Fertility and Natural Progesterone

The word progesterone is given its name because of its vital supportive role in gestation (Latin: gestare), which sheds some insight into its importance in the reproductive process. Modern science confirms that insight, as, of all female hormones, progesterone is the one most essential to the survival of the fertilized egg and the foetus throughout gestation.

At ovulation, progesterone levels rapidly rise from 2-3 mg/day to an average of 22 mg. per day, peaking as high as 30 mg/day. If fertilization does not occur in ten or twelve days, progesterone levels fall dramatically, triggering the shedding of the secretory endometrium (the menses). If pregnancy does occur, however, progesterone production is taken over by the placenta which secretes an ever increasing supply, reaching 300-400 mg/day during the third trimester.

Among numerous desirable effects of Natural Progesterone are

• Making possible the survival of the fertilized egg
• Maintaining the secretory endometrium which feeds the ovum and resultant embryo
• Surge of Progesterone at ovulation being the source of libido in women

Because progesterone is essential to prevent the premature shedding of the supportive secretory endometrium, a significant drop in progesterone levels or blockade of progesterone receptor sites at this time may result in the loss of the embryo and early miscarriage.