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First of all, it’s important to know that there are two completely different substances that are associated with this name. Lutein is a derivative of beta-carotene, an organic chemical compound that performs important functions in the human eye. We eat it with food such as eggs, sunflower seeds, spinach, nettle and cabbage. This lutein is stored in the macula and its task is to protect the eye against free radicals. It is also involved in color vision and determines visual acuity. It is also possible to supplement this ingredient pharmacologically in the diet.
The second lutein is largely a female matter – it is the colloquial old name of progesterone, an important element of the hormonal balance of the fair sex, especially during pregnancy. The monthly cycle is inextricably linked with fluctuations in progesterone concentration: at the beginning it is low, and its increase determines the growth of the endometrium, which is preparing to accept the embryo – if fertilization does not take place within a certain period of time, the progesterone level decreases and the epithelium peels off and monthly bleeding occurs. . However, if fertilization occurs, lutein continues to be produced and levels do not drop. Later in pregnancy, the placenta becomes the producer of progesterone (lutein).
Lutein 50 and getting pregnant
External pharmacological lutein supplementation is sometimes recommended by gynecologists in order to regulate matters related to period irregularity. It is also often used as a fertility treatment aid – it is used as an important factor in preparing the female body for assisted reproductive techniques, such as in vitro. It also enables the proper course of pregnancy in the case of dysfunction or failure of the corpus luteum.
Lutein 50 not so much facilitates getting pregnant, but enables its safe course and normalizes monthly cycles.
Taking lutein will also be important for women who have had a miscarriage or premature birth in the past. Maintaining a consistently high level of progesterone throughout your pregnancy is an important part of a successful pregnancy. The decrease in lutein concentration is associated with uterine contractions and the commencement of labor.
Lutein in tablets or vaginal?
When the gynecologist decides to pharmacologically supplement progesterone, he may offer the patient one of two methods of administering lutein. The options available on the market of medical preparations are tablets that should be dissolved under the tongue (lutein 50) and vaginal creams, gels or globules.
Both types of external administration of lutein have both advantages and disadvantages – choosing the most appropriate method of supplementation is a matter of individual tolerance. The advantage of lutein 50 tablets is certainly the fact that we naturally treat this type of pharmacological preparation as the easiest to take. The disadvantage of the tablets is their… nasty taste. Unfortunately, lutein is bitter and you have to keep the preparation under your tongue until it dissolves completely. In combination with the nausea that accompanies pregnancy, sometimes the pills do not necessarily turn out to be the best possible solution.
An alternative is the vaginal administration of lutein, which has a definite advantage when it comes to skipping the digestive system – so we will not have to deal with the bitter taste or ailments related to the synthesis of lutein by the kidneys and liver, which are often damaged by long-term oral administration of lutein. The downside, however, may be profuse and troublesome vaginal discharge and irritation in intimate places, which additionally become less accessible as pregnancy develops.
Lutein 50 – side effects
Lutein 50 should definitely not be used in the case of hypersensitivity to any component of the preparation. It is also not allowed to use lutein in the case of undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, jaundice and diseases of the liver and the circulatory system are also contraindications.
Among the possible side effects, the manufacturer mentions drowsiness, worsening of the existing depressive states (or their emergence), concentration disorders, nausea, as well as dizziness and headaches – at the same time he notes that these are sporadic reports, because due to the endogenous nature of lutein, it is usually perfectly tolerated by the female body.
Rare are also allergic reactions after administration of lutein – reddening of the skin or acne lesions. In very rare cases, it is associated with venous problems related to thrombosis, as well as dry mouth and bleeding gums.