One-of-a-kind studies in the use of progesterone

Dr. Pritchett and many of the other Moscati Health Center doctors studied extended progesterone use under Dr. Thomas Hilgers of Omaha at the Pope Paul the Sixth Institute.

This Nebraska doctor is the world leader in the study, one reason people come from all over the globe to learn from him. Thirteen years ago, Hilgers used a new technique to help a Hastings woman carry her pregnancy to full term. Today, that mother has four healthy teenage girls including triplets and the doctor is the world leader in using the hormone progesterone.

He explains most doctors only prescribe progesterone for problem pregnancies like Horton’s into the first trimester. Hilgers said, though, he has found for many women who miscarry, their progesterone levels are low, so he continues to prescribe the hormone into the second and third trimester. He said it can have dramatic effects.

Although other doctors say extended use of the hormone does not help at all and there is not enough research to support the practice, Dr. Pritchett said success stories are repeated again and again at the center with this treatment.

“It’s been withheld actually probably for too long and we really need to use it. I call progesterone the great, undiscovered, American hormone,” Hilgers said.