Can there be an overdose of progesterone? Why do pregnant women need progesterone? High progesterone levels: what do they mean?

Undesirable changes in the hormonal levels of women are becoming more and more common, but the number of pregnancies due to such diseases is also growing. In this case, there is a threat of miscarriage in the early stages of pregnancy due to insufficiency of progesterone in the body. The use of a number of hormonal drugs (Utrozhestan) allows one to cope with this problem if they are prescribed correctly and rationally. However, an overdose of Utrozhestan during pregnancy can lead to serious consequences for the fetus. Therefore, the prescription and use of such medications should be under strict medical supervision.

About the drug

The main active ingredient of Utrozhestan is the hormone progesterone, which has a modified structure for rapid absorption from the digestive system. This is a well-known progestin agent that replaces the normal hormonal substance secreted by the corpus luteum of pregnancy. The drug prepares the inner lining of the uterus for implantation of the fertilized egg and reduces the intensity and frequency of muscle contractions of the organ, which allows you to maintain pregnancy.

The drug is available in two formats: tablets for oral administration and capsules for intravaginal administration. With the second option, the local effect is maximum, and the effect on internal organs outside the female reproductive system is minimal.

Important! The medication should always be prescribed only by the attending physician. After a full examination, women select the optimal treatment regimen.

Indications and contraindications

An overdose of Utrozhestan often develops if the indications and contraindications for its use are not observed. Indications include the following conditions:

• infertility that develops as a result of insufficient hormonal secretion in the second phase of the menstrual cycle;
• disturbances in the ovulation process leading to infertility;
• therapy for maintaining the functional state of the endometrium during IVF;
• prevention of spontaneous abortion, premature birth in pregnant women at risk;
• the likelihood of miscarriage;
• state of habitual abortion associated with low progesterone levels;
• premenopausal state;
• Hormone replacement treatment in postmenopausal women.

Read how to treat and the dangers of drug intoxication.

All about: causes, symptoms, consequences.

The use of the medication is prohibited if a woman has contraindications:

• individual intolerance, allergic reactions to the active substance or auxiliary components of the drug;
• thrombotic diseases;
• incomplete abortion;
• tumor diseases of the uterus or breast due to the risk of sensitivity to hormonal medications.

If a woman has contraindications to such therapy, analogues of the drug or other methods of treatment are prescribed.

Instructions for use

Utrozhestan can be used during pregnancy only in the form of intravaginal capsules, which are inserted into the vagina. Directions for use and dosage are as follows:

1. If a woman is diagnosed with a threatened abortion or there is a need to prevent the development of a habitual abortion, the recommended dosage of the medication is 200–400 mg per day. It should be divided into two doses. Capsules are used throughout the first and second trimester daily. After which Utrozhestan is canceled according to special withdrawal schemes.
2. When using capsules after in vitro fertilization, the dosage and frequency of administration are prescribed individually. The maximum amount of the drug is 600 mg per day, which is divided into 3 separate doses.
3. If a woman is at risk of premature birth, then in the third trimester of pregnancy Utrozhestan is prescribed at a dosage of 200 mg once a day.

The gynecologist should carefully monitor the effectiveness of treatment, monitor the main indicators of the health of the woman and fetus due to the possible development of side effects of therapy or overdose.

The main symptoms of an overdose of Utrozhestan

Utrozhestan in the early and late stages of pregnancy, if used incorrectly, can cause an overdose. A similar condition in a woman is characterized by the appearance of nonspecific symptoms:

1. Changes in the functioning of the central nervous system are manifested by increased drowsiness, rapid onset of fatigue, and the appearance of. Similar symptoms occur 2–4 hours after taking an inadequate dose of the drug.
2. Allergic reactions of varying severity from small urticaria to anaphylactic shock.
3. The development of jaundice as a result of spasm of the biliary tract.
4. Dyspeptic symptoms in the form of nausea,... Possible pain in the upper abdomen.

All clinical manifestations of such poisoning are nonspecific, so finding out the reasons for their occurrence may be accompanied by diagnostic difficulties.

First aid and treatment of intoxication with Utrozhestan

The phenomenon of an overdose of Utrozhestan during pregnancy does not pose a serious threat to the woman or fetus, and does not lead to the development of any threatening consequences. First aid is provided according to the following algorithm:

1. Any symptoms of poisoning and intoxication in a pregnant woman are indications for seeking medical help. To do this, an ambulance can be called or an independent visit to a medical institution can be made.
2. It is necessary to stop taking the medicine.
3. If you have nausea and vomiting, you need to drink water to restore the volume of lost fluid. For this purpose, special medications of the type can be used, which must be taken according to the instructions.
4. In case of drug poisoning, a woman is advised to rest. Any physical activity is prohibited during this period.

Read about: symptoms and consequences, first aid to the victim.

