Progesterone Levels

nlwz123

Hi guys,

I just got my lab results back for my progesterone levels.  They drew them at 4 dpo (according to FF.  I thought this was strange since everywhere I've read it says to do it at 7 dpo).  The results came back at 4.1 ng/mL with the range being between 2.0-27.0 as normal (according to the results sheet).  This is clearly on the lower end of the scale.  Is it even possible to get pregnant with my progesterone levels being that low?  I emailed my doc, but I'm sure I won't hear back until late tomorrow.

Thanks and I appreciate any insight!

27alex

Because the test wasn't done on the correct day, that number means nothing.

Also progesterone varies throughout the day. Ideally when taken correctly, you are looking for a number of 10+.

nlwz123

Blegh, thanks @27alex, that kind of sucks.  I feel like they just assumed my ovulation day would have been sooner than when it was, and told me to get it drawn on that day.  

What time of day is usually best to get it drawn?

27alex

nlwz123 said:

Blegh, thanks @27alex, that kind of sucks.  I feel like they just assumed my ovulation day would have been sooner than when it was, and told me to get it drawn on that day.  

What time of day is usually best to get it drawn?

Did it happen to be cd21?

I actually don't know! Let me do some research. Mine was 3.4 the first draw on 7dpo, and it was done early morning. I'll have it done again once I'm in with the RE. Are you working with an OB or RE?

nlwz123

27alex said:

nlwz123 said:

Blegh, thanks @27alex, that kind of sucks.  I feel like they just assumed my ovulation day would have been sooner than when it was, and told me to get it drawn on that day.  

What time of day is usually best to get it drawn?

Did it happen to be cd21?

I actually don't know! Let me do some research. Mine was 3.4 the first draw on 7dpo, and it was done early morning. I'll have it done again once I'm in with the RE. Are you working with an OB or RE?

I had it drawn at like 9:00 AM on CD 23 and ovulated on CD 19.  I'm working with a RE who is actually going on maternity leave soon, so I'm going to be passed on to another doctor.  Thanks!

27alex

nlwz123 said:

27alex said:

nlwz123 said:

Blegh, thanks @27alex, that kind of sucks.  I feel like they just assumed my ovulation day would have been sooner than when it was, and told me to get it drawn on that day.  

What time of day is usually best to get it drawn?

Did it happen to be cd21?

I actually don't know! Let me do some research. Mine was 3.4 the first draw on 7dpo, and it was done early morning. I'll have it done again once I'm in with the RE. Are you working with an OB or RE?

I had it drawn at like 9:00 AM on CD 23 and ovulated on CD 19.  I'm working with a RE who is actually going on maternity leave soon, so I'm going to be passed on to another doctor.  Thanks!

Weird! You definitely want it done at 7dpo. I'll let you know when I find something but paging @TheBorg7of9 because she probably knows.

nlwz123

27alex said:

nlwz123 said:

27alex said:

nlwz123 said:

Blegh, thanks @27alex, that kind of sucks.  I feel like they just assumed my ovulation day would have been sooner than when it was, and told me to get it drawn on that day.  

What time of day is usually best to get it drawn?

Did it happen to be cd21?

I actually don't know! Let me do some research. Mine was 3.4 the first draw on 7dpo, and it was done early morning. I'll have it done again once I'm in with the RE. Are you working with an OB or RE?

I had it drawn at like 9:00 AM on CD 23 and ovulated on CD 19.  I'm working with a RE who is actually going on maternity leave soon, so I'm going to be passed on to another doctor.  Thanks!

Weird! You definitely want it done at 7dpo. I'll let you know when I find something but paging @TheBorg7of9 because she probably knows.

Awesome, thanks!  I'm going to ask them to see if they can draw up another lab slip for me to get it re-drawn.

TheBorg7of9

Everything Alex said is the same as what I know.
My personal experience was that my progesterone level was 7.9 at 7 dpo on a Clomid cycle. That is lower than it's supposed to be and I still ended up pregnant that cycle with a bfp at 10 dpo. He's 3 now. So i wouldn't be too worried about your test. Especially since it was done the wrong day anyway.

nlwz123

Thanks @TheBorg7of9, that's really reassuring!

nlwz123

Update:

So, my RE wants me to immediately start taking Prometrium (vaginally, not orally.  Not sure how that's going to work).  Anyone have any experience taking this?

