Low progesterone levels can interfere with a woman’s ability to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term.

Progesterone is a hormone that is required for a healthy pregnancy. Low progesterone levels can make it difficult to get pregnant.

After ovulation, the ovary produces progesterone to prepare the uterus for implantation and support the early developing pregnancy. When there are insufficient amounts of the hormone, successful implantation may not take place. This condition is known as a luteal phase defect because it occurs during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.

Ovulation monitoring kits that can be purchased without a prescription and used at home can help determine the length of the luteal phase. A short luteal phase (less than 11 days) may be seen if levels of this hormone are low. Blood samples are also used to evaluate progesterone levels.

Treatment of low progesterone

Progesterone is administered to raise the level of the hormone and is available in the form of vaginal creams, vaginal gels and vaginal suppositories. It may also be given in injectable forms. In most cases, treatment is only necessary during the first trimester, although a small percentage of women require treatment beyond the early weeks of pregnancy.

Dr. Susan Hudson at Texas Fertility Center New Braunfels specializes in fertility treatments for women who may have issues with their hormones. Dr. Hudson sees and treats infertility patients from San Antonio, New Braunfels and throughout South Central Texas. Call today to schedule your consultation.