Why is My Progesterone Dropping in Early Pregnancy?

pregnancy Feb 26, 2026

Pregnant asian woman wearing a gray crop top and white yoga pants doing a yoga post on a yoga mat

If you’ve ever wondered, “Why is my progesterone dropping in early pregnancy?” you’re not alone. Many pregnant women experience fluctuations in progesterone levels during the first trimester, which can raise concerns about early pregnancy loss. In this blog, I’ll go over the common reasons for progesterone levels dropping in early pregnancy, how it affects pregnancy outcomes, and the role of progesterone supplementation in supporting a healthy pregnancy.

What Does Progesterone Do in Early Pregnancy?

Progesterone is a critical sex hormone in early pregnancy that plays multiple vital roles. After ovulation occurs, the corpus luteum forms in the ovary and begins producing progesterone. This hormone prepares and thickens the uterine lining (endometrium) to support embryo implantation and helps maintain a nurturing environment for the developing embryo.

Progesterone also inhibits uterine contractions that could otherwise expel the embryo, modulates the immune response to promote maternal-fetal immune tolerance, and supports the development of blood vessels to nourish the fetus. These functions are essential to prevent early pregnancy failure and other complications.

Around weeks 8 to 10, the placenta takes over progesterone production from the corpus luteum in a process called the luteal-placental shift, ensuring continued progesterone levels in early pregnancy remain sufficient to sustain a successful pregnancy. Monitoring serum progesterone levels during this time can provide important insights into pregnancy viability and help differentiate between normal pregnancies and those at risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Why Is My Progesterone Dropping in Early Pregnancy?

There are several possible reasons your progesterone may be dropping in early pregnancy. Understanding the root cause is the first step toward effective treatment.

1. Luteal Phase Deficiency

A luteal phase deficiency occurs when the corpus luteum fails to produce enough progesterone after ovulation during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. This leads to an unstable uterine lining that can make implantation of a fertilized egg difficult or increase the risk of early pregnancy loss such as miscarriage. Even if conception occurs, the pregnancy may not be sustained without adequate progesterone production and hormonal support.

2. Placental Insufficiency and Luteal-Placental Shift

If the placenta doesn't take over progesterone production effectively during the luteal-placental shift, your progesterone levels may dip. This transition typically occurs around 8 to 10 weeks gestational age. A disruption in this process can result in hormonal gaps that affect pregnancy progression and may lead to miscarriage or abnormal pregnancy development.

3. Chromosomal Abnormalities

In some cases, a drop in progesterone reflects a nonviable pregnancy. Chromosomal abnormalities can interfere with proper embryonic development, leading the body to naturally reduce progesterone production as the pregnancy becomes non-sustainable.

4. Chronic Stress and Hormone Levels

When your body is under chronic stress, it increases production of cortisol. This can divert resources away from progesterone production, leading to low progesterone production and hormonal imbalances during early pregnancy.

5. Nutrient Deficiencies Affecting Progesterone Levels

Your body needs key nutrients to produce reproductive hormones like progesterone. Deficiencies in vitamin C, B6, magnesium, zinc, iron, or choline can impact your ability to continue producing progesterone at healthy levels, causing progesterone levels to decrease during early pregnancy.

6. Other Causes of Low Progesterone Levels

Additional factors such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid dysfunction, and structural issues in the uterine cavity can contribute to low progesterone levels.

Monitoring serum progesterone through blood tests can help identify low progesterone levels measured in ng/ml, providing valuable information for early intervention and treatment planning. Women diagnosed with low progesterone levels may benefit from progesterone therapy or supplementation to support pregnancy viability and reduce risks or early loss or preterm birth.

If you’re concerned about why your progesterone is dropping in early pregnancy, consult your healthcare provider or reproductive specialist for appropriate testing and management.