Thanks!

TheBorg7of9

nlwz123 said:

Update:

So, my RE wants me to immediately start taking Prometrium (vaginally, not orally.  Not sure how that's going to work).  Anyone have any experience taking this?

Thanks!

No, not personally. But I have heard of it.  It may extend your luteal phase and I've heard it's gross and messy.

So, your RE thinks you did ovulate and is giving you progesterone to help you get/stay pregnant?  I would ask why.

nlwz123

TheBorg7of9 said:

nlwz123 said:

Update:

So, my RE wants me to immediately start taking Prometrium (vaginally, not orally.  Not sure how that's going to work).  Anyone have any experience taking this?

Thanks!

No, not personally. But I have heard of it.  It may extend your luteal phase and I've heard it's gross and messy.

So, your RE thinks you did ovulate and is giving you progesterone to help you get/stay pregnant?  I would ask why.

Oooooh perfect. haha

This is exactly what was messaged to me when I emailed them about my levels (of course I had to seek them out about my lab results):

"A level of 3-5 shows you ovulated but you need a level of at least 10 to be the most supportive environment for a pregnancy if one develops this cycle. 
Your progesterone level came back at 4.1

To supplement you, the doctor would like for you to begin taking a Progesterone supplement by the name of Prometrium.
Prometrium is a 200 mg capsule that you would insert twice a day vaginally starting today or as soon as you are able to pick up the prescription.
If you conceive this cycle, you will continue Prometrium until you are 10-12 weeks pregnant. 
If you get your period and do not conceive, you would stop this medication. 
Sometimes this medication can delay your menses. If you do not start a period by cycle day 35, take a pregnancy test and if it is not positive, you can discontinue the Prometrium and allow your body to start a new cycle. "

TheBorg7of9

nlwz123 said:

TheBorg7of9 said:

nlwz123 said:

Update:

So, my RE wants me to immediately start taking Prometrium (vaginally, not orally.  Not sure how that's going to work).  Anyone have any experience taking this?

Thanks!

No, not personally. But I have heard of it.  It may extend your luteal phase and I've heard it's gross and messy.

So, your RE thinks you did ovulate and is giving you progesterone to help you get/stay pregnant?  I would ask why.

Oooooh perfect. haha

This is exactly what was messaged to me when I emailed them about my levels (of course I had to seek them out about my lab results):

"A level of 3-5 shows you ovulated but you need a level of at least 10 to be the most supportive environment for a pregnancy if one develops this cycle. 
Your progesterone level came back at 4.1

To supplement you, the doctor would like for you to begin taking a Progesterone supplement by the name of Prometrium.
Prometrium is a 200 mg capsule that you would insert twice a day vaginally starting today or as soon as you are able to pick up the prescription.
If you conceive this cycle, you will continue Prometrium until you are 10-12 weeks pregnant. 
If you get your period and do not conceive, you would stop this medication. 
Sometimes this medication can delay your menses. If you do not start a period by cycle day 35, take a pregnancy test and if it is not positive, you can discontinue the Prometrium and allow your body to start a new cycle. "

Cool beans.  Good luck!

nlwz123

Also @TheBorg7of9, once I do start this, do you think temping is going to be useful anymore during my luteal phase?

TheBorg7of9

nlwz123 said:

Also @TheBorg7of9, once I do start this, do you think temping is going to be useful anymore during my luteal phase?

I'm not sure.  It should keep your temps up, but maybe you'll still get a dip before AF.  I would personally keep temping. But no harm if you don't want to.

blsav23

nlwz123 said:

Update:

So, my RE wants me to immediately start taking Prometrium (vaginally, not orally.  Not sure how that's going to work).  Anyone have any experience taking this?

Thanks!

I am currently taking the suppositories twice daily & I can't wait to be off them! Be sure to invest in some pads as you will have yucky discharge, pretty much all day. Plus, the pills are a burnt orange color, which can be confusing at first. I thought I was bleeding! But in the end, if it keeps me pregnant that's all that matters! Best wishes to you.

nlwz123

blsav23 said:

nlwz123 said:

Update:

So, my RE wants me to immediately start taking Prometrium (vaginally, not orally.  Not sure how that's going to work).  Anyone have any experience taking this?

