Progesterone, what it is, side effects during pregnancy, and how to take it

The progesterone is a natural hormone produced in the ovaries and placenta. Its function plays a very important role during pregnancy and the secretion of estrogens. Its effects, both in its organic form and when taken micronized or used through suppositories, have some side effects, and it serves various purposes, so let’s look at all the information about it.

Progesterone, what it is

Known as a sex hormone, it is also called “P4” and “Pregn-4-en-3,20-dione.” These terms are commonly used in the clinical field. In scientific publications, you can find it referred to like this, although it is generally called progesterone.

This type of hormone is a steroid. Its properties act on the female menstrual cycle, so it is crucial for women’s health. It also affects pregnancy and the development of gestation.

Function

During embryogenesis, that is, from the moment the egg is fertilized and begins to divide into many more cells to form the fetus, the progesterone hormone is directed towards the placenta.

From the eighth week of conception, progesterone and pregnancy are intertwined. Through this hormone, it is possible to use the body’s cholesterol to produce other substances such as fetal corticosteroids. These help in the development of the fetus, the formation of organs, and also in the utilization of nutrients like glucose, proteins, and carbohydrates.

Progesterone and pregnancy

The placenta of a pregnant woman produces 250 mg of progesterone per day. This peak occurs at the end of pregnancy, so you can imagine the importance it holds. But before concluding the nine months, it is important to know that progesterone during pregnancy serves to:

• Prepare the uterus for the fertilized egg.
• Promote embryogenesis.
• Allow the developmental changes during puberty.
• Prepare the endometrium when you get pregnant.
• Produce sexual differentiation in women.
• Maintain the pregnancy cycle.

Its role is key for the uterus as it prepares it to receive the fertilized egg. Progesterone during pregnancy allows embryo implantation, the egg and sperm united to form the zygote. Its characteristics in the woman’s body make the embryo grow, duplicate, and form the baby during the 9 months of gestation.

Other purposes of progesterone

• Development of female characteristics.
• Relieve menopause symptoms.

At the same time that it is important for getting pregnant, during adolescence, it starts the hormonal changes cycle. In fact, due to its secretion, sexual differentiation in girls appears, a process that leads to menstruation and the formation of female sexual characteristics.

But there are different types of progesterone, the so-called “natural” and “micronized,” so let’s look at them.

Natural progesterone

Known as a base for dietary supplements and creams, it is a substance synthesized in the laboratory that mimics the effects of natural progesterone.

Some brands call it USP or bioidentical progesterone, meaning it works the same way as the one produced by the human body.

It is obtained from the plant called Mexican wild yam. Its natural form is very similar, although it needs some processes and chemical reactions to consolidate its form to that produced by humans.

Micronized

This form can be taken orally. Its function is to restore normal levels in the body, that is, when you have low progesterone, it elevates it. It works as a treatment for:

• Luteal insufficiency.
• Infertility.
• Endometrial disorders.
• Difficulty conceiving.

In suppositories

In many cases, the obstetrician recommends its use to avoid spontaneous abortions. The function of progesterone in suppositories is to fix the endometrium and attach the embryo.

Generally, when you notice any loss, even if it’s small, both the obstetrician and gynecologist can recommend it. It’s important to apply one suppository every 8 hours. These can be vaginal or taken orally. Each product has a defined use, so use them according to the instructions.

Estrogens and progesterone

Both are female sex hormones that must maintain a balance in the body.

Estrogens penetrate the cell membrane and activate or deactivate genes in the cell’s nucleus. They allow for the cellular growth of the female reproductive system such as the ovaries, endometrium, and even the development of the breasts.

Progesterone halts some of the effects of estrogens, especially during pregnancy. It stops hormonal activity and allows the reproductive cycle to be maintained until its successful completion, the birth of the baby.

Effects on health and pregnancy

• Sedative.
• Increase in breast size.
• Regulation of menstruation.
• Improved vaginal flow.
• Improves fractional sodium excretion.

It produces a relaxing or sedative effect in some women, which is the opposite reaction of estrogens, which are excitatory.

It also relaxes the uterus and increases cervical secretion, providing progesterone effects on the amount of vaginal flow as well as blood circulation.

