Patient's question:
My last menstrual period was on November 27th, and I ovulated on December 14th. Since my previous miscarriages were caused by severe luteal phase deficiency, could I take a progesterone injection after ovulation when my temperature rises to supplement the corpus luteum? Is it okay to take 20mg every other day for 5 times? Is it better to use progesterone injections or HCG?Doctor's answer:
Progesterone is a type of progestogen drug that promotes relaxation of the uterine muscles during pregnancy, reduces uterine activity, weakens the response to external stimuli, and decreases the sensitivity of the pregnant uterus to oxytocin-like substances, thereby facilitating the growth and development of the fertilized egg within the uterus. Therefore, progesterone is the first-line medication for treating threatened miscarriage. However, it is not a universal remedy for preventing miscarriage, and improper use can also have certain effects on the fetus.Using progesterone to prevent miscarriage is primarily applicable for cases where the miscarriage is caused by luteal function deficiency. When used in appropriate amounts, it can help protect the egg and prevent miscarriage—but it should not be used for extended periods or with indiscriminately increased dosages.
From the perspective of the factors or causes of miscarriage, 30% of miscarriages are due to luteal function deficiency, while over 50% are caused by abnormal embryonic development. In such cases, using progesterone to prevent miscarriage not only fails to improve embryonic development but may also, due to the drug's suppression of uterine muscle contractions, reduce the ability to expel abnormal tissues, increasing the risk of incomplete miscarriage or retained fetal tissue after dilation and curettage. This can also lead to increased bleeding and infection. Additionally, prolonged use or indiscriminately increased dosages may result in external genital development disorders in the fetus, such as masculinization in female infants.
Therefore, pregnant women should respect scientific evidence and follow their doctors' advice, avoiding independent decisions or use of progesterone to prevent miscarriage.