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Find out how it manifests itself: characteristic symptoms, first aid to the victim.

As a rule, if side effects or symptoms of an overdose of Utrozhestan appear, it is sufficient to temporarily discontinue the drug or reduce its dosage.

Summarizing

Utrozhestan is widely used in women with pregnancy pathologies, primarily habitual abortions, as well as threats of miscarriage or premature birth. Situations of self-medication with a similar drug or incorrect prescription of a dose of medication by a gynecologist can cause an overdose, characterized by the appearance of nonspecific symptoms (see.

Progesterone is a “pregnancy hormone” that has a variety of effects on the entire body, but in general contributes to the gestation of the fetus until timely birth. Normally, it is produced by the corpus luteum of the ovaries, but for a number of reasons its concentration may be insufficient to continue pregnancy, and the fetus may die. Drug treatment of threatened abortion involves the administration of progesterone from the outside in the form of Utrozhestan capsules orally or intravaginally.

Instead of Utrozhestan in this case, Duphaston may be prescribed. Article about from an obstetrician-gynecologist.

The prophylactic prescription of Utrozhestan is quite justified in case of a lack of progesterone, which is confirmed by laboratory tests, and can lead to miscarriage.

According to the official instructions, the permissible daily dose of the drug for any route of administration is up to 600 mg. In case of threatened or habitual miscarriage, it is recommended to use one of the following regimens:

• 100-200 mg morning and evening in the vagina;
• 200-600 mg per day orally in two doses until the beginning of the 3rd trimester.

Some people mistakenly assume that since Utrozhestan contains an analogue of human progesterone, there cannot be an overdose of the natural hormone, and its excess will simply be metabolized in the liver and will be eliminated naturally. However, any substance, even one produced by the body itself, must be contained in the blood plasma in a strictly defined quantity: a deficiency, like an excess, is a pathology.

Important! Numerous clinical studies have proven that exceeding the doses prescribed in the instructions for the drug is strictly unacceptable.

Also, you should not combine drugs with the same mechanism of action and similar active ingredients, since there will not be a significant increase in effectiveness, and the risks of overdose will increase.

Consequences of an overdose of Utrozhestan

Exceeding the dose of progesterone can manifest itself solely in the form of the occurrence or intensification of side effects. A short-term overdose of Utrozhestan during early pregnancy is not dangerous to the fetus. If symptoms are identified in a timely manner and appropriate measures are taken, the negative impact will consist only of temporary discomfort for the expectant mother. After dose adjustment, the condition usually stabilizes and complaints disappear.

It must be taken into account that a significant excess of Utrozhestan will lead to blockade of progesterone receptors and a decrease in sensitivity to it. The expected effect may not occur or may be the opposite: instead of continuing the pregnancy, there is a risk of causing a miscarriage.

A long-term study of the drug has proven the safety of 400 mg of progesterone per day, divided into 2 doses, for mother and fetus. The instructions allow the use of 600 mg per day. The decision to exceed the specified dosages is made by the obstetrician-gynecologist at his own peril and risk in each specific situation. In critical cases, some doctors prescribe Utrozhestan in amounts of more than 1000-1600 mg. However, the effectiveness of such schemes has not been proven.

Symptoms of an overdose of Utrozhestan during pregnancy

Most often, the first symptoms of an overdose coincide with the side effects that may occur when taking Utrozhestan. You should be wary if:

• lethargy, drowsiness or insomnia, dizziness;
• sharp enlargement of the mammary glands, their soreness;
• bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation;
• yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes;
• skin itching;
• increased sweating.

Typically, patients first complain of nausea and dizziness, which can be taken as signs of toxicosis or any poisoning. Therefore, throughout the entire course of treatment with progesterone, you need to pay special attention to your own well-being and remember about possible reactions to the drug.

Note! The development of overdose symptoms is also possible when adequate doses are prescribed, if the level of estrogen in the body is reduced or there is individual hypersensitivity.

If, when assessing the dose of progesterone received, no excess is found, but side effects are noted, then it is recommended to switch to the intravaginal route of administration to eliminate unwanted reactions.

What to do in case of an overdose of Utrozhestan?

If a pregnant woman was treated at home, if signs of overdose occur, she should immediately seek advice from an obstetrician-gynecologist. Further use of the drug until the cause of the symptoms is determined is not advisable.

It is recommended to maintain physical and emotional rest; overexertion is strictly contraindicated. It is advisable to drink more fluid, if possible water or solutions used for dehydration, to quickly remove excess drug from the body.

Abrupt withdrawal of Utrozhestan can be dangerous, threatening miscarriage, so most likely in a medical institution the dose of the drug will be reduced without completely stopping its use. To improve tolerability, it may be recommended to take it in the evening - before bedtime, as well as switching from oral to intravaginal route of administration.

