Progesterone resistance and endometriosis are two potential causes of infertility. For individuals diagnosed with unexplained infertility, further testing, such as the ReceptivaDx test, can help identify or rule out these conditions. With these test results, women are able to pursue proper treatment and improve their chances of achieving a successful pregnancy. Here is more information about progesterone resistance, endometriosis, and fertility:
Progesterone Resistance
Progesterone resistance is a condition in which the body’s tissues become less responsive to the hormone progesterone. This hormone is a key part of regulating the menstrual cycle, maintaining a pregnancy, and supporting other reproductive functions. It helps thicken the uterine lining after ovulation, preparing the body for the possible implantation of a fertilized egg.
If fertilization does not occur, progesterone levels drop. This hormonal decrease causes the uterine lining to shed and menstruation to begin. When fertilization and pregnancy do occur, the body continues to produce progesterone. This helps maintain the uterine lining and prevent contractions that lead to miscarriage.
How It Affects Fertility
With progesterone resistance, the uterine lining doesn’t respond appropriately to the hormone. This resistance can lead to irregular periods, heavy bleeding, or irregular ovulation, each of which can affect an individual’s ability to get pregnant. For some women, progesterone resistance results in abnormal or insufficient thickening of the uterine lining when preparing for implantation. This makes it more difficult for an embryo to implant and may result in infertility. Progesterone is a key part of maintaining early pregnancy. With resistance, the body may fail to support the uterine environment. This increases the risk of early pregnancy loss or recurrent miscarriages.
BCL6 Testing as a Solution
BCL6 is a protein marker associatedwith progesterone resistance. In women with unexplained infertility, especially those undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) or struggling with implantation failure, BCL6 testing can evaluate whether the uterine lining is receptive to progesterone. High BCL6 levels suggest that the endometrial lining is progesterone-resistant. Knowing this allows women to adjust their fertility treatment approach, which is especially beneficial for women with limited embryo reserves. The test may help women rule out progesterone resistance as a cause of IVF failure or recurrent pregnancy loss.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a separate condition that affects approximately two to ten percent of American women who are between the ages of 25 and 40. It occurs when uterine tissue grows outside of the uterus. This tissue may develop in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, intestines, or pelvic lining and is referred to as an endometrial implant.
Endometrial implants behave like normal uterine lining, thickening, breaking down, and bleeding with each menstrual cycle. Unlike the normal endometrial tissue that leaves the body during monthly menstruation, this displaced tissue has no way to exit. It collects in the pelvis and may cause inflammation, pain, and scar tissue formation.
How It Affects Fertility
Endometriosis can impact fertility in several ways, including by causing scarring, inflammation, and distortion of reproductive organs such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. This scarring can block the fallopian tubes, making it difficult for the egg and sperm to meet. Inflammation caused by endometriosis may create a hostile environment for fertilization and embryo implantation, affecting the chances of conception. Endometriomas, or cysts on the ovaries, may reduce ovarian reserve and egg quality, further complicating the ability to conceive.
Hormonal imbalances associated with endometriosis may interfere with regular ovulation and the uterine lining’s ability to support a pregnancy. For women struggling with fertility, treatments such as surgery to remove endometrial tissue or assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF can help improve their chances of conceiving. Though challenging, many women with endometriosis successfully achieve pregnancy with the right medical interventions.
BCL6 Testing as a Solution
Testing for the BCL6 protein allows women to identify many different causes of unexplained infertility, including endometriosis. Along with being linked to progesterone resistance, this protein is an inflammatory marker. Elevated levels of BCL6 in the uterine lining suggest the presence of chronic inflammation, which is common in women with endometriosis. After testing for BCL6, women and their doctors may have a clearer picture of what’s going on. This allows them to develop more targeted and specific treatment plans. This might include addressing the inflammation or improving progesterone sensitivity, which may boost the chances of a successful pregnancy, especially for those undergoing treatments such as IVF.
Progesterone Resistance, Endometriosis, and Fertility
For some women, progesterone resistance, endometriosis, and fertility issues are all connected. The abnormal tissue growth and inflammation that occurs with endometriosis can disrupt the normal hormonal signaling in the uterus, leading to progesterone resistance. When these conditions are found together, they may further complicate fertility by making it harder to achieve and maintain a pregnancy. Getting a proper diagnosis and targeted treatment improves reproductive outcomes for affected individuals.
ReceptivaDx is a test designed to identify the leading causes of unexplained infertility, including endometriosis and progesterone resistance. It detects the presence of BCL6, allowing women to pursue further treatment if positive for the protein. This may include scheduling a surgical laparoscopy to remove any misplaced tissue. It may involve beginning hormone suppression therapy to provide a more stable environment for an embryo to grow.
Seek Further Testing for Unexplained Infertility
ReceptivaDx is suitable for individuals who have struggled with unexplained infertility or repeated implantation failures. It helps detect specific conditions related to implantation issues, such as progesterone resistance and endometriosis, which might not be identified through standard fertility tests. Call us today or ask your reproductive specialist about ReceptivaDx to get tested.