Progesterone Levels in Early Pregnancy

Progesterone is a steroid hormone that regulates the menstrual cycle of a woman and plays a key role during pregnancy. It also controls body temperature during ovulation. During pregnancy, it aids in proper formation of the lining of the uterus for implanting the fetus. Progesterone creates a nutrient rich environment for the baby and prevents the uterus from bacterial invasion. It also brings about changes in the breasts for secretion of milk after childbirth. Higher levels (than a normal non-pregnant female) of progesterone in early pregnancy is quite normal as it prepares the uterus to receive the fertilized egg.

Progesterone levels fluctuate during the first and third trimester. The average level of progesterone is 9 - 47 ng/ml in the first trimester and 12-20 ng/ml during the next phases. A woman will have low progesterone in her body if the value detected is below the average range.

Apart from progesterone, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) also controls the development of fetus during pregnancy. hCG levels are also high during the initial months of pregnancy and presence of this hormone shows positive result when you go for your first pregnancy test. Therefore, both these hormones play an important role during pregnancy.

Symptoms of Low Progesterone Level

You can well recognize the deficiency symptoms of this hormone. Bleeding in the first few weeks of gestation is the most important sign of low of progesterone. Women notice spotting which is accompanied by cramping. Tenderness in breasts and low back pain along with spotting are some obvious signs of shortage of progesterone. You must immediately report to your gynecologist if you notice frequent spotting.

Causes of Low Progesterone Level

You must record your progesterone levels during pregnancy in order to know if it's normal or not. For this you have to undergo a progesterone test. The hormone is released by a follicle known as corpus luteum. When the corpus luteum fails to secrete adequate amount of progesterone, then the progesterone levels will automatically fall. Women who undergo very less menstruation (amenorrhea) are also likely to have progesterone deficit during early pregnancy. Development of fetus becomes critical as the uterine lining doesn't develop which might lead to its premature shedding. Low progesterone in early pregnancy is one of the main reason behind early miscarriages in women. Another consequence of decreased levels of progesterone is ectopic pregnancy.

Women who are resistant to insulin and have high levels of estrogen are more prone to having low progesterone. It can also be due to effect of certain drugs and unhealthy lifestyle. Stress, malnutrition and insufficient exercise also contribute to low progesterone levels in early pregnancy.
Women might also undergo miscarriage in the third trimester if their progesterone level is much below the normal.

Treatment of Low Progesterone Level

Doctors always advice periodical check up during pregnancy to keep an account of the hormone levels. Medicines are administered in case drop in progesterone is observed. Injections and vaginal suppositories are also prescribed by doctors to normalize the level. The medicines enhance secretion of progesterone and aid in implantation of the fertilized ovum in the uterine wall. Thus the endometrium is sustained. Natural progesterone creams are also available for topical application which help to a certain extent. However, you must take your doctor's advice before applying such creams.

High Progesterone Level: An Overview

Progesterone level when goes above normal is an indication of twins or triplets. You will come to know about this from your ultrasound reports. However, certain specific health disorders are also responsible for elevating progesterone level during early pregnancy. Sometimes the adrenal gland causes over secretion of progesterone, which results raising its levels. Under rare circumstances, women inflicted with ovarian cysts, ovarian cancer and congenital adrenal hyperplasia might also have very high level of progesterone.

I hope after reading this content, you have well understood the significance of the hormone progesterone in your pregnancy. With proper treatment at an early stage it's absolutely possible to normalize the levels, thereby ensuring healthy development of your baby.