Symptoms of Low Progesterone in Early Pregnancy

If your progesterone is dropping, you may experience symptoms such as:

Light spotting or vaginal bleeding
Mild to moderate uterine cramping
Sudden loss of breast tenderness due to reduced support for the mammary glands
Mood swings
Anxiety
Extreme fatigue

It’s important to note that progesterone levels fluctuate naturally, so a single low progesterone reading doesn’t always indicate a problem. What matters more is the overall trend of progesterone levels decrease and whether you’re experiencing concerning symptoms that may signal early miscarriage or pregnancy complications.

Who Is Most at Risk for Low Progesterone?

Certain women are more prone to experiencing low progesterone in early pregnancy, which can increase the risk of early pregnancy loss or threatened miscarriage. If you’re over the age of 35, have a history of recurrent miscarriages, or tend to have a short luteal phase, your risk may be higher. Women with thyroid dysfunction, elevated prolactin, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are also more susceptible to low progesterone levels.

Additionally, chronic stress and autoimmune conditions can interfere with proper hormone signaling and progesterone production, further increasing the risk of progesterone deficiency in early pregnancy.

Natural Ways to Support Progesterone in Early Pregnancy

If your progesterone is dropping in early pregnancy, there are several natural strategies to help support and boost your body’s progesterone production.

Prioritize Key Nutrients for Progesterone Production

Certain nutrients are essential for healthy progesterone levels. Vitamin C supports the adrenal glands, which contribute to hormone production. Vitamin B6 aids in converting cholesterol into progesterone, providing the raw materials needed for hormone synthesis. Magnesium is crucial for enzymatic reactions involved in hormonal balance. Zinc supports corpus luteum function and regulates progesterone signaling. Vitamin E protects reproductive tissues from oxidative stress. Choline promotes liver function and hormone processing, while iron ensures adequate oxygen delivery necessary for hormone production.

Include Healthy Fats in Your Diet

Since progesterone plays a vital role as a pregnancy hormone derived from cholesterol, consuming healthy fats is important. Focus on pasture-raised eggs, grass-fed meats, wild-caught fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, avocados, nuts, seeds, and oils like olive and coconut oil. These fats provide the building blocks your body needs to maintain progesterone production and support early pregnancy. If you’re not eating these foods regularly, supplementation can help.

Manage Chronic Stress to Prevent Progesterone Decline

Chronic stress can cause progesterone levels to drop. To reduce stress and support reproductive hormones, prioritize quality sleep, practice mindfulness or meditation, and spend time outdoors. Complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage, and gentle yoga can help restore hormonal balance. Adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha or rhodiola may also support progesterone levels in preconception, but should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider, and generally are not recommended in early pregnancy due to lack of adequate safety data.

Consider Herbal Support for Progesterone Levels

One well-studied herb for supporting progesterone is Vitex agnus-castus (chasteberry). It lowers prolactin levels, improves luteal phase length, and enhances corpus luteum function, which can help increase progesterone production. While beneficial in preconception care, Vitex should be used cautiously and often not advised in early pregnancy, or only under supervision from a qualified healthcare professional.

Treatment Options for Low Progesterone During Early Pregnancy

If testing confirms low progesterone levels during early pregnancy, progesterone supplementation may be recommended to support a healthy pregnancy and reduce the risk of early pregnancy failure or threatened miscarriage. Common treatment options include oral micronized progesterone, and vaginal suppositories.

Progesterone therapy is typically continued through the first trimester until the placenta fully takes over hormone production during the luteal-placental shift. While progesterone supplementation can help improve pregnancy outcomes in women diagnosed with progesterone deficiency or luteal phase defect, they are not universally required for all pregnancies. Close monitoring of serum progesterone levels in preconception, and pregnancy progression is essential to guide appropriate progesterone supplementation and ensure pregnancy viability.

Final Thoughts

If you’re asking, “Why is my progesterone dropping in early pregnancy?”—know that there are actionable steps you can take. While a drop in progesterone can be worrisome, it’s not always a cause for alarm. With thoughtful testing, root-cause care, and timely support, many women are able to sustain healthy pregnancies.

Our clinic specializes in helping women navigate early pregnancy, hormone imbalances, and fertility challenges with a root-cause approach. If you're looking for answers and a plan, we’re here to help. Book a free discovery call here to explore your next steps.