Elena Kravets, general practitioner, especially for the site

Useful video

Progesterone is a steroid hormone produced primarily in the female body. It is synthesized in the corpus luteum and serves one purpose - preparation for the possible conception of a child. Progesterone during pregnancy contributes to the successful gestation of the fetus. Lack of the hormone leads to spontaneous miscarriage and other serious complications.

The role of progesterone during pregnancy

Before pregnancy, progesterone is synthesized by the corpus luteum. This temporary gland is formed immediately after ovulation in the second (luteal) phase of the cycle and continues to function until the next menstruation. The task of the hormone at this stage is to provide conditions for possible implantation of the embryo.

The effect of progesterone in the second phase of the cycle:

• Preparing the uterine mucosa to receive the fertilized egg. The endometrium gradually grows and thickens, and the supply of nutrients in its cells increases. Sufficient thickness of the endometrium ensures the normal course of the first trimester of pregnancy.
• Decreased immunity. The maternal body perceives the embryo as a foreign object and tries to get rid of it. Progesterone suppresses the activity of the immune system and helps maintain pregnancy.
• Production of secretion from the fallopian tubes for the safe transport of the egg into the uterine cavity. The mucus produced also provides nutrition to the fetus as it moves through the fallopian tubes.

You can track changes in progesterone levels by basal temperature. To do this, you need to take measurements in the rectum every day, starting from the first day of the cycle (in the morning, without getting out of bed). Progesterone and body temperature are closely related.

After ovulation (the release of a mature egg from the ovary), the level of the hormone increases, and the basal temperature rises by 0.3-0.5 degrees. It remains at this mark until the end of the menstrual cycle. If pregnancy does not occur, the concentration of progesterone drops, and the mucous layer of the uterus is shed - menstruation. If a child is successfully conceived, the basal temperature remains above 37 degrees throughout the first trimester.

In early pregnancy, progesterone plays the following role:

• Reduces the tone of the muscular layer of the uterus and prevents miscarriage.
• Promotes the development of mammary glands and prepares them for milk production.
• Increases the elasticity of the pelvic ligaments, helps the body adapt to the upcoming birth.
• Determines the formation of pregnancy dominant in the brain. Now all processes occurring in a woman’s body will be subordinated to one goal - bearing a fetus.

The influence of the hormone on the onset and gestation of pregnancy

Progesterone is the key hormone that determines the possibility of conceiving a child. It creates all the conditions so that the egg can meet the sperm and be fertilized. Progesterone prepares the bed for implantation - the introduction of a fertilized egg into the uterus. The hormone also helps ensure that pregnancy proceeds safely - from the moment of conception to childbirth.

The progesterone level in the second phase of the cycle should be 7-56 nmol/l. Exactly This concentration of the hormone allows a woman to become pregnant. Lack of progesterone levels interferes with fertilization, implantation and gestation.

In most cases, a woman simply cannot conceive a child due to progesterone deficiency in the second phase of the menstrual cycle. Even if fertilization occurs, such a pregnancy is often terminated early.

Consequences of abnormal progesterone levels and

The normal concentration of progesterone is determined by the phase of the menstrual cycle:

• Follicular phase – 0.3-2.2 nmol/l.
• Ovulatory phase – 0.5-9.4 nmol/l.
• Luteal phase – 7-56.6 nmol/l.

During pregnancy, the maximum rate of increase in the hormone progesterone occurs in the 7-8th week. Then its level continues to grow, but not so actively. Progesterone increases until 37-38 weeks, after which its concentration in the blood drops. A decrease in hormone levels is a signal of imminent labor.

Normal values ​​during gestation:

• I trimester – 9-469 nmol/l.
• II trimester – 72-304 nmol/l.
• III trimester – 89 – 772 nmol/l.

Interferes with the normal development of the embryo. This condition is observed with various complications:

• Threat of termination of intrauterine pregnancy.
• Early miscarriage.
• Regressive pregnancy.
• Ectopic pregnancy.
• Placental insufficiency with concomitant hypoxia and intrauterine growth retardation.
• Threat of premature birth (after 22 weeks).
• True post-term pregnancy (after 41 weeks).

The reasons for insufficient progesterone levels are not always clear. This may be ovarian pathology, interfering factors, diseases of the pituitary gland or thyroid gland. Hormonal imbalance leads to progesterone deficiency, which leads to a number of pathological changes.

The second phase of the cycle is incomplete; the woman’s body cannot prepare to conceive a child. Carrying the fetus is under threat, and it is impossible to do without medication support.

Excess progesterone is also an unfavorable symptom. Increased hormone levels indicate the following reasons:

• Corpus luteum cyst is a benign tumor-like formation of the ovary.
• Pathology of the placenta, leading to malnutrition of the fetus and delayed development.
• Kidney diseases in which the excretion of the hormone from the body is reduced.

