Can You Have a Successful Pregnancy with Low Progesterone?

Progesterone is vital to conception and early pregnancy – but what happens if your progesterone levels are too low? 

In this article, we’re covering everything you need to know about successful pregnancy with low progesterone levels – including the symptoms and risks associated with low progesterone, how to keep your progesterone levels in balance, and medical treatment options. 

Progesterone 101

Progesterone is a type of steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands and corpus luteum. It is also produced by the placenta during pregnancy. The name itself actually means “pro gestation” – due to the vital role that the hormone plays in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. 

Among nonpregnant individuals of reproductive age, progesterone helps regulate the menstrual cycle, control libido, and prepare the body for conception. 

During pregnancy, progesterone helps maintain the uterine lining, prevent contractions, and prepare the breasts for breastfeeding. Progesterone is particularly critical during early pregnancy, as it supports implantation, thickens the uterine lining, and suppresses uterine contractions to prevent early miscarriage. 

Low Progesterone: Symptoms and Risks

When progesterone levels are too low, this can lead to a number of health complications for both pregnant and nonpregnant individuals. 

For nonpregnant individuals of reproductive age, low progesterone levels can disrupt the menstrual cycle and interfere with the ability to get pregnant. In this case, common symptoms of low progesterone include: 

• Irregular periods
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Severe PMS symptoms 
• Headaches
• Weight gain
• Reduced libido
• Mood changes 
• Difficulties getting pregnant

During pregnancy, low progesterone levels can increase the risk of miscarriage. Common symptoms of low progesterone in pregnancy include: 

• Light bleeding and spotting
• Abdominal pain
• Breast tenderness
• Fatigue
• Frequent miscarriages

To learn more about progesterone levels in pregnancy and while TTC, check out our article Progesterone Levels: What’s Normal for Women?

Causes of Low Progesterone

Like other hormones, progesterone hormone levels are influenced by the several glands within the body – such as the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, and adrenal gland. When these glands are not functioning properly, this can interfere with progesterone levels. 

Among non-pregnant individuals, low progesterone levels have been linked to anovulation, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hypothyroidism, hyperprolactinemia, low cholesterol, high stress levels, extreme dieting, over-exercising, low body weight, and high body weight.  

During pregnancy, low levels of progesterone have been linked to miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and a short cervix. 

Diagnosing Low Progesterone Levels

Low progesterone can be diagnosed by a doctor with a simple blood test, often referred to as a “serum progesterone test”. This test will reveal the exact, numeric progesterone levels in your blood at the time of testing, measured in ng/mL. 

Depending on your symptoms and pregnancy status, your doctor will be able to assess whether your levels are too low. They can then provide guidance on treatment options and next steps. 

Monitoring Your Progesterone Levels At Home

In addition to blood testing at your doctor’s office, it is also possible to monitor your progesterone levels at home for the purposes of tracking your menstrual cycle and confirming ovulation. 

This is possible with the Mira App and Monitor, which enables you to track the urine metabolite of progesterone, pregnanediol‑3a‑glucuronide (PdG). 

Whether you are actively planning a pregnancy, struggling to conceive, or just want to make sense of your irregular menstrual cycles, tracking PdG can help bring some clarity; enabling you to make informed decisions about your reproductive health. 

Please note that urine PdG should only be used to confirm ovulation. Mira Confirm Wands are not designed, approved, or cleared for monitoring early pregnancy status, miscarriage, fetal health tracking, or other diagnostic uses for which progesterone might be an indicator.

Overcoming Low Progesterone

Medical Treatments

Depending on your situation, your doctor may feel it necessary to prescribe a form of progesterone treatment – such as a pill or vaginal suppository. 

Progesterone pills are often used as part of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after menopause. They can also be prescribed to support menstrual cycle regularity in individuals with irregular periods or periods that have stopped. 

If you are pregnant, your doctor may prescribe progesterone suppositories or recommend over-the-counter creams. Progesterone suppositories are often prescribed for individuals with a short cervix, as research shows that this treatment can help reduce preterm births among pregnancies with a short cervix.  

