The Role of Progesterone

Qoute from "Pregnancy and natural progesterone"

At ovulation, the production of progesterone rapidly rises from 2-3mg per day to an average of 22mg per day, peaking as high as 30mg per day a week or so after ovulation.

After ten or twelve days, if fertilisation does not occur, ovarian production of progesterone falls significantly. It is this sudden decline in progesterone levels (as well as estrogen levels) that triggers a period (menstruation), and another menstrual cycle will begin.

If pregnancy occurs, progesterone production increases and the shedding of the lining of the uterus is prevented, preserving the developing embryo. As pregnancy progresses, progesterone production is taken over by the placenta and its secretion increases gradually to levels of 300-400mg per day during the third trimester

During pregnancy, rising progesterone levels prevent the premature shedding of the uterine lining (pro-gestation). If progesterone levels drop due to inadequate progesterone production, then a premature delivery could result, or bring about a miscarriage in the early trimesters.

Progesterone also influences the development of the breasts during pregnancy in preparation for producing milk after the birth. It has an impact on ligaments and muscles throughout the body as well, essentially to allow the suppleness and expansion necessary for giving birth. This also accounts for some of the problems which may be experienced during pregnancy – backache, constipation, and low-blood-pressure, for example.

Although the data are not entirely clear, it appears that progesterone may also have an effect on transport time of the ovum in the fallopian tube, and it may make the ovum more susceptible to sperm penetration.

Dr. Pritchett and many of the other Moscati Health Center doctors studied extended progesterone use under Dr. Thomas Hilgers of Omaha at the Pope Paul the Sixth Institute.

This Nebraska doctor is the world leader in the study, one reason people come from all over the globe to learn from him. Thirteen years ago, Hilgers used a new technique to help a Hastings woman carry her pregnancy to full term. Today, that mother has four healthy teenage girls including triplets and the doctor is the world leader in using the hormone progesterone.

He explains most doctors only prescribe progesterone for problem pregnancies like Horton’s into the first trimester. Hilgers said, though, he has found for many women who miscarry, their progesterone levels are low, so he continues to prescribe the hormone into the second and third trimester. He said it can have dramatic effects.

Although other doctors say extended use of the hormone does not help at all and there is not enough research to support the practice, Dr. Pritchett said success stories are repeated again and again at the center with this treatment.

"It’s been withheld actually probably for too long and we really need to use it. I call progesterone the great, undiscovered, American hormone," Hilgers said.