New IJGO supplement: FIGO good practice recommendations on the use of progesterone in the management of recurrent first-trimester miscarriage

progesterone supplement

The International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics (IJGO) is proud to announce the publication of its latest supplement: FIGO’s Good Practice Recommendations on the use of progesterone in the management of recurrent first-trimester miscarriage.

Published in March 2023, this supplement was written by international experts, in collaboration with FIGO member societies from globally diverse settings such as India, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.

Recurrent miscarriage: a complex issue

Recurrent miscarriage affects 1% of couples trying to conceive, and many factors have been studied as possible causes of recurrent miscarriage including anatomical, endocrine, immunological, genetic, and thrombophilia (inherited and acquired) disorders.

Progesterone is needed for secretory transformation of the endometrium, which allows implantation and maintenance of early pregnancy. It also suppresses T-cell activation and controls cytokine production, helping to establish a sufficient immune response in early pregnancy and prevent miscarriage.

FIGO Recommendations on the use of progesterone based on current evidence

This supplement provides an exhaustive summary of the current research, and recommendations on the use of progestogens in women with recurrent first-trimester miscarriage based on the evidence that is currently available.

Key findings:

  • Progesterone seems to be essential for maintaining a healthy pregnancy, by either preparing the endometrium for implantation of the embryo or modulating the immune system. However, the role of progesterone in maintaining a pregnancy is not fully understood.
  • There is no clear evidence on the use of progesterone vs placebo making a difference in live birth rates.
  • While some positive outcomes are starting to emerge on the use of synthetic oral progesterone, more research is needed involving different methods of administering progesterone as well as the timing of its administration.

Read the IJGO supplement on FIGO Good Practice Recommendations on the use of progesterone in the management of recurrent first-trimester miscarriage for free.