Progesterone is a crucial hormone for maintaining pregnancy and is often supplemented for various reproductive health issues. Here's a summary of key points from the latest research:

1. Miscarriage Prevention: Progesterone supplementation has been investigated for its potential to prevent miscarriages in women with recurrent or threatened miscarriages. Studies, such as the PRISM trial, have shown that micronized vaginal progesterone can improve live birth rates, especially in women with prior miscarriages and current pregnancy bleeding¹².

2. Preterm Birth Prevention: Progesterone is also used to prevent preterm birth. The FDA has approved hydroxyprogesterone caproate for reducing the risk of recurrent preterm birth in women with a history of spontaneous preterm delivery. This approach has shown significant evidence in lowering rates of preterm births³⁴.

3. Early Pregnancy Bleeding: For women experiencing early pregnancy bleeding, progesterone therapy can be beneficial. Research indicates that progesterone may help rescue a pregnancy in such cases, although the results vary, and the therapy is most effective when combined with psychological support for comprehensive care⁵⁶.

4. Embryo Transfer: In the context of assisted reproductive technology (ART), progesterone levels are critical during the luteal phase and around embryo transfer. Proper supplementation can enhance implantation rates and support early pregnancy maintenance⁷.

5. Sex-Specific Effects: There may be sex-specific effects of progesterone supplementation during early pregnancy. Research on ovine models (sheep) has highlighted that maternal progesterone administration can increase fetal progesterone levels in males, potentially affecting their reproductive system development⁸.

In conclusion, progesterone supplementation is a valuable intervention in reproductive health, particularly for preventing miscarriages and preterm births, as well as supporting pregnancies in ART procedures. However, its use should be carefully considered and tailored to individual needs based on clinical evidence and under medical supervision.

Footnotes

1. Arri Coomarasamy, "Progesterone to prevent miscarriage in women with early pregnancy bleeding: the PRISM RCT," PMC7355406 ↩

2. G. Dante, "Use of progestagens during early pregnancy," PMC3987350 ↩

3. Errol R Norwitz, "Progesterone Supplementation and the Prevention of Preterm Birth," PMC3218546 ↩

4. Eman S. Alsulmi, "The use of progesterone during pregnancy to prevent preterm birth," PMC7841610 ↩

5. Nana Tetruashvili, "Prevention of Pregnancy Loss: Combining Progestogen Treatment and Psychological Support," PMC10003391 ↩

6. Ting-Jung Lai, "Progesterone in Pregnancy: Evidence-Based Strategies to Reduce Miscarriage and Enhance Assisted Reproductive Technology," PMC10929293 ↩

7. Thi Minh Chau Le, "Effectiveness of progesterone supplementation in women presenting low progesterone levels on the day of frozen embryo transfer," PMC8867304 ↩

8. Katarzyna J. Siemienowicz, "Early pregnancy maternal progesterone administration alters pituitary and testis function and steroid profile in male fetuses," PMC7736841 ↩