May lead to termination of pregnancy.

A slight increase in progesterone is observed during multiple pregnancies after 16 weeks, but in some expectant mothers the hormone level remains within normal limits.

How to get tested?

Outside of pregnancy, a blood test to determine the hormone is prescribed in the following situations:

• Menstrual irregularities.
• Dysfunctional uterine bleeding.
• Infertility is the inability to conceive a child within 12 months.
• Miscarriage – repeated spontaneous miscarriages.

A blood test for progesterone is taken on the 21st-22nd day of the cycle. This tactic will only be correct if approximately 28 days pass from one menstruation to the next. If a woman’s cycle is irregular, it is important to first calculate the date of ovulation and then count 7-8 days from it. This day will be the optimal time for examination.

During pregnancy, progesterone is not routinely measured. Your doctor may order blood sampling in the following situations:

• Threat of termination of pregnancy based on a woman’s complaints (pain in the lower abdomen, bloody vaginal discharge) or ultrasound data.
• Signs of placental insufficiency and fetal growth retardation.
• Diagnosis of true post-term pregnancy after the 41st week.

During the normal course of gestation, the study is not performed.

Blood sampling takes place strictly on an empty stomach in the morning from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The material for research is taken from a vein. On the eve of the test, it is recommended to refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol, and to avoid mental and physical stress.

The interpretation of the analysis is carried out only by a doctor. A decrease or increase in a hormone is not yet a diagnosis. It is important to evaluate all available data in order to find out the cause of such deviations and select the right treatment tactics.

Is it possible to get pregnant with low progesterone levels?

In medicine, there are cases where a woman was able to conceive with progesterone deficiency and give birth to a healthy child at term. It is assumed that at some point the factors influencing the concentration of the hormone ceased to act, and pregnancy occurred.

But the likelihood of conceiving a child in this situation is extremely low. Even if the fertilized egg is fixed in the uterine cavity, there is a high risk of early pregnancy termination.

Low progesterone – an indication for drug correction. Taking hormones helps restore the menstrual cycle and helps prepare for pregnancy. It is also important to find the cause of the pathology in order to avoid the development of complications.

Treatment methods for progesterone deficiency

Several years ago, progesterone-based drugs were prescribed to almost every woman who came to the doctor with signs of a threatening or incipient miscarriage. It was believed that with such a pathology hormonal support is necessary. This tactic was designated as conservation therapy. Most often, Duphaston or Utrozhestan were prescribed - analogues of progesterone, helping to increase its level in the body.

Today, obstetric practice has been revised, and gynecologists are no longer so active in prescribing hormonal drugs. Taking progesterone is needed in two situations:

• Luteal phase deficiency. The pathology must be diagnosed before pregnancy. In these circumstances, the woman has a lack of her own progesterone, and it must be added externally. Taking the drug is recommended up to 16 weeks. In the second trimester, the placenta matures. It begins to produce progesterone, and the need for medications disappears.
• Pregnancy after IVF. With in vitro fertilization, conception occurs in a test tube. A woman does not undergo her own ovulation, and the corpus luteum does not form. Progesterone is not produced in the required amount, and medication is required to maintain pregnancy.

In other situations, hormonal support is rarely provided. If the threat of miscarriage is caused by a defect in the ovum, this is most likely an indication for abortion. Pathology of the hemostatic system and inflammatory processes in the uterine cavity are also not treated with progesterone.

At the stage of conceiving a child, the use of gestagens in the second phase of the cycle may not be used. Now the doctor first tries to calculate the date of ovulation and only then prescribes the chosen drug. This scheme is justified, because early use of progesterone threatened to suppress ovulation, which means that pregnancy in this case would not occur.

The selection of a medicinal product and its use regimen is carried out by a specialist. Taking hormones without a doctor's prescription is unacceptable. It is important not to forget about hormonal levels:

• Balanced diet.
• Taking vitamins in winter and spring.
• Adequate physical activity.
• Correction of the daily routine: proper sleep and rest.
• Healthy lifestyle and giving up bad habits.
• Competent selection of contraception.
• Timely treatment of gynecological diseases.

Such measures reduce the risk of developing hormonal imbalance and help maintain reproductive health.

The woman's body during conception must produce normal amounts of progesterone– a steroid hormone produced in the ovaries. If its level deviates from the norm, the implantation of the egg will become difficult and problems with fertilization will arise. An upward deviation often occurs when increased progesterone during pregnancy complicates the process of conceiving a child.

This phenomenon poses a danger to the mother and her unborn baby and can cause diseases of the pelvic organs.

This steroid substance present in the body of women and men. In females, it is responsible for the regularity of the menstrual cycle, that is, for the order of ovulation and menstruation.