EFFICACY OF ORAL MICRONIZED PROGESTERONE IN THE TREATMENT OF LUTEAL-PHASE DEFECTS

OBJECTIVE: Vaginal progesterone suppositories are an accepted treatmen t for infertility attributed to luteal phase defects. Although oral mi cronized progesterone may be preferable to suppositories for many pati ents, there are no studies on its use for patients with luteal phase d efects. This study evaluated the efficacy of oral micronized progester one for the treatment of luteal phase defects. STUDY DESIGN: Seven wom en with luteal phase defects previously collected by vaginal supposito ries were administered oral micronized progester one (200 mg by month three times a day). Endometrial biopsies were performed to evaluate tr eatment efficacy. Questionnaires were used to assess side effects, inc luding sedation. RESULTS: On oral micronized prog esterone, all patien ts had ill-phase endometrial biopsies. Despite complaints of drowsines s, the majority of patients prefer red the oral formulation over the v aginal route of administration. CONCLUSION: We conclude that oral micr onized progesterone is efficacious in the treatment of luteal phase de fects.