Progesterone: Should You Take Progesterone if You Are Trying to Conceive?

Summary

Dr. Natalie Crawford, a board-certified OB/GYN and REI, discusses the misuse of progesterone by those trying to conceive. She clarifies that progesterone levels naturally fluctuate and should not be constant, cautioning against daily supplementation without understanding one's cycle phase. Dr. Crawford emphasizes the importance of timing progesterone supplementation correctly, ideally post-ovulation, to avoid disrupting the implantation window and potentially hindering pregnancy. She also advises against daily hormone intake, which can alter the uterine lining and affect embryo implantation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Progesterone is not supposed to be present every day in the body's natural cycle.
• 🔬 During the menstrual cycle, the first half is estrogen dominant with low progesterone, and the second half sees the rise of progesterone post-ovulation.
• 🤰 In a normal pregnancy, progesterone levels should rise due to the hormone HCG, which stimulates the corpus luteum to produce progesterone.
• ⚠️ Misinterpretation of blood panels for progesterone levels can lead to incorrect supplementation, potentially harming fertility efforts.
• 🚫 Taking progesterone daily or starting too early in the cycle can close the implantation window, preventing embryo implantation.
• 💊 The script advises against the daily use of progesterone if prescribed without proper timing to the menstrual cycle.
• 📊 Normal progesterone levels can vary widely (3 to 40 nanograms) in the luteal phase and do not indicate the adequacy of the phase.
• 👩‍⚕️ For those with a history of miscarriage or concerns about progesterone levels, supplementation should ideally start 3 days post-ovulation and use vaginal suppositories over oral pills.
• 🌱 The script warns against the use of certain supplements and compounds with estrogen-like effects that can disrupt hormonal balance.
• 🚫 High levels of biotin can interfere with hormone assays, potentially skewing blood test results and affecting diagnosis.
• ❗️ When considering hormone supplementation, it's crucial to ensure the prescriber is a hormone expert and to consult a fertility doctor if in doubt.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video by Dr. Natalie Crawford?

The main topic of the video is the role and proper use of progesterone in relation to fertility and pregnancy.

Why is it important to understand the hormonal cycle when trying to conceive?

Understanding the hormonal cycle is crucial because it helps to know when to supplement with hormones like progesterone and when not to, which can affect the chances of conception and the health of a potential pregnancy.

What does Dr. Crawford suggest is a common misconception about progesterone levels?

A common misconception is that having low progesterone levels always indicates a problem and requires supplementation, which is not necessarily true as low progesterone can be normal in certain phases of the menstrual cycle.

What hormone is primarily responsible for the growth of the egg follicle?

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is primarily responsible for the growth of the egg follicle.

How does estrogen play a role in the menstrual cycle?

Estrogen is important for the growth of the uterine lining and preparing it for pregnancy. It also has positive effects on mood and energy levels during the follicular phase.

What is the significance of the LH surge in the menstrual cycle?

The LH surge triggers ovulation, allowing the mature egg to be released from the follicle, and stimulates the formation of the Corpus luteum, which then produces progesterone.

Why is it not recommended to take progesterone every day if you're trying to get pregnant?

Taking progesterone every day can disrupt the natural hormonal balance and the implantation window, potentially preventing the embryo from implanting properly.

What is the role of HCG in early pregnancy?

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is produced by the embryo after it implants in the uterine wall. It binds to the same receptors as LH, stimulating the Corpus luteum to produce progesterone, which is essential for maintaining pregnancy.

According to Dr. Crawford, when should progesterone supplementation ideally start if it's deemed necessary?

Progesterone supplementation should ideally start 3 days after ovulation if it's deemed necessary, to avoid closing the implantation window too early.

What is the preferred method of progesterone supplementation according to the studies mentioned by Dr. Crawford?

The preferred method of progesterone supplementation is through vaginal suppositories, not oral pills.

Why should one be cautious about taking certain supplements or chemicals with estrogen-like properties?

Taking certain supplements or chemicals with estrogen-like properties can alter the hormonal balance and potentially interfere with the body's natural signaling and hormone production, which is critical for fertility.

What warning does Dr. Crawford give about the use of biotin in relation to fertility testing?

Dr. Crawford warns that high levels of biotin can interfere with steroid hormone assays, leading to inaccurate blood test results that may not reflect the true hormonal state.