Progesterone is a huge component of pregnancy and abortion. But what is it? Why does your body need it during pregnancy? How does taking the abortion pill affect progesterone levels?
What should you know about progesterone?
When someone gets pregnant, their body starts producing a hormone called progesterone.1 Progesterone helps maintain the pregnancy.2 It’s really important to sustain the pregnancy for the baby to grow.
Source:
1 1st trimester pregnancy: What to expect – Mayo Clinic
2Progestin (Oral Route, Parenteral Route, Vaginal Route) Description and Brand Names – Mayo Clinic
How does the abortion pill work?
Now, let’s talk about the abortion pill. It’s usually a two-step process. The first pill is called mifepristone. Mifepristone blocks the action of progesterone.3 Without progesterone, the lining of the uterus breaks down. It’s taking apart the space where the baby is growing. This leads to the pregnancy ending.4 It just can’t be sustained without the progesterone.
The second pill, called misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract and empty out. It expels the fetus out of the vagina.5
These pills can have a variety of side effects. Some of the most common ones can include:
- severe cramping,
- heavy bleeding,
- and emotional repercussions, like guilt or regret
Also, there are many medications that can cause adverse drug reactions if they are taken with mifepristone.4 Make sure that you know the risks and take care of your health.
Source:
4 Mifepristone (Oral Route) Description and Brand Names – Mayo Clinic
If you’ve taken these pills and are concerned about your symptoms, please see your doctor as soon as you can. Take care of yourself. You can always come see us at ThriVe+ for the right support.
Can the abortion pill be reversed?
There are times when some have second thoughts after taking the abortion pill and look for a way to stop the process
In many cases, if someone takes the first pill, mifepristone, but hasn’t taken the second one yet, it might be possible to reverse the process. This is done by giving her progesterone. It is best to contact the Abortion Pill Reversal Hotline as soon as possible if she’s having second thoughts and considering a reversal. Without mifepristone blocking it, progesterone can keep doing its job to support the pregnancy.6
However, the progesterone for reversal must be taken before the second pill.6
Source:
We’ve covered the role of progesterone in the abortion pill, but should you get the abortion pill online?
We need to address the dangers of ordering abortion pills online. We get it. It might seem like a quick and easy option, but it can be risky for your health. It’s always best to seek a doctor’s advice before taking any medication, especially like the abortion pill. The FDA does NOT recommend ordering the abortion pill online because it might not be safe.7
Source 7 FDA, Information about Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation
Before starting any abortion procedure, it’s really, really important to have a check-up. You need to make sure that you don’t have any conditions that might make the abortion pill unsafe for you.
One important way to get a check-up is to get an ultrasound. This helps confirm the pregnancy is viable and is not ending on its own, and ensures it’s not an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube.3 This can be life-threatening if not detected and treated promptly. Secondly, the abortion pill will not end an ectopic pregnancy.3
Also, the abortion pill is only approved to be used in pregnancies that are 10 weeks old or less, so it’s important to get an ultrasound to know for sure how long you’ve been pregnant.7
Source:
7 FDA, Information about Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation
So, always prioritize your health and safety. Come see us before making any decisions about abortion pills. We offer no-cost pre-abortion screenings, which includes a pregnancy test, STD test, and ultrasound. Let’s make sure you’re healthy and ready for whatever steps come next.
Are you experiencing early pregnancy signs? Do you know all your options? Take time to research your choices, and what each step of the abortion pill process means for you. If you have questions or need more information, places like ThriVe+ are here to help. We can provide answers and support so you can make informed choices. We believe that you’re the best qualified to make this decision.
Sources:
1https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy/art-20047208
4https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/mifepristone-oral-route/description/drg-20067123
5 https://www.fda.gov/media/164654/download
