Drug Information Pharmacist Progesterone is a naturally occurring hormone produced primarily by the ovaries. The progesterone levels then rise sharply shortly after ovulation. If the body determines that an egg has not been fertilized, the ovaries stop producing progesterone and menses begins within 24-48 hours. Some women do not produce sufficient progesterone on their own and, therefore, may have difficulty conceiving. In these cases, supplemental administration of progesterone is required.
Progesterone is administered along with other hormones to mimic a regular menstrual cycle.
The combination of hormones signals ovulation and allows fertilization to take place. In either instance, the administration of progesterone has been shown to increase a woman's chances of achieving a successful pregnancy. Several dosage forms of progesterone are commercially available or can be compounded by a pharmacist. The dose of progesterone is dependent upon an individual woman's need and the specific dosage form of progesterone that is selected. In order to mimic a regular menstrual cycle, therapy with progesterone is usually started a few days after ovulation and is continued until either menses occurs or pregnancy is confirmed.