What is Progesterone?
Progesterone is a hormone that plays an important part in pregnancy and the menstrual cycle. The level of progesterone in a woman’s body varies from day to day and even throughout the day. Levels of this hormone are highest in women of childbearing age and should increase during the menstrual cycle after the ovaries release an egg. The uterus will thicken in response to the production of progesterone which prepares it for receiving a fertilized egg. Since implantation requires the uterus to thicken, low progesterone levels can lead to difficultly getting pregnant and maintaining a pregnancy. A low level of this essential hormone can also lead to symptoms for women entering menopause and health problems for women of any age.
Low Progesterone
A low level of progesterone can cause symptoms even if a woman is not attempting to get pregnant. These could include headaches, anxiety, depression, low sex drive, hot flashes, and an irregular menstrual cycle. Usually low progesterone becomes a serious concern for women who are trying to get pregnant. Since the hormone plays such a crucial role in getting pregnant and maintaining a pregnancy it’s important for levels to be checked with a simple blood test. What is “low” may vary from woman to woman depending on her age so what is considered a “normal” level can vary.
Luteal Phase Defect and Pregnancy
Some women have a “luteal phase defect” that disrupts the menstrual cycle, leading to low levels of progesterone. The luteal phase of the menstrual cycle lasts about 12-14 days during which the ovaries produce progesterone. This defect can be due to either low production of progesterone or the endometrium not responding to the hormone. A luteal phase defect may lead to health problems and affect a woman’s ability to get pregnant. It may also lead to an increased risk of miscarriage. An excessively low level of progesterone early in a pregnancy is seen by some doctors as being a sign of a failed pregnancy that can’t be help by using a supplement.
How Can Levels of Progesterone be Raised?
If a low level of progesterone is detected through a blood test and a woman is trying to get pregnant then hormone therapy medications may be prescribed. Hormone therapy may include pills, injections, suppositories, and creams and gels. Hormone therapy may combine multiple treatments and usually estrogen is prescribed along with progesterone. The method of delivery chosen is based on the doctor and the patient’s preferences. Injections are usually avoided as needles are required for many other fertility treatments and tests that may be done at the same time.
The progesterone suppositories we compound at Park Compounding Pharmacy are most often prescribed to women who have fertility issues and are trying to get pregnant and also to women entering menopause. Many doctors find that suppositories for hormone therapy are the most effective and absorb better into the body. The benefits of hormone therapy may include a reduction in the symptoms of hot flashes, nausea, and abnormal bleeding. Some women also find that their mood improves and they have an easier time sleeping.
At Park Compounding Pharmacy we specialize in compounding prescriptions that are not available commercially. If you have any questions about progesterone suppositories and hormone therapy medication please reach out to our team and we would be happy to help.