Reoccurring Miscarriages: Can Progesterone Be To Blame?

Why Progesterone is Essential for Your Health

At Synergised, we take a holistic approach to health, focusing on addressing root causes rather than simply treating symptoms. While much attention is given to balancing oestrogen, its equally important counterpart, progesterone, often goes overlooked. This vital hormone works alongside oestrogen to maintain balance and harmony in the body.

When progesterone levels are out of sync, it can lead to a range of health issues, from fertility challenges to chronic hormonal imbalances. Understanding the importance of progesterone and how it affects your body is key to achieving optimal well-being.

Discover how this powerful hormone impacts your health and learn ways to support and optimise your progesterone levels for a healthier, more balanced life.

Understanding the Progesterone-Oestrogen Connection

Progesterone and oestrogen work together in a delicate ratio. When one is out of balance, it impacts the other. While the term “oestrogen dominance” is often used to describe hormonal imbalance, it doesn’t always mean that oestrogen levels are high. Low progesterone can create a relative dominance of oestrogen, leaving your body in a state of hormonal disruption.

In our practice at Synergised, we’ve seen low progesterone in 90% of women who take our comprehensive hormonal tests such as the Dutch Test. This imbalance can lead to difficulties in conceiving, increased risk of miscarriage, irregular menstrual cycles, and even symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and mood swings.

Why Progesterone is Crucial for Conception

Tracking your menstrual cycle is a key step in understanding your hormonal health. Your sex hormones fluctuate throughout the month, with progesterone rising after ovulation to support the luteal phase (the second half of your cycle). During this phase, progesterone levels should remain elevated for approximately 8 days to optimise fertility.

So, why does progesterone matter so much for conception? This hormone prepares the uterine lining to be “sticky,” creating an ideal environment for an embryo to implant and thrive. It also nourishes the uterine lining to ensure the embryo has the nutrients it needs to grow. Without sufficient progesterone, the uterine lining can become unstable, making implantation less likely and conception more difficult.

At Synergised, we recommend running a comprehensive hormonal test on days 19–21 of a 28-day cycle to accurately assess progesterone levels and determine whether your luteal phase is optimally supported.

The Role of Progesterone During Pregnancy

Progesterone continues to play a vital role during pregnancy. In the first trimester, it’s produced by the corpus luteum, a structure in the ovary formed after ovulation. By weeks 7 to 10 of pregnancy, the placenta takes over progesterone production, ensuring the growing baby receives adequate nutrients and oxygen.

When progesterone levels are too low, the risks can be significant. Without enough progesterone, the foetus may not receive adequate oxygen and nutrients, increasing the risk of developmental issues or miscarriage. Maintaining optimal levels is essential for a healthy pregnancy.

Causes of Low Progesterone

Several factors can lead to low progesterone levels. Identifying and addressing these root causes is the first step towards restoring hormonal balance.

1. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a common hormonal disorder where higher levels of androgens (male hormones) can prevent ovulation. Without ovulation, the body cannot produce sufficient progesterone, leading to irregular cycles and hormonal imbalances.

2. Chronic Stress

Stress has a profound impact on hormone production. When the adrenal glands are overworked, they prioritise producing cortisol (the stress hormone) over sex hormones like progesterone. This can lead to “adrenal fatigue” and a cascade of hormonal issues, including oestrogen dominance.

3. Thyroid Dysfunction

Thyroid hormones and progesterone have a reciprocal relationship. If thyroid function is compromised, it can impair the ovaries’ ability to produce progesterone. Conversely, low progesterone can negatively impact thyroid function, creating a vicious cycle of hormonal imbalance.

4. Weight Imbalances

Being either underweight or overweight can disrupt progesterone production. The body instinctively knows when conditions aren’t ideal for reproduction and may suppress progesterone production to prevent pregnancy in an unhealthy environment.

How to Boost Progesterone Levels Naturally

Restoring progesterone levels isn’t about quick fixes or covering symptoms with bioidentical hormones. At Synergised, we focus on understanding the why behind low progesterone levels. Here’s how we recommend addressing the issue holistically:

1. Identify the Root Cause

Before trying popular methods like seed cycling or supplements, it’s essential to understand what’s happening in your body. Functional medicine lab tests can uncover whether low progesterone is due to adrenal fatigue, toxin overload, gut dysbiosis, or nutritional deficiencies.

2. Address Stress

Reducing stress is key to supporting adrenal and hormonal health. Incorporating stress-management techniques like yoga, mindfulness, and proper sleep hygiene can make a significant difference.

3. Support Your Thyroid

If thyroid dysfunction is contributing to low progesterone, addressing this issue is vital. A nutrient-rich diet, targeted supplementation, and functional medicine testing can help optimise thyroid health.

4. Balance Your Weight

Achieving a healthy weight—whether by gaining or losing weight—can help restore hormonal balance. Focus on a sustainable, nutrient-dense diet and a balanced lifestyle to support your body’s natural rhythms.

5. Rebalance with Functional Testing

Our Synergised functional medicine lab tests offer a comprehensive analysis of your hormonal health. These tests provide insights into progesterone levels, adrenal function, nutrient deficiencies, and more. With this data, we can create a personalised protocol to rebalance your hormones naturally.

A Holistic Approach to Hormonal Health

Progesterone plays a crucial role not just in conception and pregnancy, but in overall health. Its influence on mood, energy levels, and menstrual cycles makes it an essential hormone to keep in balance. At Synergised, we empower women to take control of their health by identifying the root causes of their imbalances and addressing them with a tailored, holistic approach.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance—such as irregular cycles, fatigue, or difficulty conceiving—it’s time to dig deeper. Functional medicine testing and personalised protocols can help you achieve optimal health and balance.

Don’t settle for band-aid solutions. Discover the why behind your symptoms and let us guide you towards lasting health and vitality.

At Synergised, we’re here to support you every step of the way on your wellness journey. Explore our comprehensive hormone testing and personalised programmes to take the first step in rebalancing your hormones today. 🌿