Thanks!

I am currently taking the suppositories twice daily & I can't wait to be off them! Be sure to invest in some pads as you will have yucky discharge, pretty much all day. Plus, the pills are a burnt orange color, which can be confusing at first. I thought I was bleeding! But in the end, if it keeps me pregnant that's all that matters! Best wishes to you.

Thanks!  How far apart in time do you take them?  I took one yesterday around 7:30 pm, and one this morning when I woke up at 4:45 AM.  So far, yes, pretty gross, but not the worst thing in the world. haha

yl1m32015

I was just put on progesterone yesterday as well. My OB was concerned because I oed late and had a previous mc. I didn't get the script until afternoon so the pharmacist said to take one immediately, then again at night, then after that once in the AM and once in PM.

nlwz123

Embuzz247 said:

I was just put on progesterone yesterday as well. My OB was concerned because I oed late and had a previous mc. I didn't get the script until afternoon so the pharmacist said to take one immediately, then again at night, then after that once in the AM and once in PM.

Good luck!  How's it going so far?  I don't think it's nearly as bad as people have made it sound (so far, no side effects for me). 

yl1m32015

nlwz123 said:

Embuzz247 said:

I was just put on progesterone yesterday as well. My OB was concerned because I oed late and had a previous mc. I didn't get the script until afternoon so the pharmacist said to take one immediately, then again at night, then after that once in the AM and once in PM.

Good luck!  How's it going so far?  I don't think it's nearly as bad as people have made it sound (so far, no side effects for me). 

I just started yesterday but so far it's fine. Last night in bed I had some wicked cramps but I'm thinking it's because I had to take two doses back to back? Other than that, definitely discharge but I feel glad to be on them to bulk up my uterus!

nlwz123

Embuzz247 said:

nlwz123 said:

Embuzz247 said:

I was just put on progesterone yesterday as well. My OB was concerned because I oed late and had a previous mc. I didn't get the script until afternoon so the pharmacist said to take one immediately, then again at night, then after that once in the AM and once in PM.

Good luck!  How's it going so far?  I don't think it's nearly as bad as people have made it sound (so far, no side effects for me). 

I just started yesterday but so far it's fine. Last night in bed I had some wicked cramps but I'm thinking it's because I had to take two doses back to back? Other than that, definitely discharge but I feel glad to be on them to bulk up my uterus!

Yeah, it's definitely possible.  Are you taking it until you are 10 weeks?  

So far this cycle I haven't been having any BB pain (which is unusual for me, and I'm due for AF in 2 days) and I haven't gotten it so far after these 2 doses.  It makes me nervous that I still am not absorbing enough.

nlwz123

Chart stalk, anyone?  

I'm not sure I can trust my temps now, but I got a temp dip 1 day before my period started last cycle.  Do you think the slow decrease in temps this cycle might be me on my way out?  Is it possible that  I am just having artificial higher temps?

27alex

Can you post your link from your siggy? I'm mobile

TheBorg7of9

Not much info here… the decrease is very small.  And yes, the progesterone could be increasing your temps.  Sorry, nothing to do but wait.  When will you test?

27alex

TheBorg7of9 said:

Not much info here… the decrease is very small.  And yes, the progesterone could be increasing your temps.  Sorry, nothing to do but wait.  When will you test?

Borg to the rescue! Lol

nlwz123

Thanks guys.  Here's the link: https://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/588f7a

I'm probably going to wait until Saturday morning (12 dpo) to test.  According to FF, my AF is due tomorrow, but I know this can delay it.  Blegh, it's just frustrating.  As soon as you think you have things figured out.....

yl1m32015

nlwz123 said:

Embuzz247 said:

nlwz123 said:

Embuzz247 said:

I was just put on progesterone yesterday as well. My OB was concerned because I oed late and had a previous mc. I didn't get the script until afternoon so the pharmacist said to take one immediately, then again at night, then after that once in the AM and once in PM.

Good luck!  How's it going so far?  I don't think it's nearly as bad as people have made it sound (so far, no side effects for me). 

