How to Increase Progesterone?

What is progesterone?

Progesterone is a hormone that is secreted primarily from the corpus luteum after ovulation. This hormone plays an important role in preparing the lining of the uterus for pregnancy and supporting early stages of pregnancy.

Progesterone after ovulation normally rises during the luteal phase. In case pregnancy takes place, progesterone will continue playing a vital role in maintaining the uterine walls until the placenta takes the responsibility of progesterone production.

Sometimes, low progesterone levels can influence fertility; however, having a low level of progesterone once does not necessarily indicate that there is a problem since progesterone levels keep fluctuating throughout the menstrual cycle; therefore, timing is important.

Symptoms of low progesterone

Symptoms of low progesterone can overlap with several other hormonal or reproductive conditions. Common signs may include:

• Irregular or shortened menstrual cycles
• Spotting before a period
• Difficulty conceiving
• Recurrent early pregnancy loss in some cases
• Changes in menstrual flow
• Premenstrual symptoms

Low progesterone is not diagnosed based on symptoms alone. The doctor may consider your menstrual history, ovulation pattern and blood test results before deciding whether further evaluation is needed.

Common causes of low progesterone

Progesterone deficiency is often linked to irregular or absent ovulation. Conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), thyroid issues, and high prolactin levels tend to disrupt ovulation.

Being significantly underweight, excessive exercise, severe calorie restriction and the hormonal changes associated with perimenopause can also impact menstrual and ovulatory function. It is significant to establish the cause of the problem since its treatment might help restore progesterone levels.

Foods that support hormonal health

There are no specific progesterone foodsthat are supposed to boost progesterone levels directly. Nevertheless, a healthy and balanced diet can support hormonal and overall reproductive health. Below are some dietary recommendations:

• Healthy fats: Nuts, seeds, avocado, olive oil and fatty fish
• Protein: Eggs, fish, poultry, beans and lentils
• Whole grains: Oats, brown rice and whole-wheat products
• Fruits and vegetables: Especially those rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants
• Zinc-containing foods: Pumpkin seeds, legumes, dairy products and seafood

Lifestyle habits that support hormonal health

Some lifestyle factors could contribute to the optimal functioning of reproductive hormones. These are:

Maintaining a healthy weight

Being significantly underweight or overweight can have a negative impact on your ovulation and menstrual cycle.

Exercise regularly

Physical activity is beneficial for your metabolism. However, if you exercise too much and do not consume enough calories, it might impact ovulation.

Have enough sleep

Sufficient sleep is essential for your hormonal and metabolic balance. Try to get 7-8 hours of good sleep daily.

Manage stress

Long-term stress can affect the hormones that regulate ovulation and menstruation. Prolonged stress, in general, also can have adverse effects on overall health.

Since progesterone rises after ovulation, supporting regular ovulation is an important part of maintaining healthy progesterone levels.

Medical treatments for low progesterone

If diagnosis shows an ovulation problem or low progesterone, then the treatment will be based on the root cause and giving progesterone directly may not be the first approach. In certain cases, treating or managing the reason affecting ovulation can help improve the levels of progesterone in the body naturally.

Common medical approaches may include:

• Prescription progesterone

Progesterone may be prescribed as oral medication, vaginal capsules, gels or injections, depending on the clinical situation.

• Ovulation-inducing medicines

If the cause for low progesterone is irregular or absent ovulation, ovulation stimulation medicines can be prescribed to trigger ovulation. Once it happens, the body releases progesterone naturally during the second half of the menstrual cycle.

• Treatment for underlying conditions

If the root cause is conditions like thyroid disorders, elevated prolactin and other hormonal conditions, specific treatment may be advised to improve ovulation and hormone balance.

• Luteal-phase support

Progesterone may be prescribed during certain fertility treatments, including IVF and selected IUI cycles in order to support the uterine lining after ovulation.

What is the best time to test progesterone levels?

Since progesterone levels fluctuate significantly throughout the menstrual cycle, it becomes important to take the blood sample at the right time. If you have a regular 28-day cycle, testing may be done around Day 21 or 7 days post-ovulation. On the other hand, for those with different menstrual cycle lengths, testing is likely to be done 7 days before the expected period date instead of using day 21 as a fixed date.

Progesterone during fertility treatment

In fertility treatments, progesterone has a significant role to play. This is because the uterine lining needs sufficient support after ovulation or embryo transfer and progesterone also supports early pregnancy.

Progesterone during IVF

Progesterone is normally prescribed after egg retrieval in the IVF procedure to support the luteal phase and sometimes early pregnancy. It can be administered via vaginal preparations, injections or other formulations based on the treatment protocol followed by your fertility specialist.

Progesterone after IUI

For selected patients, progesterone may also be prescribed after IUI, particularly when luteal phase support is considered appropriate. However, it is not mandatory for everyone going through IUI. The decision depends on various factors such as the stimulation protocol, ovulation, previous treatment history and assessment by your fertility specialist.

When are supplements prescribed for increasing progesterone?

Progesterone supplements are not like dietary supplements meant for hormone regulation. Prescription progesterone contains the hormone itself and is to be used only when medically advised.

There could be some conditions like luteal phase deficiency that require progesterone therapy, but there are still ongoing discussions regarding this. Additionally, progesterone can also be used during fertility treatments and in certain pregnancy conditions.

It is important to note that the form, dose and duration of taking progesterone supplement depend on the reason for treatment and it should be taken only under medical supervision.

Medical treatment vs lifestyle approach for increasing progesterone levels

These are two main approaches that can be adopted when there is a need to increase progesterone production, either through changing one’s lifestyle or through medication.

Lifestyle changes help support ovulation and overall hormonal health, whereas medication may be required to address certain health conditions that cannot be corrected through lifestyle changes alone.

Lifestyle approach	Medical treatment approach
Supports overall hormone and reproductive health	Treats the cause or provides progesterone
Includes diet, exercise, sleep and stress management	May include progesterone or ovulation medicines
May support regular ovulation	Used when hormonal or ovulation problems are identified
Works through consistent daily habits	Requires medical guidance
Supportive but does not guarantee higher progesterone	Can directly increase progesterone levels when prescribed

Risks of self-medicating

Taking progesterone or any hormone supplement without medical consultation should be avoided. Progesterone might bring about certain side effects like bloating, breast soreness, headache, lightheadedness, or changes in mood or alertness, depending on the type of supplement.

More importantly, self-medication might prevent one from getting to the root cause of their menstrual or fertility issues.

Products sold as natural progesterone boosters may also contain herbs or other ingredients that have limited proof for boosting progesterone. It is always advisable to discuss with your doctor especially if you are trying to conceive or are pregnant.