I am beginning to think I have low progesterone (XP from TTCAL). Seeking advice/experiences.

meredithcarole · August 2014

*warning -some (failed) pregnancy details are mentioned below* *warning -some (failed) pregnancy details are mentioned below*

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So prior to TTC I went off the pill (last September) to let my cycles "regulate." I had most recently been on Loestrin FE and with that pill I really didn't get a period, just some minor spotting every 28 days. My un-medicated periods quickly went to 28 days with light spotting days 26 and/or day 27. I thought nothing of it as it was something that I recalled happening when I was on Ortho Tri Cyclen a few years ago and I did get periods. So in Jan when I spotted at CD24 I suspected implantation bleeding and lo and behold I got a BFP. I spotted 2 or 3 times during my pregnancy. Once after sex (it was a pretty clearly related) and then there was a little brown spotting around 8 weeks. At 9 weeks my back started hurting like menstrual cramps and we all know how the rest of that story goes.

So after my miscarriage I had a 21 day cycle followed by a 27 day cycle and then a 28 day. For those cycles there was no spotting before AF and I thought "great, back to 'normal' and no pre-AF spotting - hurrah!" Well that was too good to last because last month on day 25 I was getting cramps and on day 26 I spotted. AF showed the next morning. This month the same thing is happening. I Oed (based on an OPK) around CD16 or 17 so we are looking at a current LP of about 9 or 10 days.

I am calling Monday to make an appointment to see my OB. I have already decided I should get my fibroids out just in case they are interfering, but now I am also thinking that I should ask for my progesterone to be tested. I know they won't do extensive testing if I haven't had a second loss, but at this rate I think the odds of even getting pregnant are seriously limited with how my body is acting. I hope the cycle nonsense is enough to convince them to at least check my progesterone. Should I perhaps jump right to seeing an RE? I'm not sure we are there yet, but I also don't like the direction this is headed and at 35 I don't think I should chance it. What have your experiences been?

P.S. For all of you throwing your hands in the air saying "start temping" I have purchased a thermometer from Amazon and will start once it arrives. I will have 3 or 4 months on the bench to get good at it.

ETA: my spaces didn't copy....

marijaa333 · August 2014

Hmm, i don't have any experience and I have *always* spotted; however, the advice generally seems to be to go directly to the RE, and that the OB/GYN is more useful after you've conceived than before.

C_Girlie · August 2014

Seek an RE, good luck

hooligans4 · August 2014

Your OB should definitely run blood work based on your irregular periods. But if you can get a referral to RE that would be better. Maybe OB can run some of the tests while you wait for RE apt.
After my loss my periods were all over the place and also after I came off the pill. So for me both of those messed me up for a good 6 months. But blood work will tell you what your hormone levels are at.
Good luck and I hope you level off soon.

tlc35 · August 2014

I agree with everyone else that if you can see a RE then it probably would be better. They also may be able to give you more insight about your fibroids. If you can't, your OB may be willing to check 7dpo progesterone or even just give you progesterone after ovulation. It seems the willingness of OBs to treat luteal phase defects is quite variable. Some posters around here have docs that blow them off and others are willing to treat it.
If you need the referral and your doc is waiting you wait for 6 months after your loss I agree with the poster on TTCAL who suggested making an appointment ahead of time to avoid waiting additional time for an appointment.

KirstenAlecia · August 2014

See an RE and fx for good luck!

Pintobean39 · August 2014

I agree with everyone else see an RE. You don't have to start treatments just yet. I've actually never had a 7dpo test done, all my miscarriages I have had low progesterone but as my RE said they were doomed from the beginning. He automatically puts my on progesterone support right after ovulation just because it's a common problem for people "my age". He says if you have progesterone issues you need it immediately after O not when you get a BFP, like my OB was starting me on it.

Davie813 · August 2014

I agree that it would be good to see an RE if you can, but if not, an OB should definitely be willing to do a 7 dpo progesterone test. I needed an OB referral after 6 months of TTC to get in to my RE (and they wouldn't make the appointment until I had it, although it was not a problem getting one as soon as I did.) However, my OB ordered a whole bunch of baseline testing (including DH's SA and a progesterone test), so I was able to go to my first RE apt with all that in hand, which really helped. Good luck!