Progesterone has been shown to help stabilize the inner lining of the uterus called the endometrium, an important factor for healthy embryo development, and researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago and Yale University recruited 116 women who had lost at least two early pregnancies, and tested their levels of nCyclinE, a molecular marker for endometrial health. Those with abnormal levels were then prescribed progesterone supplementation, to be inserted vaginally, twice a day during the second half of their menstrual cycles.
The researchers believe that the progesterone caused the endometrium to secrete more nutrients, which serve as food for an embryo in its first weeks of development. (In the study, women who became pregnant continued taking progesterone until the 10-week mark.)
Progesterone can be prescribed in several forms, including creams, capsules and pills that are inserted vaginally with an applicator, and Stephenson recommends women who have suffered multiple pregnancy losses in the past discuss progesterone as as option with their doctor or healthcare provider.
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