Progesterone plays an important role in a woman's pregnancy. Progesterone is the hormone responsible for the thickening of cervical mucus, rising of basal temperature, softening of uterine lining, and dropping of cervical position. It plays many roles in the development of a baby that is why it is sometimes called the "hormone of pregnancy". But in some cases when progesterone is low, a progesterone IVF is given to supplement pregnant women.
After ovulation women naturally produce one corpus luteum (CL). The CL is responsible for producing high level of progesterone which keeps pregnant moms from any risk of miscarriages. But during the process of egg retrieval, other cells like the granulosa cells might also be put into risk. Granulosa cells (GC) are cells that form into CL after ovulation and later on will develop into progesterone. When GC's are damaged, this also weakens the production of progesterone. When progesterone level is low, risk of miscarriage is high but with the help of advanced technology and thorough studies of some researchers, progesterone IVF supplements are now available to maintain and keep progesterone at normal levels during pregnancy, especially for women with low progesterone level.
Progesterone Supplementation
For some women with fertility problems, they opt to take progesterone supplements to increase their chances of fertility. Progesterone supplements could be in any form; they are:
Pill
Taking oral progesterone supplements is an easy way to increase progesterone level. It is usually taken along with foods. Studies show that these pills don't just increase progesterone level but other hormones as well. This may lead to different side effects like nausea, dizziness and fatigue. It is believed that oral progesterone has the lowest rate of increasing progesterone level compared to the other forms.
Vaginal Suppository
Vaginal suppositories are supplements that are inserted into the woman's vagina. They are in the form of pills composed of small amounts of progesterone and mixed propylene glycol or cocoa butter as its carrying agent. Unlike taking pills, it has no side effects except the feeling of discomfort due to vaginal discharge.
Cream
Creams are supplements that are applied directly into the woman's skin. They are usually applied on thighs or wrists.
Intra Muscular Injection
Injectable progesterone is usually in an oil form suspension and it is directly injected into the woman's body mostly on the buttocks or hip area. Progesterone IVF injections should be taken daily and is said to be the least expensive among the other forms.
Side Effects of Progesterone IVF
All medications, in one way or another, will cause side effects. Some of the minor side effects brought about by progesterone IVF are as follows:
- Bloating
- Breast tenderness
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Heart burn
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Cramping
- Vomiting
Some major side effects:
- Severe allergic reactions
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Severe coughing with blood
- Dark urine
- Double vision
- Gallstones
- Mental or mood changes
- Numbness of an arm or leg
- Seizure or tremors
Supplementing progesterone IVF may have many side effects. But these do not occur all the time. But when it happens, it is best to seek medical attention right away.