changes in the level of this unique hormone are associated with different phases of the menstrual cycle. So the analysis is taken in certain days. The standard rate of progesterone when planning pregnancy is reduced to the following indicators:

from 0.33 to 2.23 nmol/l during the follicular phase;
from 0.48 to 9.41 nmol/l during ovulation;
from 6.99 to 56.63 nmol/l with luteal.

The results of a blood test for progesterone are compared with this norm, after which the doctor decides what to do next.

Deviations from the norm

The level of this hormone normally increases during pregnancy, which ensures the normal course of pregnancy. It is because of this that this indicator is monitored even before conception. What can he say?

If diagnosed increased progesterone when planning a pregnancy, this is not so scary, although you need to look at how elevated it is. Usually, in such a situation, the expectant mother is advised not to panic, follow an appropriate diet and continue to prepare for pregnancy.
It’s another matter if it was revealed low progesterone when planning a pregnancy, which can subsequently negatively affect not only conception (it may not happen at all), but also intrauterine development fetus In this situation, the doctor already makes a decision on prescribing medication.

If a deviation from the norm of progesterone in the blood is detected during pregnancy planning, it is prescribed drug treatment to adjust its level. In this case, it is necessary to use hormonal drugs. The course is usually selected individually by the doctor, depending on the analysis indicators and general condition female body. Before prescribing hormone therapy, the doctor must talk about its positive and negative aspects.

Hormone therapy

At reduced level progesterone injections are usually prescribed at the pregnancy planning stage, unless the following contraindications are present:

any pathologies of the liver or kidneys;
thromboembolic diseases;
hepatitis;
vaginal bleeding of unknown origin;
breast carcinoma.

Such hormone therapy should be used with caution in the following diseases:

cardiovascular abnormalities;
liver or kidney dysfunction;
diabetes;
bronchial asthma;
epilepsy;
migraine;
depression.

Progesterone - very important hormone the female body, on which both the success of conception and the process of bearing a child largely depend. Therefore, when planning a pregnancy, it is so important to find out its level and compare the indicators with the norm in order to correct it and bring it to the desired numbers. All this must be done under the strict guidance of a doctor.

Low progesterone when planning pregnancy is often the reason why it does not occur. Progesterone is often called the pregnancy hormone due to important role during the process of conception. Its indicators should be within the normal range; an underestimated or overestimated level indicates the presence of a deviation. Let's consider what function the hormone performs in a woman's body and whether it is possible to get pregnant with low progesterone.

Progesterone is a hormone produced in both the female and male organs. male body, but for the former it is of greater importance. In women, it is produced mainly by the corpus luteum, a temporary secretory gland, but is also produced in small quantities by the adrenal glands and placenta. Among female sex hormones, progesterone ranks important place– it participates in the process of conceiving a child, promotes the attachment of the fertilized egg to the walls of the uterus and further gestation.

The key functions of the hormone include:

preparing the uterine mucosa for egg implantation in the event of successful fertilization, which will allow the embryo to attach;
promotes the cessation of menstruation after successful conception, preventing the rejection of the fetus along with the uterine epithelium as a result of bleeding;
reduces contractile function of the uterus;
reduces the body’s immune response, allowing the uterus to accept the fetus;
affects mammary glands, inhibiting lactation during pregnancy, a drop in level after childbirth is a signal for milk production.

Without progesterone the body expectant mother would not be able to prepare for the attachment of the fetus and bearing a child in the future. Lack of the hormone provokes miscarriage, especially in early stages, therefore it is necessary to monitor its level.

Progesterone levels for conception

The level of PG depends on the phase of the menstrual cycle, the presence of pregnancy or menopause, as well as intake hormonal contraceptives. Depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle, its indicators will be:

follicular – 0.32-2.25 nmol/l;
ovulatory – 0.49-9.41 nmol/l;
luteal – 6.95-56.63 nmol/l.

At the beginning of the cycle, progesterone is produced in the smallest amount, gradually increasing. During ovulation, the level of the hormone increases significantly and the highest levels are observed in the luteal phase. It is then that the body receives a signal to be ready to bear the unborn baby.

If pregnancy does not occur, the concentration of the hormone gradually decreases and as a result returns to normal.

If progesterone remains at a high level, but conception has not occurred, you should undergo an examination, since this fact may indicate the presence of a hormonal imbalance in the female body.

