Progesteron Level

I think one of the major problems with my current Fertility clinic is that they don't bother to answer much of my questions and they don't bother to explain most of the terms. Making us more uncomfortable and scared of the procedure. Note that STRESS is a one of the major factors for an IVF failure. And ignorance for me causes stress.

So I've decided to share information about what I've researched. Questions come up as experiences pile up. So I guess I'll be sharing the same boat with many of you.

Today my question was, "What does Progesterone do? What are the Progesterone Levels?"

What is Progesterone?

Progesterone is a hormone produced mainly in the ovaries by the corpus luteum (what the follicle turns into after it releases the egg). Progesterone helps prepare the uterus for the implantation of a fertilized egg. If a fertilized egg implants, progesterone then helps the uterine lining (endometrium) to maintain the pregnancy. [ Souce: http://www.fertilityauthority.com] 

Did that help? Here's another for dummy meaning (I need IVF for dummies badly!)

Progesterone is the hormone which the corpus luteum in the ovary produces to help during the implantation of the embryo . It creates secretory changes in the uterus lining, so that it is ready to receive the embryo. This is why it's role in supporting the pregnancy is quite straightforward. Even the name, pro (= for, towards, helping) -gest (= pregnancy) -erone (= steroid hormone) suggests this role - it supports the pregnancy ! [ Source:http://www.drmalpani.com/progesterone.htm] 

What does Progesteron do?

Souce: [http://conceptionstore.yuku.com]

• Helps to regulate the menstrual cycle. 
•  Prepares the lining of the uterus for implantation. 
•  Keeps the lining of the uterus thick which is necessary for a successful pregnancy. 
•  Produces a rise in temperature after ovulation, which remains until menstruation occurs. 
•  Creates a nutrient rich environment for the baby by increasing glycogen and arterial blood to the lining of the uterus. 
•  Keeps the uterus from having contractions. 
•  Causes the cervix to thicken and create a mucous plug which prevents bacteria from entering the uterus.

How does Progesteron work?

Source: [http://www.livestrong.com/article/252344-how-does-progesterone-work/] 

Your ovaries begin producing progesterone just prior to ovulation, increasing output for approximately two weeks. If you don't conceive, your progesterone levels will plummet because there is no fertilized egg to support. Since progesterone causes the lining of the uterus to thicken in anticipation of pregnancy, when progesterone wanes, the uterus sheds that lining and menstruation occurs. If you conceive, the corpus luteum--what remains of the follicle after the egg is released--will keep producing progesterone and the hormone will continue to build and nourish the uterine wall to allow the embryo to implant there and receive nourishment.

Normal Progesteron Level

Source: [http://tarunaoils.com/articles/progesterone-levels.asp] 

Phases	Normal Progesterone Levels in ng/ml
Follicular phase	0.2 – 1.4
Luteal phase	3.3 – 25.0
Mid-luteal phase	4.4 – 28.0

Progesterone Level during Pregnancy

Trimesters	Normal Progesterone Levels in ng/ml
First trimester	11.2 – 90.0
Second trimester	25.6 – 89.4
Third trimester	48.4 – 422.5

Progesteron Side Effects

Source: [http://www.livestrong.com/article/120369-side-effects-progesterone-ivf/]

• The most common side effects from progesterone are those that mimic premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Patients may experience headaches, bloating, irritability, breast tenderness, sleepiness, depression and mood swings. Because these symptoms can be caused by either an oncoming period or pregnancy, patients are encouraged to stay on their post-IVF medications until after the pregnancy test.

Symptoms of High Progesteron

Source: [http://www.livestrong.com/article/236331-symptoms-of-high-progesterone]

• tiredness
• ovarian cysts
• ovulation 
• multiple births
• sexual effect