Progesterone is a hormone crucial for the female reproductive system and pregnancy. It prepares the uterus for potential pregnancy and maintains early gestation. In IVF, progesterone supplementation supports the uterine environment, aiding embryo implantation and pregnancy progression.
The Role of Progesterone in IVF Success
Progesterone, often called the “pregnancy hormone,” establishes and maintains pregnancy. It prepares the endometrium, the uterine lining, by thickening it and increasing its blood supply, creating a receptive environment for an implanted embryo. This hormone also maintains the uterine lining and prevents early uterine contractions that could interfere with implantation or lead to miscarriage.
In IVF cycles, medications preventing premature ovulation can affect natural progesterone production. Egg retrieval procedures also reduce the ovaries’ ability to produce sufficient progesterone. Therefore, external progesterone supplementation is necessary to compensate for this diminished production and support embryo implantation and early pregnancy.
Typical Duration of Progesterone Support
Progesterone administration in IVF generally extends from egg retrieval or embryo transfer into early pregnancy. Support most commonly continues until 8 to 12 weeks of gestation. This timeframe is chosen because the placenta typically becomes fully developed and produces sufficient progesterone to sustain the pregnancy independently.
Before the placenta assumes this role, the ovaries are the primary producers of progesterone in a natural pregnancy. In IVF, where this natural process may be altered, supplemental progesterone ensures continuous hormonal support during this transitional period. The goal is to bridge the gap until placental production is sufficient, allowing for a gradual cessation of external progesterone.
Factors Influencing Progesterone Duration and Cessation
The exact duration of progesterone support varies based on individual and clinical factors. For instance, fresh IVF cycles may involve some natural progesterone production, while frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles often require full supplementation. Clinic protocols also differ, with some recommending continuation until 8 weeks, and others extending to 10 or 12 weeks of gestation.
Individual patient response, including natural progesterone production and pregnancy progression, influences the doctor’s decision. If pregnancy is confirmed, progesterone continues; if not, it is discontinued. When discontinuing progesterone, it is typically tapered or gradually reduced rather than stopped abruptly, though specific protocols vary. This ensures a smooth transition as the placenta takes over hormone production, maintaining a stable environment for the developing pregnancy.