In addition to all the benefits, during pregnancy, progesterone increases the elimination of sodium through urine. The excretion of salt and chlorine occurs as these substances are not filtered by the kidneys.

All the properties and benefits, as well as the effects of progesterone in pregnancy and outside of it, are related to the woman’s reproductive cycle. It stimulates the preparation of the uterus, compensates for the effects of estrogens, and prevents miscarriages in a high percentage.

However, despite having positive effects, it can also produce some adverse reactions, so let’s see them next.

Side effects of progesterone

Although it is necessary to take it in pills or insert a vaginal suppository, it is important to know that some people may experience the following side effects with progesterone:

• Fluid retention.
• Swollen breasts.
• Chest pain or breast pain.
• Drowsiness or sleepiness during the day.
• Headache or migraine.
• Nausea.
• Dizziness.

The most common thing is that you won’t notice anything other than an improvement in reproductive disorders. Some people have difficulty falling asleep, in which case it may be helpful to take a natural sedative such as valerian, linden, and similar.

Fluid retention appears in some women. It is a side effect. Many people wonder if progesterone causes weight gain. It should be noted that you may feel slightly bloated, but this reaction disappears when its administration ends.

As for chest pain, this happens because the size of the breast increases. When the breast tissue is inflamed, sensitivity increases. The rest of the adverse reactions to progesterone are as indicated, and in most cases, they are mild. In any case, if they appear, it is important to discuss them with the doctor who recommended its use.

Contraindications

Although it is considered very safe, some people need to be cautious due to the contraindications of progesterone which are:

• Vaginal bleeding.
• Ectopic pregnancy.
• Liver disease or severe dysfunction.
• Breast and genital tract cancer.
• Arterial and venous thromboembolism.
• Thrombophlebitis.
• Idiopathic jaundice.
• Itching.
• Gestational pemphigoid.
• Hypersensitivity or allergy to sex hormones taken vaginally or orally.
• Hypericum.
• Diabetes.

If you have loss or spotting, you should consult with your obstetrician or gynecologist before using it. Depending on the symptoms and causes of vaginal bleeding, the specialist may recommend treatment with progesterone or suggest other medications or natural remedies to improve health.

Cases of ectopic pregnancy are contraindicated, and its use is not recommended. When the fertilized egg is implanted outside the uterus, in the fallopian tube, it may be due to having low progesterone. However, a study must be performed to assess the suitability of applying it in this case.

If you suffer from any type of oncological disease, always follow the advice of your specialist. Progesterone and cancer are related, both in its progression and the development of symptoms.

It has been proven that progesterone reacts or interacts with the properties of hypericum or the so-called St. John’s Wort, which is used to treat anxiety. If you are taking it, you should opt for another type of treatment.

Diabetic people must monitor their blood glucose levels because it can reduce insulin sensitivity, which is a very important point if you have diabetes.

In the other cases, to avoid the side effects of progesterone and adverse reactions, it is necessary to consult. Whenever there are serious illnesses, you are on multiple medications, or have suffered from any reproductive disorder.

Interaction with medications and clinical tests

• Cytochrome enzyme inducers (carbamazepine, griseofulvin, rifampicin, phenytoin, phenobarbital).
• Hypericum perforatum or St. John’s Wort.
• Vaginal treatments.

As with contraindications, if you are taking any medication or dietary supplement, it is advisable to inform your gynecologist. This way, they can assess the appropriateness or not of progesterone interactions as well as the progress after several weeks of use.

How to take it

• Vaginal route: apply in the morning while lying down and with the knees bent. Squeeze the container and open the applicator, then insert it into the vagina.
• Suppositories: insert the progesterone suppository or vaginal capsule into the vagina. You can help with your finger. It should reach deep inside.
• Cream: Apply with the applicator or spatula that comes with the progesterone cream on the breast.
• Capsules and tablets: ingest the indicated dose with a large glass of water. Repeat every day at the same time.
• Injection: apply to the quadriceps femoris of the thigh. First, clean the area of the leg with an alcohol-soaked cotton ball to disinfect. Inject slowly to avoid discomfort.

The cream is usually applied during the luteal phase, which is the third phase of the menstrual cycle. From day 13 or 14 after the onset of menstruation until day 27 of the cycle or until the next menstruation appears.