At successful conception, progesterone remaining at a high level indicates healthy development pregnancy. And its low level during this period requires immediate consultation with a doctor.

Hormone levels in different periods

Let's consider what the PG should be to get pregnant.

During pregnancy, the sex hormone depends on the trimester:

in the first – 8.90-468.5 nmol/l;
in the second – 71.50-303.2 nmol/l;
in the third – 88.70-771.50 nmol/l.

Using hormonal method contraception, depending on the phase of the cycle, the indicators are as follows:

in the follicular – not higher than 3.6 nmol/l;
ovulatory – 1.52-5.45 nmol/l;
luteal – 3.01-66.8 nmol/l.

In the postmenopausal period, the normal level of pregnancy hormone is up to 0.64 nmol/l. During the same period, upon admission hormonal drugs, its blood levels are up to 3.19 nmol/l.

Only a qualified doctor should interpret the results, taking into account:

age;
indications;
Units of measurement used by different laboratories may differ.

How to take a progesterone test?

Progesterone levels are checked by drawing blood from a vein. For the correct behavior of the procedure, you must adhere to several rules:

To obtain more accurate information in a non-pregnant woman, the analysis is carried out during highest performance. With a 28-day menstrual cycle, this is day 22-23. In other cases or with irregular periods, a suitable day for the study is prescribed by the doctor. Also in such situations, it is recommended to carry out the procedure several times to obtain complete information.
Blood is donated on an empty stomach; at least 8 hours must pass after eating, preferably 12. Drinking is allowed clean water without gas. You should also avoid fatty foods a day before the test. Use large quantity fat may make it difficult to determine the level of the hormone in the blood.

Ways to raise progesterone

There are many factors that influence a decrease in the concentration of the hormone in the blood, the most probable reasons low progesterone:

unstable menstrual cycle;
taking hormonal or contraceptive medications;
hereditary predisposition;
wrong lifestyle;
infectious diseases of the reproductive system;
disruptions in the functioning of the endocrine system;
presence of a cyst;
underdevelopment of the placenta and corpus luteum.

Symptoms of low pregnancy hormones appear:

menstrual irregularities;
vaginal dryness;
severe pain during menstruation;
small bloody discharge from the vagina at another period;
mood swings, fatigue, nervous breakdowns, irritability;
headaches;
swelling.

What to do if the level of this hormone is low? After the analysis and according to the doctor’s indications, drug treatment is prescribed:

natural progesterone in ampoules;
Utrozhestan - capsules, available for oral or intravaginal administration;
Duphaston is an analogue of a natural hormone;
Ingesta – ampoules for subcutaneous or intramuscular administration;
Endometrin – used intravaginally;
Crinon gel - administered intravaginally.

It is important to remember that all drugs to increase progesterone levels have contraindications and are prescribed strictly by the attending physician; self-medication is excluded.

You should not immediately start taking medications; in most cases, it is possible to increase progesterone levels naturally:

First of all, you should reconsider your lifestyle, you need: healthy sleep, long walks fresh air and moderate physical activity.
It is also important to adhere proper nutrition, including in the diet vitamins B and E, found in multivitamin complexes and products: cereals, nuts, legumes, liver, avocado, tuna, salmon, milk, eggs.

During pregnancy, low progesterone levels may also occur, accompanied by: aching pain lower abdomen, discharge, symptoms of placental or fetal abruption, increased tone uterus. Having detected the first symptoms and taken appropriate measures, it will be possible to maintain the pregnancy.

Bottom line

Progesterone is an important sex hormone involved in the process of conceiving a baby. It promotes the attachment of the embryo to the walls of the uterus and creates the necessary conditions for successful pregnancy.

Most high level observed during the luteal phase, in case of pregnancy increased concentration hormone levels remain, but in the absence of fertilization, they decrease and return to normal.

If the pg level is low, it is quite difficult to conceive, but if pregnancy does occur, the chances of carrying a child to term are negligible.

If critical indicators are detected, it is important to immediately take measures to increase progesterone.

However, it is better to take care of your health in advance and naturally normalize progesterone even before conception.

Progesterone is responsible for the normal course of pregnancy; it is produced even before conception. Responsible for the process, its development and successful gestation of the fetus.

Without progesterone, the embryo would be rejected. Hormone reduces the frequency of uterine contractions, preventing involuntary miscarriage.

