Low Progesterone Levels in Early Pregnancy

Low progesterone levels in early pregnancy can cause cramping and bleeding. Maintaining hormonal balance during pregnancy is essential for normal and healthy growth of the fetus, and for the health of the mother as well. Read on to know what causes low progesterone levels in early pregnancy and the signs and treatment of low progesterone levels.

Progesterone is a steroid hormone which plays a significant role in the process of reproduction. The hormone progesterone helps prepare the uterus for fertilization every month. It helps maintain the required body temperature during ovulation. Progesterone promotes thickening of the lining of the uterus and cervix and thus protects the fetus from bacterial infection. This also helps avoid miscarriage. Progesterone also enhances the process of milk production. Thus the hormone progesterone is required for a successful pregnancy. So let us first take a look at what causes low progesterone levels in early pregnancy.

Causes of Low Progesterone Levels in Early Pregnancy

Infertility is the main cause of low progesterone levels. If the follicle called 'corpus luteum' is not able to produce sufficient amount of progesterone, then the condition is recognized as low progesterone infertility. During the first few weeks of pregnancy, progesterone levels are almost doubled if the mother is healthy. But in case of some unlucky mothers, estrogen dominance or insulin resistance can lead to low progesterone in early pregnancy. Lack of exercise, excessive stress, malnutrition, excessive use of medications, too much sugar in diet can cause low progesterone levels. Miscarriages or ectopic pregnancy are the effects of low progesterone in early pregnancy. A progesterone test should be taken to check the progesterone levels if following symptoms are noticed.

Signs of Low Progesterone Levels in Early Pregnancy

Spotting in early pregnancy or bleeding in the first few weeks of pregnancy is the most common symptom of progesterone deficiency.

Spotting is mostly followed by cramping which indicates low progesterone levels.

Breast tenderness or pain in breast suggests low progesterone.

Vaginal dryness leading to painful sexual intercourse indicates low progesterone levels.

Insomnia (sleeplessness), a persistent lower back pain, depression, severe fatigue are some other symptoms of low progesterone levels in early pregnancy.

Treatment of Low Progesterone Levels in Early Pregnancy

Maintaining a balance of hormones during pregnancy is very essential. If you are worried about how to treat low progesterone levels in early pregnancy, then here are the treatment options. First of all, it is necessary to recognize the signs of progesterone deficiency. You should immediately consult your doctor. S/he will order some tests and after confirmation of the diagnosis of low progesterone, the doctor might prescribe progesterone capsules or injections. Use of progesterone supplements under the guidance of your physician can help increase the level of progesterone. Vaginal suppositories or progesterone creams and other over the counter progesterone products are also available in the market. But there are doubts about their effectiveness. It is better to consult your doctor because not only in early stages but also in second and third trimesters of pregnancy, progesterone is crucial for the proper growth of the fetus. If ample amount of progesterone is released by the ovaries during early pregnancy, then proper blood circulation in the womb can be ensured. You could read through low progesterone in early pregnancy for more information.

I hope you found the above information, regarding low progesterone levels in early pregnancy, helpful. Pregnant women or those who are planning for a baby should follow a healthy diet. Exercising regularly also helps maintain hormonal balance. You should decide your priorities and try to lead a 'stress free' life. A little bit of extra care can help a lot. If you want to enjoy pregnancy and of course the arrival of the little bundle of joy in your life, then you need to take care of yourself first.