19.5 progesterone at 4 weeks - ok or not?

MissLMS

The nurse who called with my first beta test said my 19.5 was in the "middle" range and wasn't necessarily bad, but that 25 or higher is a sign of a really strong pregnancy. I went in for my second beta today (still waiting on results) and they only tested my HCG. This is my 5th pregnancy, I've had two losses. Would it be ridiculous if I asked for progesterone supplements? My progesterone level at 4 weeks with my last loss was also around the 19 mark. I have no idea what happened after that because they didn't test progesterone again, only hcg.

MissLMS

And sorry... this is my second question about progesterone. Waiting on OB to call back!

jesswein9

I would ask them to draw your progesterone again. If it goes lower then I would press for supplements.

Samuelismomma

I don't know to be honest my re wanted above 20..hmmm ask for progesterone recheck or supplements! They can't hurt only help.

KJsbabe

I don't think it would be ridiculous to ask for supplements. My progesterone at 7dpo was 18. My doctor wanted to see it closer to 25 so he put me on supplements once a day to give me a little boost. It never hurts to ask, and being PgAL I think it's better to err on the side of caution.

Denise91980

That is where I was at around 5 weeks and the dr told me it was really good. Now I am questioning my levels.

Mom2anAngel2

Mine was 15 at 4 weeks. I don't think it is crazy to ask about supplements. Most doctors are willing to supplement ladies that they believe are deficient. GL!

MissLMS

The nurse called about my levels (hcg went from 201 to 486 in 48 hrs, so yay for that) but when I asked for a redraw of progesterone when they do the next hcg she said they normally only test progesterone once, because in her words, progesterone stays around the same level all pregnancy. (Which I thought it was supposed to gradually increase?)

When I asked her then if I could at least get on progesterone, she said that they normally do that for patients with 3 or more losses. (I've had 2.) she said she would talk to the doctor and get back to me. Here's hoping.

Thanks ladies!

chicagojackie

So I have luteal phase deficiency (low progesterone in 1T before placenta takes over), and my MFM keeps the level >20 with 200mg oral progesterone every night. With DD my progesterone bounced around a lot while we figured out the dosing. I was careful to get the repeat tests around the same time of day each time too to try to take out an extra variable.

With this baby the progesterone has been OK, was 17 so we started the prometrium again, level has been 25, 27, 24, 22, 28 and 30 so far. The levels of progesterone really can vary. Our lab repeats the level on the blood sample twice to ensure accuracy. (I have asked every question now that my blood draws for this between DD and this baby are in the double digits!).

FWIW the oral prometrium is expensive, I have great insurance and it is still $50/mo. The progesterone level test is about $100/wk out of pocket for me too, I think the lab bills somewhere around $900 each time for it. I know these costs don't matter in the long run, you need what you need, but I wish someone would have given me a little warning that this would cost me about $450/mo for the first 2-3 months of pregnancy, at least in my situation.

Anyway---you have great betas! If you have any bleeding this could be a sign the progesterone levels are even lower than what was tested. With DD I had bleeding even though her betas were gorgeous because my progesterone levels went low (10) before we started the progesterone--she was my first pregnancy so we didn't know and OB didn't want us to lose her. I still did have bleeding despite the progesterone supplementation pretty much the entire first trimester but it was much, much improved after my levels were >20, just occasional spotting.

chicagojackie

Oh, the other thing is I saw you have MTHFR which can be associated with hypercoagulability (pro-clotting) states....you may want to consider repeating the progesterone level before you start any meds because taking additional hormones (even progesterone which is not as high of a risk of clotting as estrogen but still) may put you at risk for having a clotting problem. Just something to talk about with the Doc.

MissLMS

Thanks, Chicagojackie. I'll ask about that as well. I'm on baby aspirin and my OB offered to do heparin shots due to the MTHFR, although she didn't think I'd need it.

E&B0811

My progesterone was 12.5 at 14dpo. I asked for supplements. My re agreed to them but emphasized, as did my ob later, that they believed they are a can't hurt might help thing. I will say, for me, even if the assistance was psychosomatic it was a huge benefit for my PgAL brain. So, all this to say, be your own best advocate. If you think supplements may help - actually or just for your own peace of mind - ask.