Progesterone and Estradiol levels in IVF treatment

Basics first, What is IVF?

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is the most effective method against all types of infertility diagnosis.

The first successful IVF treatment took place in 1978 in England. (click to read about IVF treatment in Cyprus, as explained in a simple way)

Why estradiol level is important in IVF treatment?

Estradiol or estrogen is a hormone that is produced by ovaries and later on by placenta.

Estradiol hormone is essential for any pregnancy, without the estradiol hormone pregnancy can’t proceed.

Estradiol hormone helps to grow and maintain the endometrium thickness (uterine linen), where the transferred embryo will develop into a baby.

Estradiol level in IVF cycles must be in an acceptable level range. Estradiol also helps the medical team to determine the most appropriate medication dose.

It is very important to realize that follicles will not grow and develop normally in case the Estradiol level is not right.

Which role does progesterone hormone level play in early pregnancy?

Progesterone is also famous as pro-gestational hormone. Progesterone level is responsible for proper placenta functioning, healthy uterine condition and thick endometrium linen.

Progesterone appears naturally in a woman’s body during early pregnancy. It is made by an ovary cyst, called the corpus luteum, 10 weeks later progesterone will be produced by the placenta.

As the eggs are retrieved from the body and embryos fertilized in a laboratory environment outside the body all patients who go through IVF treatment have to use progesterone supporters on the same day of Egg retrieval.

Progesterone and estradiol supporters drugs in IVF

Progesterone and estradiol IVF drugs are important and are given to thicken the endometrium thickness. Endometrium thickness should reach at least 7 mm before the actual embryo transfer.

Higher levels of Estradiol correlate with thicker uterine lining.

The progesterone and estradiol supporters should be used during the first 12 weeks after the embryo transfer in case of a successful pregnancy. In case women would cease the medications after their embryo transfer the fetus might stop developing and miscarriage might occur.