In patients who suffer from amenorrhea, doctors use progesterone dosage to manipulate the levels of progesterone in a woman's body so that there is a drop in the level. This drop in progesterone triggers the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) to shed, thus causing menstruation.
Low levels of progesterone may cause miscarriage in patients who suffer from recurrent pregnancy loss. An adequate amount of progesterone is necessary to create a healthy environment to which a growing baby can attach. For these patients, a doctor may prescribe progesterone to aid the creation of a healthy uterine environment.
Instructions
Amenorrhea
1. Visit a specialized physician for evaluation and treatment instructions. The doctor may prescribe a natural form of progesterone to stimulate menstruation.
2. Take the medication as directed. The doctor may prescribe an oral or vaginal form of progesterone. However, the doctor may also recommend a 5 to 10 mg daily injection for 5 to 10 days.
3. If the doctor prescribes the oral progesterone, take the medicine by mouth, once a day, for 10 days. The doctor may suggest taking a 400 mg pill in the evening.
4. If the doctor prescribes the vaginal gel form of progesterone, apply the prescribed amount (generally 45 to 90 mg) once every other day (or as directed). The doctor may prescribe up to six applications of the treatment.
Recurrent Miscarriages
5. Visit an infertility specialist for an evaluation into the cause of miscarriage. The doctor will recommend a series of tests to rule out other causes. If he detects low progesterone levels as a potential cause, he will most likely prescribe progesterone support.
6. Test for ovulation using basal body temperature charting or an over-the-counter ovulation predictor kit. The doctor will most likely recommend beginning the treatment at the time of ovulation.
7. Once ovulation occurs, begin taking the prescribed amount of progesterone, as suggested by the doctor, once or twice daily. The doctor may recommend taking 100 to 200 mg pills either orally or vaginally.
8. Continue the treatment as instructed by the doctor. If pregnancy does not occur and menstruation begins, discontinue progesterone until the next cycle. If pregnancy occurs, the doctor may recommend progesterone support until the twelfth week of pregnancy.
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