I just started yesterday but so far it's fine. Last night in bed I had some wicked cramps but I'm thinking it's because I had to take two doses back to back? Other than that, definitely discharge but I feel glad to be on them to bulk up my uterus!

Yeah, it's definitely possible.  Are you taking it until you are 10 weeks?  

So far this cycle I haven't been having any BB pain (which is unusual for me, and I'm due for AF in 2 days) and I haven't gotten it so far after these 2 doses.  It makes me nervous that I still am not absorbing enough.

Right now I'm just on them for 10 days, then they'll draw again and reassess if I need to continue. I've been looking around the board and tons of others are on progesterone too. It's kind of making me wonder why this is such a common problem.

nlwz123

Embuzz247 said:

nlwz123 said:

Embuzz247 said:

nlwz123 said:

Embuzz247 said:

I was just put on progesterone yesterday as well. My OB was concerned because I oed late and had a previous mc. I didn't get the script until afternoon so the pharmacist said to take one immediately, then again at night, then after that once in the AM and once in PM.

Good luck!  How's it going so far?  I don't think it's nearly as bad as people have made it sound (so far, no side effects for me). 

I just started yesterday but so far it's fine. Last night in bed I had some wicked cramps but I'm thinking it's because I had to take two doses back to back? Other than that, definitely discharge but I feel glad to be on them to bulk up my uterus!

Yeah, it's definitely possible.  Are you taking it until you are 10 weeks?  

So far this cycle I haven't been having any BB pain (which is unusual for me, and I'm due for AF in 2 days) and I haven't gotten it so far after these 2 doses.  It makes me nervous that I still am not absorbing enough.

Right now I'm just on them for 10 days, then they'll draw again and reassess if I need to continue. I've been looking around the board and tons of others are on progesterone too. It's kind of making me wonder why this is such a common problem.

I've noticed that as well.  Makes you wonder....

nlwz123

Hi everyone,

I didn't want to make a new discussion since I keep having the same questions regarding this topic.  i'm currently 13 DPO CD 32, no AF, but my temps are still rising.  Negative test as of yesterday.  i'm just super confused about my cycle this time.  My doc told me to wait until day 35 and test (and if negative, stop taking it then), but I'm wondering if it's necessary to wait that long.  Anyone have any advice on this matter?  

I'm also curious about how long it will take for AF to start after I stop taking the pills.  I know it varies by person, and bodies work differently, so I'm sure this is mostly just going to be me finding out as it happens.  

Mule198513

So I'm pretty positive that the progesterone will keep your temps up (as anyone who is pregnant has rising progesterone) taking the pills will replicate that so i'm not too sure if the chart is trustworthy.  

Like you said its going to depend on you about your period starting. BUT realistically if you aren't pregnant and stop progesterone there will be a drop in hormones, so probably a couple of days.  HTH

27alex

Mule198513 said:

So I'm pretty positive that the progesterone will keep your temps up (as anyone who is pregnant has rising progesterone) taking the pills will replicate that so i'm not too sure if the chart is trustworthy.  

Like you said its going to depend on you about your period starting. BUT realistically if you aren't pregnant and stop progesterone there will be a drop in hormones, so probably a couple of days.  HTH

Took the words out of my mouth. Progesterone will increase your temps.

Test once a week until you get AF or a BFP, if neither by 60 days call your doctor.

nlwz123

Ok, thanks guys! I've been getting cramping since last night, so I don't know if that was a side effect of taking the progesterone last night (even though I have been the last week and have been asymptomatic the entire time), or if my AF wants to start but I'm sort of preventing it?

yl1m32015

Well for what it's worth, I've cramped on and off with the progesterone.

I have a question about the progesterone suppositories. DH and I have not been bding obviously because I'm worried about his wiener absorbing the hormones! My pharmacy did not give me any warning regarding that. I just assume it's not good for men to absorb female hormones, right? Or is that off based and he'll be fine?

nlwz123

Honestly, i haven't even thought about that. I usually take the first one super early in the morning and then the last one before I go to bed. I would assume it is absorbed fairly quickly as I start discharging the outside of the pill within the hour. It would definitely be a good idea to contact your doctor or maybe even a pharmacist and ask them about that.