What should I do if progesterone levels are low during early pregnancy?
Pregnancy refers to gestation. Progesterone is a type of pregnancy hormone. Low progesterone levels in early pregnancy may be associated with factors such as unhealthy lifestyle habits, hypothyroidism, antiphospholipid syndrome, abnormal embryonic development, and ectopic pregnancy. It is recommended that pregnant women seek medical attention promptly if they experience any discomfort, identify the underlying cause, and receive standardized treatment under a doctor's guidance. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Unhealthy lifestyle habits
Unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and significant emotional fluctuations may lead to ovarian secretory dysfunction, thereby reducing progesterone levels. Pregnant women are advised to maintain a healthy lifestyle, ensure adequate sleep, and improve unhealthy habits.
2. Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism often causes hormonal imbalances in the body, which may interfere with progesterone levels. Pregnant women are advised to take medications such as levothyroxine sodium tablets, Yikang capsules, or Shiquan Dabu pills as directed by their physicians.
3. Antiphospholipid syndrome
Antiphospholipid syndrome can lead to microthrombus formation in the embryo, affecting corpus luteum function in the ovary and resulting in reduced progesterone secretion. Pregnant women are advised to take medications such as enteric-coated aspirin tablets or low molecular weight heparin calcium injection as prescribed.
4. Abnormal embryonic development
If embryonic development is abnormal, it may lead to inadequate corpus luteum function, thus causing low progesterone levels. Pregnant women are advised to take medications such as progesterone capsules, dydrogesterone tablets, or compound estradiol tablets as directed by their doctors.
5. Ectopic pregnancy
In ectopic pregnancy, the embryo implants outside the uterus—such as in the fallopian tube or ovary—leading to insufficient corpus luteum function and consequently low progesterone levels. Pregnant women are advised to take medications such as methotrexate tablets, misoprostol tablets, or mifepristone capsules as prescribed.
In early pregnancy, low progesterone levels may result in unstable embryo implantation. Therefore, strenuous exercise and excessive fatigue should be avoided to prevent miscarriage.