Low Progesterone: What Does It Mean?

If progesterone is produced in insufficient quantities compared to the norm, the endometrium may not be suitable for implantation of the fertilized egg or ovulation may not occur at all (anovulatory cycle). This can result in irregular menstruation and difficulties of conception.

When gestation begins, however, low progesterone can be indicative of complications, such as ectopic pregnancy, placental abruption, and risk of miscarriage.

The dosage of this hormone allows us to understand what are the underlying causes of these problems and to monitor that gestation evolves normally.

This hormone is produced:

• In the menstrual cycle, from the ovaries after ovulation;
• In small quantities, from the adrenal glands;
• In pregnancy, from the placenta.

The main functions of progesterone consist in:

• Prepare the endometrium (inner lining of the uterus) for the possible nesting of the fertilized egg, transforming it from proliferative to secretory (in practice, progesterone makes the uterine cavity more welcoming for the implantation of the embryo);
• Once conception has occurred, help maintain gestation.

In playing its role, progesterone is supported by other female hormones.