From the beginning until pregnancy it is produced yellow body. Without it, conception would be impossible. Prepares the body for childbirth and contributes in every possible way to a healthy pregnancy:

Allows fertilized egg to gain a foothold in the uterus, creating a favorable environment in it.
Seals and supports inner layer uterus.
Ensures normal secretion.
Helps rebuild the mammary glands, prepares them for milk production.
Prevents the development of fibroids.
Participates in the conversion of fat deposits into energy resources.
Controls blood thickness and sugar content.

What is the norm?

The concentration of the hormone depends on the phase of the menstrual cycle:

In the first phase, its level is minimal - in the range of 0.3-2.24 nmol/l.
With the onset of ovulation, the content increases, reaching a peak. At this time, indicators fluctuate between 0.45-9.45 nmol/l.
If conception has successfully occurred, the numerical value jumps to 7-56.6 nmol/l.
In the absence of pregnancy, its concentration decreases to a minimum and is approximately 0.3 nmol/l.

Why donate blood?

Knowledge of indicators helps the doctor predict possible deviations and take timely measures if there is a threat of pregnancy failure. If infertility is diagnosed or after a number of unsuccessful attempts to get pregnant, the causes of the pathology are determined based on the results of the study.

Before you need to contact antenatal clinic, pass necessary tests. Among them there is blood donation for progesterone concentration, what is required in the following cases:

when planning to make sure that everything is in order in the body;
with hormonal disorders;
to diagnose problems that impede conception;
after treatment of diseases of the reproductive system.

Which is correct?

After setting the date for the study, you must carefully prepare for the test. On the eve of the procedure, the doctor should explain the features. At regular cycle in 28 days, the procedure occurs on days 22-23. If the study is carried out after pregnancy, the date is set on an individual basis.

Refrain from eating 8-10 hours before blood sampling.
Do the procedure in the morning.
You cannot smoke or drink alcohol during the day.
Avoid intense physical activity.

Peculiarity! The concentration of progesterone depends on the menstrual cycle if the study is carried out before conception.

What to do if rejected?

During gestation, the level increases, which contributes to normal development. To have an idea of the norm, indicators are monitored even when planning pregnancy.

If they differ, it is worth taking appropriate measures:

if progesterone is elevated, it will not prevent conception, but it is worth considering how high it is. Usually a diet prescribed by a doctor is enough to normalize it;
at low levels, conception may not occur or there may be a risk of miscarriage subsequently. Then the specialist prescribes drug therapy taking into account the general state of health and the degree of deviation;
if the fluctuations in indicators are small, this is equal to the norm. Then medical intervention not required, because each organism is individual;
The degree of severity is determined by the doctor.

Low level

With such indicators, the chances of getting pregnant decrease several times. Conception at low progesterone possible subject to the following conditions:

the expectant mother will have to be under the close attention of doctors;
if the hormone level remains unchanged throughout the entire cycle, this is a sign of lack of ovulation. Then it is carried out;
completing a course of drug therapy;
conducting healthy image life;
sometimes an additional diet is prescribed.

Attention! If the level of the hormone is below normal, it is difficult for the embryo to implant in the uterus, even if conception is successful, there is subsequently a threat of termination of pregnancy or lack of nutrients.

Indicators after conception

As a result of successful fertilization, it increases, activating the process of restructuring the body. Thanks to this, we provide comfortable conditions for pregnancy and fetal development.

The longer the period, the higher the indicators:

At an early stage - in the range of 7-56.5 nmol/l.
In the first trimester - about 9 - 467 nmol/l.
In II – approximately 71.5-302 nmol/l.
In III – from 89 to 772 nmol/l.

Duphaston for drug correction and treatment

This is an artificial analogue of progesterone. It is used when there is a threat of spontaneous miscarriage or low levels of the hormone. Application has its own characteristics:

The drug is especially effective in the early stages, when the body is most sensitive and vulnerable.
When taking Duphaston, pregnancy is successfully maintained and childbirth goes well.
The dosage is prescribed by the doctor and depends on the degree of deviation from the norm and the condition of the expectant mother’s body.
When planning a pregnancy, it is drunk to prepare the body for a successful conception.

17-OH progesterone when planning pregnancy

Low levels of 17-OH progesterone also cause problems during pregnancy. For this purpose, drugs based on it are prescribed. With their help they are regulated metabolic processes and possible deviations are prevented.