Supplements

Certain dietary supplements and natural remedies can also support overall hormone balance, which in turn boosts progesterone levels among individuals with low progesterone levels. 

For example, Mira’s Prenatal Vitamins contain (among other ingredients) vitamins B, Magnesium, and Vitamin D – all of which help to balance hormone levels. Vitamin B6 specifically helps to increase progesterone and reinforce the uterine lining. This multi-vitamin is suitable for individuals who are currently pregnant, actively TTC, and those who could become pregnant. 

If you have PCOS, Mira’s PCOS Supplements are another option worth considering. The key ingredient here is D-Chiro Inositol – an ingredient that helps to restore ovulation, which in turn increases progesterone and promotes cycle regularity. 

Diet and Nutrition

Fuelling your body with a balanced, nutrient-rich diet also helps your hormones stay in balance. Foods that can help increase progesterone naturally include:

• Healthy fats (such as nuts, seeds, olive oil, and salmon) – to optimize hormone production.  
• Chicken – high in protein and acids, which help to synthesize progesterone. 
• Oats – high in protein and amino acids, which help to synthesize progesterone.
• Chocolate – a rich source of magnesium that helps to regulate ovulation and trigger progesterone production. 

By maintaining a healthy diet, it’s much easier to maintain a healthy weight – another key component of keeping your hormones in check. 

Stress Management

When we are stressed, a hormone called cortisol spikes. When this happens, it can cause overall hormone levels to become out of balance – especially progesterone.  

Whether you’re currently pregnant or actively TTC, keeping stress levels to a minimum is absolutely crucial to your hormone health. The best way to combat stress is to figure out a strategy that works for you and stay consistent! Common strategies include: setting boundaries at home and work, prioritizing self-care, spending time in nature, speaking with a friend or counselor, exercising, meditation, and engaging in creative activities and hobbies.   

How Can Low Progesterone Be Prevented? 

Preventing Low Progesterone Levels While TTC

If you are actively TTC and concerned about your progesterone levels, it’s important to stay in tune with your body and attend regular check-ups with your doctor.

If you are monitoring your progesterone levels (PdG) at home with Mira, it’s also worth considering speaking with a fertility coach in our Hormone Health Clinic for Fertility. Our experienced coaches can review your PdG charts and recommend strategies for balancing your progesterone levels. They can also provide practical lifestyle guidance and emotional support throughout your fertility journey. 

Strategies for maintaining overall hormone balance (which helps boost progesterone levels) include eating a nutrient-rich diet, maintaining a healthy weight, getting plenty of sleep, and keeping stress levels low. 

Preventing Low Progesterone Levels During Pregnancy

A low progesterone pregnancy is considered high risk, and it’s important to keep an open dialogue with your doctor about any history of low progesterone, or symptoms of low progesterone, before or during pregnancy. 

In addition to testing hCG levels, your doctor will likely want to check your progesterone levels in early pregnancy as well with a blood test – especially if you have a history of miscarriage or preterm birth. If you have a short cervix, your doctor may prescribe progesterone suppositories, which can help to reduce the risk of preterm birth. 

In general, taking good care of your body is the best strategy for maintaining a healthy pregnancy. This includes eating a nutrient-rich diet, maintaining a healthy weight, getting plenty of sleep, keeping stress levels low, taking a regular prenatal vitamin, and attending all of your doctor’s appointments. 

Final Thoughts

Unfortunately, low progesterone cannot always be prevented. If you are struggling to conceive or have experienced pregnancy loss due to low progesterone levels, make sure to be kind to yourself and know that it is not your fault. 

To learn more about the role of progesterone during the TTC process and pregnancy, check out our other articles on progesterone below:

• A Guide to Low Progesterone: Symptoms, Causes & Treatments
• 15 Ways to Increase Progesterone: Diet, Supplements & Lifestyle Tips
• Estrogen and Progesterone: Understanding the Role of Each when TTC

You are also welcome to join our support group on Facebook, Mira Fertility Club – an open community to share stories and learn about hormone health. 

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