Progesterone Deficiency
The Complication of Progesterone Deficiency
Progesterone deficiency can lead to problems like infertility, irregular periods, breast tenderness, and other things. Progesterone is a hormone found in women that is responsible for changes in the endometrium during the last half of the menstrual cycle. This important hormone also prepares the endometrium, or lining of the uterus, for the implantation of an egg and its development through pregnancy. It also maintains the uterus during the course of gestation. Understanding the signs of deficiency, treatments, and the importance of this hormone can make the difference in your reproductive health.
How Progesterone is Produced
In the first part of a woman’s period, this hormone is found in lower levels. Granulosa cells in the ovaries produce progesterone; this process allows eggs mature and become ovulated eggs. Once the egg is released into the fallopian tubes, higher levels of the hormone are produced. This process helps to nourish sperm on their way to fertilize the egg and stimulates the growth of blood cells that supply the endometrium. Hormone production will typically taper off about a week and a half after ovulation.
The Role of Progesterone in Pregnancy
Progesterone deficiency can have an adverse effect on a woman’s fertility. Without normal levels of natural progesterone, it can be virtually impossible to conceive a child. Because this hormone prepares the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg, the egg would die without it. There are many natural treatments to encourage production of progesterone and increase chances of pregnancy. This hormone must be present to facilitate many crucial functions in the role of egg fertilization and implantation.
The Specific Functions of the Hormone
Progesterone has many specific roles in fertility and conception. It will prime the endometrium to allow it to secrete the necessary fluids to encourage egg implantation. Progesterone also fights off dangerous cells near the womb that can pose a threat to the fetus as it develops. It will also maintain the healthy functions of your placenta throughout gestation. By keeping the endometrium thick, the hormone will offer further protection to the fetus. Progesterone deficiency would put the embryo at risk during the pregnancy and could lead to danger, even death. Maintaining healthy hormone levels will protect both mother and child.
Normal levels of the hormone will also stimulate breast growth in preparation for lactation and prevent lactation until after the child is born. By strengthening the mucus plus, progesterone will also prevent infection in and around the cervix. It will prepare the woman’s body for labor by strengthening the pelvic walls. Low levels can lead to many problems during pregnancy including premature labor and loss of the embryo.
Symptoms of Progesterone Deficiency
With so many risks posed to a fetus by a low level of this important hormone, it’s imperative that the mother to be understands the symptoms of a deficiency. There are many things that might indicate a problem with your progesterone levels. Infertility, irregular periods, and early miscarriage are the most common indications of a problem. Other symptoms might include carbohydrate cravings, breast tenderness, and water retention. Lower body temperature, water retention, and ovarian cysts are also warning signs that there might be a problem with your hormone levels, and therefore your fertility.
Being aware of your body’s total wellbeing and signs of problems can make it easier to not only conceive a child, but also carry it to term. Having normal levels of hormones will allow for normal ovulation and fertilization of the egg, as well as protection and health of the fetus as it develops. Knowing the signs of a progesterone deficiency can make the difference between the successful birth of your child. Natural treatments can help create higher levels of the hormone and encourage fertilization of your eggs.