Most new mothers wonder, “When do I stop taking progesterone?” The main function of progesterone is to keep healthy lining in the uterus, preventing the early termination of pregnancy. It is given in early pregnancy, but the time to stop is generally not evident.
Factors such as your health and defined risk factors for complications will play a role in deciding when to stop. Let’s discuss when it is safe to stop progesterone and how it is done, in this blog.
Importance of Progesterone In Pregnancy
- Helps in preparation and maintenance of the endometrium for fertilized egg implantation, which is critical for successful pregnancy.
- Relaxes the uterine muscles, opposing contractions, which helps in preventing early labor or miscarriage risks.
- Helps in the development and the functioning of the placenta, which leads to nourishment and oxygen to the fetus.
- Helps inhibit immune responses toward the developing fetus, preventing potential miscarriage
- Progesterone plays a big role in preparing the breast for lactation, by influencing the growth of the glands in the mammary tissue.
- Alters mucus in the cervix, thickens it and makes it less permeable for more sperm to enter the uterus after fertilization.
- Helps modulate the maternal immune system to tolerate the foreign tissue of the developing fetus.
Who Should Take Progesterone Supplements?
Women with Miscarriage Risk
Progesterone supplementation can be taken as early as pregnancy is confirmed, if the doctor detects low progesterone levels. This helps support the uterine lining and encourages a stable environment in the early stages of pregnancy, reducing the chances of miscarriage.
Women Undergoing IVF
Progesterone can be taken on the day of embryo transfer, when it comes to In Vitro Fertilization. It supports the early stages of pregnancy by thickening the uterine lining, crucial for embryo implantation.
History of Preterm Birth
In case you have a history of preterm birth, progesterone supplementation can be started between the 16th and 24th week of pregnancy. Depending on the underlying condition, the dosage and frequency of medication can be carried out until the 36th week of pregnancy, until the condition is reduced.
Luteal Phase Deficiency
In case of luteal phase deficiency, progesterone supplementation is prescribed to support the uterine lining, and keeping the surrounding optimum for embryo implantation and early pregnancy. This reduces the chances of early miscarriage and improves the chances of successful pregnancy.
When Should I Take Progesterone?
Before Pregnancy
If you’re trying to get pregnant, progesterone is usually taken after ovulation to help the uterus get ready for a possible pregnancy. It’s often prescribed for about 10–14 days. If pregnancy doesn’t happen, you stop taking progesterone, and your period starts. If you are pregnant, you keep taking progesterone to support the pregnancy.
During Pregnancy
Once you’re pregnant, progesterone is continued until around 12–14 weeks, when the placenta can produce enough progesterone on its own. If you’ve had previous pregnancy losses or low progesterone, your doctor may suggest taking it longer.
During IVF
For women having fertility treatments like IVF, progesterone is usually started after ovulation or after the embryo transfer and may continue until the end of the first trimester, depending on how the pregnancy is going.
When To Stop Progesterone During Pregnancy?
The decision to stop progesterone supplementation during pregnancy varies from person to person, depending on various factors. Here are some of the conditions and the stoppage time.
First Trimester
In most cases, progesterone supplementation is prescribed to support early stages of pregnancy, that is, during the first trimester. During the end of the first trimester (14 to 16 weeks), when the placenta starts to produce progesterone by itself, the supplement is discontinued.
History of Recurrent Miscarriages
In the case of recurrent miscarriages, your doctor may recommend continuing the supplementation beyond the first trimester, to support the pregnancy. There is no specific timeframe for this condition, however, it is usually stopped at the end phase of pregnancy.
Risk of Preterm Birth
For people having preterm birth risks, progesterone supplements are continued beyond the first trimester, until a gestational age is determined. This could usually last for 36 to 37 weeks of gestation.
As we have already seen, the timeframe for stopping progesterone can change from person to person, based on the individual assessment of your medical history, ongoing pregnancy monitoring. The supplements are not tampered right away, and are often done gradually to maintain the hormone levels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ceasing the intake of progesterone while pregnant should be directed by your doctor.
In most cases, this is done after the first trimester, when the activity of the hormone is assumed by the placenta.
This is prolonged in certain high-risk situations. Always follow your doctor’s recommendations for the best interests of you and your baby.
Frequently asked questions:
Some of the common symptoms of lower progesterone levels are,
- Irregular periods
- Headaches
- Difficulty conceiving
- Hot flashes
- Mood Swings
Based on studies, women who consume Vitamin C regularly, that is 750 mg per day, have high levels of progesterone. Taking such an amount can increase the progesterone levels by 77%.
A Progesterone test can help measure the amount of progesterone in your blood. Doctors collect the blood samples and send them to the laboratory to find the testosterone levels. In case of low levels, they will recommend supplements to boost them.
