Progesterone is often called a pregnancy hormone. Since it is his level that determines whether pregnancy will occur or not. This hormone is produced in the ovaries and in particular the yellow body .
The level of progesterone normally varies depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle. So, for example, in the first phase its quantity is lowered, and this should not be regarded as a pathological condition. And in the second phase of the menstrual cycle, the level increases, because during this period the growth of the yellow body occurs.
The states under which progesterone is lowered
It is known that a low level of progesterone in women can be the cause of miscarriages and infertility. Therefore, let us consider in detail the causes of low progesterone in the female body. Most often this condition is caused by the following diseases:
- Chronic inflammatory diseases of the reproductive system. Such long pathological processes can lead to a violation of the receptor apparatus of the organs and to a decrease in their susceptibility to the hormone. And inflammation of the ovaries can directly disrupt the process of ovulation, the formation of the yellow body and the synthesis of hormones.
- Diseases of the hypothalamic-pituitary system, which lead to increased formation of prolactin, a violation of the balance of LH and FSH.
- Pathology of the yellow body.
- Diseases of the thyroid gland, hormones which also affect the level of sex hormones.
- Miscarriage or artificial termination of pregnancy can trigger a cascade of hormonal imbalance.
- Taking certain medications, especially those containing hormones.
- Dysfunction of the adrenal cortex, where an increased amount of androgens can be produced, which will "suppress" female hormones.
- The delay in fetal development of the fetus or the "postponed" pregnancy in some cases is accompanied by a decrease in the level of progesterone.
Consequences and treatment
Low levels of progesterone in pregnancy can cause interruption of pregnancy. It is known that this hormone prevents the contraction of the musculature of the uterus, and with a sharp decrease in its level there are fights and bleeding, this condition ends in a miscarriage.
To eliminate the cause of low levels of progesterone, treatment of the underlying disease is necessary, and substitution therapy with drugs containing this hormone is also used. Most often use Utrozhestan, Dyufaston.