 Progesterone
is a natural female hormone produced by the ovary in large quantities
during the second half of the menstrual cycle and by the placenta
during pregnancy. Progesterone works together with estrogens to prepare
the lining of the womb for implantation of the fetus after conception
and its effects on the maternal organs are critical for normal progress
and outcome of the pregnancy.
Examples:
a. Less than 1 mg of
progesterone is produced by a post menopausal woman and a
woman during her first half of the menstrual cycle. However,
during the second half of the menstrual cycle its production
rate increases to 20 to 50 mg and during late pregnancy the
progesterone levels increase to 300 to 500 mg. Some women
are infertile during the latter part of the cycle and during
the first trimester of pregnancy because of progesterone deficiency
, causing them to abort early in their pregnancy.
b. In order to improve
the success rate and outcome for women undergoing in vitro
fertilization, a large amount of progesterone is required.
c. Estrogens are used
to treat menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, brittle
bones and cardiovascular diseases during the postmenopausal
stage in women. In most post menopausal women who have not
had a hysterectomy, progesterone is added for up to two weeks
every month or continuously with estrogen in order to prevent
over growth of the lining of the womb caused by estrogens
and also to enhance some of the positive effects of estrogens.
Various forms of progesterone are available injections, suppositories,
oral capsules, lozenges, and tablets. Although synthetic progestogens
are also available, they are more prone to cause severe side
effects and are contraindicated during pregnancy.
Note: Martin Avenue Pharmacy is able to compound
a Natural Progesterone Capsule to a doctor's exact dosage.
Please call us with questions or comments. Call 630-355-6400.
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