Natural Micronized Progesterone
Question
One of my friends recently visited a fertility clinic for some problems. The doctor advised them to use natural micronized progesterone instead of hCG. Somehow, he is not confident about the roles of these hormones. Can natural micronized progesterone have the same effect as hCG for induction of ovulation and maintenance of pregnancy?
Your kind reply would be very helpful.
Answer
Last Updated: June 11, 2013
There are two types of uses for HCG. One is for ovulation induction, given at the time of maximal follicle diameter in doses of 5,000-10,000 units. The other use of HCG is for luteal phase support. In this manner, HCG is given AFTER ovulation to help maintain adequate levels of progesterone and estrogen. Used in this way in conjunction with NFP, it is given after the peak day in four doses of 2,000 units each. The Peak day (P) correlates closely with ovulation. HCG is given on p+3, p+5, p+7 and p+9 (three, five, seven and nine days after ovulation) for luteal support. Micronized progesterone can be also given for luteal support daily on p+3 through p+12.
Creighton NFP practitioners often prefer vaginal capsules (400-800 mg.) rather than oral micronized progesterone because it usually produces a stronger luteal effect on the endometrium. Also, the capsules (as opposed to suppositories) are not messy. Progesterone vaginal capsules can be obtained from Kubat pharmacy on Omaha (1-800-782-9988) and are not expensive. Luteal support (with either HCG or progesterone) does not just protect against miscarriage, but improves follicular function in the subsequent cycle by positive feedback to the hypophyseal-gonadal axis.
Dr. Mary Davenport
Creighton NFP practitioners often prefer vaginal capsules (400-800 mg.) rather than oral micronized progesterone because it usually produces a stronger luteal effect on the endometrium. Also, the capsules (as opposed to suppositories) are not messy. Progesterone vaginal capsules can be obtained from Kubat pharmacy on Omaha (1-800-782-9988) and are not expensive. Luteal support (with either HCG or progesterone) does not just protect against miscarriage, but improves follicular function in the subsequent cycle by positive feedback to the hypophyseal-gonadal axis.
Dr. Mary Davenport
Answered By:
Mary Davenport, MD, MS
Mary Davenport, MD, FACOG, an obstetrician/gynecologist from the Oakland Region of California, offers telehealth services over MyCatholicDoctor.com She graduated from Tufts University School of Medicine and completed her residency at UC San Diego. Dr. Davenport is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and serves on the Advisory Board of the California Association of Natural Family Planning.
