WHAT IS PROGESTERONE?
Progesterone is a female hormone, naturally produced during the reproductive years. It stabilizes the lining of the uterus and is essential to achieving/maintaining pregnancy.
WHAT IS THE SUCCESS RATE WITH PROGESTERONE?
In this study, women with recurrent pregnancy loss who received progesterone increased pregnancy success rates from 6% prior to 69% after treatment.
WHEN SHOULD WOMEN START TAKING IT AND DO THEY TAKE IT THE DURATION OF THE PREGNANCY?
Affected women began treatment mid-cycle, and continued through 10 weeks pregnancy.
WHAT STATISTICS ON BLACK WOMEN WERE FOUND FROM THE STUDY?
Only 2% of participants in this study were Black but there was no statistical difference in results based on ethnicity.
HOW IS PROGESTERONE PRESCRIBED – PILLS? SHOTS?
Progesterone was administered vaginally in this study. It can be in the form of a cream, pill, or capsule.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE COMMON CAUSES OF RECURRENT PREGNANCY LOSS?
Causes include anatomic, genetic, immunologic, infectious, autoimmune and endocrine factors leading to first trimester pregnancy loss.
SHOULD WOMEN START CONTACTING THEIR DOCTORS REQUESTING PROGESTERONE?
No, the women in the study underwent thorough infertility testing and were diagnosed with elevated levels of a chemical associated with pregnancy loss. Women seeking pregnancy should undergo routine pre-pregnancy health care. Those with infertility should be evaluated by a healthcare provider prior to pregnancy as well. Then, the doctor & patient will create an individualized plan for achieving pregnancy.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE AFFECTS TO PROGESTERONE?
Progesterone is a natural female hormone in reproductive age women. When given medically, it can increase symptoms of breast tenderness, weight gain/ fluid retention, depressed mood, and increased appetite.
Dr. Amerson answers your Text Tom questions below:
How do you spell it? My wife and I are currently going thru a situation.
Micronized Progesterone
Can I purchase over the counter or do you need to go to the doctor to get it prescribed?
It is a prescribed medication.
Please send me your contact information because my daughter has had two miscarriages and it’s been very painful for her and her husband. I would like for her to give the information to her OB GYN.
The information was published in the medical journal, Fertility & Sterility, in March 2017. Any OB/ Gyn will be familiar already with the use of progesterone in pregnancy.
Is this something I can take for my hot flashes?
Treatments for hot flashes include estrogen, combination therapy, natural phytoestrogens, and black cohosh.
How can you combat weight redistribution during menopause/perimenopause?
Improved nutrition, which eliminates fat and high calories, and increased physical activity are the best means of preventing unfavorable weight distribution.
Can progesterone increase the success rate of pregnancy for women who use artificial insemination?
Whether the semen was from intercourse or insemination does not affect the woman’s risk for miscarriage. A woman seeking pregnancy should have a gynecologic evaluation of her risks to determine whether progesterone is indicated in her pregnancy.
Dr., is this something my daughter can use to regulate her hormones….she grows facial hair and is only 19.
She needs to see a woman’s health provider because this is a separate issue. She can be evaluated for excess hair growth and hormonal imbalance. A medication regimen can be decided at the conclusion of that evaluation.
Can you tell me about the new trends to assist with pre-menopause, please?
Bioidentical hormones can be reviewed by a woman’s health care provider. You can specifically search for providers in your area who provide this service. Women can choose natural or prescribed medications during the hormonal changes of menopause. Each woman’s history, symptoms, and risks vary so women should be evaluated by their healthcare providers.
I just had a myomectomy to increase my chances of getting pregnant. Prior to this my progesterone was low. Will this need to be treated if I get pregnant or will it hinder pregnancy?
Progesterone levels will fluctuate throughout a woman’s menstrual cycle. So, you cannot assume that their is a clinical issue on this basis. With your surgical history, you should begin seeing a provider pre-pregnancy. Your bloodwork and other testing will indicate any needed treatment.
Dr. Afriye Amerson is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist. She’s a Reiki master and practices holistic healing as well as traditional Western medicine.
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