Progesterone: What It Is and Why It Matters

If you’ve ever heard doctors talk about hormone balance, progesterone is probably one of the names that popped up. It’s a natural hormone your body makes, mostly by the ovaries, and it plays a key role in preparing the uterus for pregnancy and keeping a pregnancy going. Even if you’re not trying to get pregnant, low or high levels can affect mood, sleep, and weight.

Common Uses of Progesterone

Most people encounter progesterone when they’re dealing with fertility issues. In IVF cycles it’s given after egg retrieval to support the lining of the uterus so an embryo can implant. It’s also used in natural or “mini” IVF protocols for luteal‑phase support.

If you’ve had a miscarriage or recurrent early loss, doctors may prescribe progesterone to give your body another chance to hold onto a pregnancy. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause often combines estrogen with progesterone to protect the uterine lining from overgrowth.

Some birth‑control methods, like certain IUDs and pills, release low doses of progesterone to thicken cervical mucus and stop sperm from reaching an egg. Finally, a few skin conditions (like certain types of acne) improve when progesterone levels are balanced.

How to Take Progesterone Safely

Progesterone comes in several forms: oral pills, vaginal gels or suppositories, and injectable oil solutions. The route you choose depends on why you’re using it and how your doctor wants to control the dose.

Typical oral doses for HRT sit around 100‑200 mg per day, while IVF protocols often use 200‑400 mg twice daily in pill form or a 25‑50 mg vaginal gel nightly. Injections are usually 50‑100 mg every few days and are reserved for women who can’t tolerate oral or vaginal routes.

Take the medication at the same time each day to keep blood levels steady. If you’re using a vaginal product, insert it before bedtime so any mild irritation has time to settle. Always follow your provider’s instructions about when to start (often after ovulation) and how long to continue (usually until 10‑12 weeks of pregnancy).

Watch for side effects. The most common are mild nausea, bloating, breast tenderness, or a brief feeling of dizziness. In rare cases people experience severe headaches, mood swings, or allergic reactions at the injection site. If any symptom feels out of control, call your doctor right away.

Blood tests can confirm you’re hitting the target range. Most clinics will check progesterone levels about a week after starting treatment to make sure the dose is working.

Quick safety checklist:

• Confirm the dosage and route with your prescriber.
• Set a daily reminder so you never miss a dose.
• Track any side effects in a notebook or app.
• Schedule follow‑up labs as advised.
• If pregnant, keep your obstetrician in the loop about every change.

Progesterone can be a powerful ally when used correctly. Understanding what it does, why you might need it, and how to take it safely puts you in control of your health journey.