Proov Pro Supplement for Luteal Insufficiency and Implantation
No, you should not add the over-the-counter Proov Pro supplement to your prescribed progesterone regimen, as luteal phase deficiency (LPD) has not been proven to be an independent cause of infertility or implantation failure, and there is no evidence that additional progesterone supplementation beyond prescribed therapy improves outcomes. 1
The Evidence on Luteal Phase Deficiency
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine has consistently stated that while progesterone is important for implantation and early embryonic development, LPD as an independent entity causing infertility has not been proven. 2, 3, 1 This represents the most current guideline position (2021) on this topic.
LPD is clinically diagnosed when luteal phase length is ≤10 days, but controversy exists regarding whether treatment improves fertility outcomes even when accurately diagnosed. 1
LPD can occur in healthy, normally menstruating fertile women, meaning its presence does not necessarily indicate a treatable cause of infertility. 2, 3
Why Adding OTC Progesterone Is Not Recommended
If you are already on prescribed progesterone therapy, adding an over-the-counter supplement provides no proven additional benefit. The key issues are:
No evidence supports that higher progesterone doses improve implantation beyond standard therapeutic regimens already prescribed by your physician. 4
The correct approach to LPD is identifying and correcting any underlying condition (such as thyroid dysfunction, hyperprolactinemia, or ovulatory disorders) rather than empirically adding more progesterone. 4
Progesterone supplementation in spontaneous cycles without assisted reproduction has no proven efficacy for improving fertility outcomes. 4
When Progesterone Supplementation IS Beneficial
Progesterone has proven benefit only in specific clinical scenarios:
In IVF and gonadotropin-stimulated cycles, where LPD is always present and progesterone significantly improves reproductive outcomes. 4
For women with prior spontaneous preterm birth, 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17P) 250 mg IM weekly from 16-20 weeks reduces preterm delivery risk. 5, 6
For singleton pregnancies with short cervix (≤20-25 mm) at ≤24 weeks, vaginal progesterone 90-mg gel or 200-mg suppository daily reduces preterm birth. 5, 7
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Do not assume that "more progesterone is better." The scientific debate remains unresolved regarding optimal progesterone protocols, including routes of administration, dosing, and timing. 4 Adding unregulated OTC supplements to prescribed therapy:
- May create unpredictable hormone levels
- Has no evidence base for improving implantation
- Could mask underlying treatable conditions that are the actual cause of fertility issues
What You Should Do Instead
Work with your physician to identify any underlying causes of luteal insufficiency such as thyroid disorders, hyperprolactinemia, or anovulation, which are treatable conditions. 4 If you are undergoing assisted reproduction (IVF or gonadotropin stimulation), your prescribed progesterone regimen is already evidence-based for that indication. 4