To Take Progesterone or Not for Natural/Unmonitored Cycle?

Tiko99

Hello All:

I'm benched this cycle because I took progesterone after my 2nd IUI and my body didn't get the message and started a new cycle 5 days prior to my period, so when I went in for my CD4 ultrasound I already had three 17mm follicles with a E2 level of 200. So the RE told me to call him when I get a "real period" and to go about a natural cycle. 

So I went out and bought the super expensive OPK tests since I was saving money by being benched and got an ALMOST as dark line as control Monday night, with a faded line Tuesday night. Fast forward to yesterday I started to break out and have decided to use this symptom that I ovulated since I do in fact break out when my estrogen drops. So assuming I ovulated some time Wednesday, I'm thinking about taking the rest of my progesterone suppositories left over from last cycle. My luteal phase is on the shorter side 10-12 days depending on cycle so I like the idea of "helping" my lining out just in case sperm hit egg. I would love to hear some feedback on taking progesterone on an unmonitored cycle. 

Pintobean39

Progesterone is not going to help your lining out. Personally I would not take progesterone without discussing it with my RE first.

BethKate2

I haven't been in your shoes, but I probably wouldn't take it since you don't know for sure that you ovulated, and your RE didn't instruct you to take it this cycle.

catlover790

I hope you did ovulate but I would probably call and ask the RE. If you didn't ovulate yet the progesterone would prevent you from ovulating (I would think). Good luck!

Tiko99

You are all right. I have no idea what is going on in my ovaries and it was the progesterone that f-up my cycle to begin with.

Thanks your responses, I have been brought back from the medicate myself cliff!

BunnyBerry

I would call the office and request bloodwork to confirm ovulation, since you had great follies after all whether or not they came from meds the doctor prescribed, and perhaps an ultrasound to check the lining. If there's a lining problem, Estrace can help (that's what I took, usually it starts at CD8 but they caught my thin lining later and it was fine). I would only take progesterone if they test your numbers and suggest it.

Congrats on (hopefully) ovulating on your own! Wouldn't it be awesome if the cycle your doctor wrote off was the one?

SweetieShellieH

I was in your shoes about using progesterone on an un-medicated cycle last month. I was a bad girl and did it, and it was a waste. I could have used the progesterone for next month's IUI :P 

nighthawk646wife

I asked doc almost the same question and she said to never take it without coming in first . She said that it can be very dangerous and if I did get pregnant I could end up causing myself to miscarry. Not sure why but that is what she said