Does Low Progesterone Always Mean Infertility?
If you’ve been told you have low progesterone, it’s easy to feel panicked—especially if you’re trying to conceive. You may have heard that low progesterone makes it impossible to get pregnant or stay pregnant. But the truth is, it’s not always that black and white.
In this post, we’ll unpack what progesterone actually does for fertility, why “low” doesn’t always mean “infertile,” and what you can do if your levels are less than optimal.
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💛 What Progesterone Does for Fertility
Progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum after ovulation, and its name literally means “pro-gestation.” It helps prepare and maintain the uterine lining for implantation and supports a pregnancy until the placenta takes over around week 10.
Here’s why it matters:
It keeps the uterine lining stable so implantation can happen
It supports early pregnancy and prevents the uterine lining from shedding too soon
It helps calm the immune system so it won’t reject a fertilized egg
So yes—progesterone is absolutely important for conception and maintaining a pregnancy. But it’s not the whole story.
🩸 Does Low Progesterone Always Lead to Infertility?
Not necessarily.
Low progesterone can make it harder to conceive or stay pregnant—especially if:
Your luteal phase is short (less than 10 days)
You’re spotting before your period
You’re experiencing early miscarriages
Your progesterone drops too early after ovulation
But many women with slightly low or borderline progesterone do get pregnant naturally, especially with the right support. The key is understanding why your progesterone is low in the first place—and whether you're truly ovulating.
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🔍 Why Is Progesterone Low?
Some common causes include:
Lack of ovulation (anovulation) — no ovulation means no corpus luteum, which means no progesterone
Weak ovulation — if ovulation is delayed or the follicle doesn’t develop fully, progesterone may be lower
High cortisol or chronic stress — your body may prioritize survival hormones over reproductive ones
Thyroid dysfunction — especially hypothyroidism or subclinical patterns
Blood sugar imbalances or under-eating
Inflammation or progesterone resistance (especially in endometriosis)
So rather than looking at progesterone in isolation, it’s important to look at the whole cycle picture—and what’s impacting ovulation and luteal phase function.
🧪 How to Know If Your Progesterone Is a Problem
If you’ve had your progesterone tested and it came back “low,” here’s what to consider:
✅ Was the timing correct?
Progesterone should be tested 7 days after ovulation, not just on cycle day 21 (unless you always ovulate on day 14). Testing too early or late can skew the results.
✅ What level did you get?
Above 10 ng/mL is considered supportive of conception
5–10 ng/mL may indicate insufficient luteal phase support
Under 5 ng/mL could reflect weak or absent ovulation
✅ How are your symptoms?
Even with “normal” labs, spotting before your period, a short luteal phase, or PMS mood swings can all suggest your body may still need more support.
🌿 Can You Increase Progesterone Naturally?
Yes—and many clients I work with see big improvements through:
Supporting ovulation with blood sugar balance and nutrient-dense meals
Managing stress + sleep (to reduce cortisol spikes)
Adding key nutrients like B6, magnesium, vitamin C, and zinc
Using herbs like chasteberry (Vitex), if appropriate
Running functional labs (DUTCH, GI MAP, HTMA) to uncover root causes
Final Thoughts
Low progesterone doesn’t always mean you’re infertile—but it is a sign your body may need support. The good news is that progesterone can often be improved naturally by restoring ovulation, reducing stress, and addressing underlying imbalances.
If you’ve been struggling with a short luteal phase, spotting, or unclear cycles, don’t give up hope. With the right approach, you can support your body and move forward with confidence on your fertility journey.
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