Mood swings, food cravings, tiredness, and morning sickness – these are the common pregnancy symptoms triggered by the hormonal changes in the body. Progesterone is one of the major pregnancy hormones that play an essential role in the woman’s body. Throughout the nine months, the levels of progesterone keep fluctuating, and that results in several physical changes. Keen on knowing what happens when the progesterone levels rise or fall? In this MomJunction post, we will tell you about the role of progesterone during pregnancy, how to control and improve its levels, the side-effects of excessively high or low progesterone levels during pregnancy, and ways to prevent that.
What Is Progesterone?
Progesterone is a hormone that controls menstruation and fertility. It is released by the corpus luteum or the temporary endocrine gland formed at the site of an ovarian follicle. The hormone is produced after ovulation or after the discharge of eggs from the ovary. If you conceive, progesterone helps to prepare the lining of the uterus for implantation and then maintains it throughout the pregnancy (1). If you don’t conceive, the endocrine gland breaks down and reduces the progesterone levels, resulting in menstruation.
How Does Progesterone Help Before And During Pregnancy?
Progesterone plays an essential role in preparing and maintaining the endometrium (membrane lining of the uterus), thereby aiding the fetus’ survival (2) (3).
During the luteal phase (the phase after ovulation in a menstrual cycle), the hormone promotes the growth of blood vessels and activates the secretion of the endometrial gland. This thickens the lining of the uterus to accept and nourish the fertilized egg.
During pregnancy, the hormone makes a suitable environment for the fetus to grow. It also promotes relaxation of uterine muscles to prevent contractions.
Even during lactation, progesterone stimulates milk-producing cells in the breast to produce milk.
Progesterone plays a vital role in the functioning of the woman’s reproductive cycle. Also, progesterone influences endometrium secretory changes, maintains pregnancy, and reduces uterine contractility. Hence, it is essential to have balanced levels of progesterone in the body.
What Happens If Progesterone Levels Are High During Pregnancy?
Hormonal balance is essential for the body to function properly. High levels of progesterone typically don’t cause any negative health effects. When progesterone levels rise during pregnancy, you could experience certain symptoms such as tiredness, bloating, anxiety, and decreased sex drive (4). The levels of progesterone, however, can be managed and maintained optimally. The levels of progesterone, however, can be managed and maintained optimally.
How To Keep Progesterone In Control?
A healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a well-balanced diet, less junk food, no smoking or alcohol, and proper sleep could help in balancing the progesterone levels in the body. In some instances, progesterone levels could go low, and that is not good.
What Happens If Progesterone Levels Are Too Low?
Low progesterone levels could be a problem if you are trying to get pregnant or when you are pregnant. Irregular periods, headaches, and mood swings are the symptoms you’ll experience when the progesterone is low in your body. It may also play a role in recurrent miscarriages. When the body doesn’t release enough progesterone, there could be estrogen (another pregnancy hormone) dominance that could result in symptoms such as depression, weight concerns, breast tenderness, and even gallbladder issues. While there are certain risks of low progesterone levels, there are also ways to bring the hormone levels up to normalcy.
What Are The Different Forms Of Progesterone?
Based on your problem and the progesterone levels in your body, the doctor will prescribe the form of progesterone supplement you should take. Tell the doctor about any allergies or health conditions you have before taking a progesterone supplement. The usage, dosage, and the duration of any of these forms of progesterone are prescribed by the doctor and should be followed to the letter. Discuss with your doctor and choose an option which is safe and convenient for you.
When Should You Discontinue Taking Progesterone During Pregnancy?
The course of progesterone as injections, inserts, suppositories, or other means should be as prescribed by the doctor. As the reason for progesterone supplementation is different for every woman, the duration of treatment would also be different. Some doctors suggest discontinuing the progesterone supplementation between 9 and 12 weeks of pregnancy as placenta takes over after that (9). Continue reading to know if progesterone supplements could have any side-effects.
Are There Any Side Effects Of Synthesized Forms Of Progesterone?
Yes, even though progesterone supplements are considered safe, there could be specific side effects such as (5) (6) (7) (8).
Nausea, mood swings, and loss or increase in appetite Hot flashes, mood swings, and depression Abnormal vaginal discharge or urinary symptoms Stomach cramps, back pain, or chest pain Breast tenderness Swelling or pain in the arms or legs Changes in eyesight and headache Yellowing of skin or eyes Tiredness, confusion, dizziness, and trouble speaking or understanding Allergic reactions such as itching, rashes, and swelling of tongue, lips, or even face Change in urine and stool color
It is better to consult your doctor, to understand the side-effects, and then decide whether or not to take the progesterone supplements.
What Are The Safety And Precautionary Measures To Be Taken?
Ideally, the progesterone supplements are safe when taken as per the doctor’s prescription. However, if you have certain health conditions or allergies, you should avoid them after consulting your doctor. Keep reading to know the answers to some commonly asked questions about progesterone levels during pregnancy. Did your doctor prescribe any progesterone supplement to you? Do share your experiences in the comment section below.
