Overview
Progesterone is a natural hormone produced by the reproductive organs during the stages of a woman’s reproductive life. Progesterone is the hormone that helps a woman’s body achieve and maintain pregnancy after ovulation when an egg is released into the fallopian tube and is available for fertilization. Progesterone gets the uterus ready to accept and maintain a fertilized egg to continue into pregnancy. Progesterone also prevents muscle contractions of the uterus that would otherwise reject the fertilized egg from successful implantation and conception. When pregnancy is achieved, progesterone helps in creating and maintaining a suitable environment that nurtures the developing foetus. Progesterone acquires the name “pregnancy hormone” because of the multiple functions in supporting pregnancy. Pregnancy abortion clinic in Chennai recommends a blood test for progesterone level if a woman reports failed pregnancies or miscarriages to see if ovulation or ovaries are healthy.
Signs and symptoms of low progesterone levels
If there has been a history of difficulty in conceiving or earlier abortions, a blood test is carried out to check whether the pregnancy is at risk for complications, such as miscarriage or preterm delivery. Low progesterone levels include the following signs and symptoms in a woman who may be trying to get pregnant:
– Uterine bleeding
– Missed periods or abnormal periods
– Spotting and abdominal pain
– Repeated miscarriages
– Increased oestrogen levels leading to decreased sexual desire, weight gain, and effects on the gall bladder.
A woman with the above symptoms may visit the center for safe abortion services in Chennai to get herself analyzed for progesterone levels and therapy needed to prevent spontaneous abortion.
Uses of progesterone
Progesterone is used in medications as progestins or progestogens. The term “progestin” refers to the synthetic progesterone made in the laboratory and is a substance that causes some or all of the biological effects of progesterone. The other version progestogen is derived from plant sources and is nearly identical to the body’s own hormone, hence called “natural progesterone.” Progesterone as the medication is used for a variety of conditions in women but only some conditions are supported by good scientific evidence. Treatment for amenorrhea, abnormal uterine bleeding associated with hormonal imbalance, premenstrual syndrome, and as part of hormone replacement therapy along with oestrogen is advisable medical uses of progesterone.
– In women having trouble getting pregnant, progesterone therapy is recommended for any of the following reasons:
– To start menstruation
– If ovaries are not producing enough progesterone
– If any other medication is lowering progesterone levels in the body
– To replace progesterone that was removed from ovaries as part of a treatment
– Progesterone can also help in avoiding pregnancy. Progesterone, in the form of progestin, is used along with oestrogen for birth control and contraception. Hormonal contraception, birth control pills, vaginal rings, and skin patch are the ways of using progesterone in contraception. There are other types of birth control that use progestin-only in the form of pills, injections, implants, and intrauterine devices. The function of progesterone to protect women against pregnancy is by the following actions:
– Causes cervical mucus to thicken, making it hard for sperm to reach the uterus and fertilize the egg
– Stops ovulation
– Makes the lining of the uterus thinner
– Progesterone is sometimes advised as part of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in women undergoing menopause. Hormone therapy usually includes taking a combination of hormones to treat menopausal symptoms and to reduce the risk of developing certain diseases.
– Progesterone, in the form of progestogens is sometimes used as a diagnostic aid in a progestogen challenge test, to determine whether oestrogen is being produced. When progesterone pills are taken for five or more days during a menstrual cycle and then are stopped, bleeding ensues if sufficient oestrogen is present in the body.
Progesterone side effects
For a woman, progesterone is known as the calming, mood, sleep, libido, and bone-enhancing hormone. Basically, the balance between progesterone and oestrogen is the key to good health. Along with its essential feel-good effects, progesterone may also cause some unwanted side effects. Although not many women may show these side effects if they do occur they may need to be reported to the specialist at the pregnancy abortion clinic in Chennai. Some of the minor side effects that may not be severely harmful and usually go away during treatment as the body adjusts to the medicine include:
– Headaches
– Breast tenderness or pain
– Vaginal discharge
– Vomiting
– Diarrhoea
– Tiredness
– Constipation
– Mood swings
– Irritability
– Sneezing
– Coughing
There are other serious side effects that may be caused by taking progesterone. Such side effects definitely need medical attention on priority. Such side effects include:
– Breast lumps
– Vertigo
– Dizziness and faintness
– Seizures
– Impaired speech
– Numbness in the arms or legs
– Swelling or pain in the legs
– Feeling of imbalance in posture
– Difficulty in breathing
– Changes in heart rate
– Chest pain
– Drowsiness
– Vision abnormalities
– Uncontrollable shivering of hands
– Cramps in the abdomen
– Digestive issues
– Skin rash or itching
– Tingling in the mouth or throat
– Vaginal bleeding
– Depression
Precautions for using progesterone
Experienced doctors with evidence-based practice at safe abortion clinics in Chennai can help determine the appropriate progesterone treatment suitable for the woman. To follow the directions on the prescription label carefully and take progesterone exactly as directed would help the woman to avoid adverse side effects. Taking more or less of the dosage or taking it more often than prescribed can be dangerous. Pregnant women should not use progesterone, unless as prescribed by the doctor. Progesterone may not be prescribed in case of:
– Allergy or sensitivity to progesterone
– Having liver problems
– History of breast cancer or other reproductive organs
– Bleeding or clotting problems
– Vaginal bleeding
Progesterone administration has to be with caution in women with heart or kidney disorders, seizures, migraines, asthma, or depression. Progesterone may also interact with many other medicines and supplements. The doctor will check on the potential interactions with any medications.