eff Progesterone. Help - I don't want to take it!

loverevolutionmommy · May 2015

My progesterone is in normal range but my Dr. still wants me to take progesterone supplements. At 4 weeks I was at 13. After a week of progesterone supplements I was at 38 but I felt soooo sick and tired and couldn't even function. So I stopped taking them and at 6 weeks and came back with a 15. The nurse gave me such a hard time so I took half the dose for a few days and again felt awful. So today at 7 weeks progesterone was at 15. I'm happy with it and I feel better. But Dr. is pushing for me to switch to suppositories and says side effects will be less. I don't believe that at all...but they are guilting me into taking them... They are super expensive and of course the nurse gave me a coupon for $100 off from the drug rep...whenever I hear drug rep I hear kick-back. Is this really necessary since I'm in normal range? Is there anyone else who quit taking progesterone supplements or decided not to take them in the first place? I am super sensitive to medication and I think that 15 is probably normal for me and my body... Help!!

KateLouise · May 2015

I don't know anything about progesterone supplements, or why they might be important, so therefore I would want to ask the Dr./myself the following:

- How long do I need to take these for? The entire pregnancy or just up to a certain point?

- If I don't take the supplements/have progesterone at a good level what can happen?

- If I don't take the supplements can we keep monitoring my levels and then start taking them if things get too low, or would it be too late by then?

- Are the suppositories as effective?

- If I don't take the supplements/suppositories and the worst happens how will I feel about that?

Cost wouldn't come into it for me, but I'm in NZ and medication is subsidised, some are more expensive than others, but often you'll pay $7 to get a script filled. I'm sure our Drs are still susceptible to promoting some drugs over others, but it's not quite the same as it is in the US.

MiracleK · May 2015

I was prescribed progesterone suppositories and took them as directed. I have had miscarriages due to low progesterone. I think the discomfort and cost for me was a very small price to pay to help maintain a healthy pregnancy. I'd take it as long as directed to do so.

miranda6275 · May 2015

I took progesterone suppositories from about weeks 4-11 to help prevent miscarriage because my progesterone # was low when Dr did my beta #testing and the progesterone # didn't rise when they did my 2nd blood test. I didn't have any side effects from the suppositories.

I have a friend who swears that daily progesterone in oil shots are the only way she carried her daughter to term.

I recommend what PPs have said, ask more questions about why your doctor wants you on it and what the risks are for not taking it so you can make an informed choice.

PhoenixRyuu · May 2015

This is all I can tell you. I have low progesterone, and I would say your numbers are borderline but I'm not your doctor. I can tell you that I miscarried with only a few less ng/mL than you have. Normal first trimester levels are 11.2-90.0 ng/mL and second trimester are 25.6-89.4 ng/mL. I've had 6 known miscarriages, so many that once I stopped actively trying I refused to test until I missed my second period. I had several miscarriages prior to being diagnosed, then once my issue was found I couldn't get pregnant for all the charts and medicine I could do and afford and then when I stopped active treatment and went to just chart and try on my own for a while I miscarried hours before my doctor's appointment to get the progesterone that may well have saved my pregnancy and without going through years and years, leave it to be said that I started TTC over 8 years ago, gave up 3 years ago and this is the first pregnancy I've carried past 11 weeks. I was so upset to think that so many of my miscarriages would have been preventable with a simple medication. I know everyone's different, but had I had that medication in my possession and just not taken it, I'm not sure how I could have ever come to terms with it. I know it's uncomfortable. You get bloated, cranky, constipated, etc, but these are normal pregnancy symptoms and even with the supplements you're not even hitting the middle of the normal range! I agree with everyone that you need to talk to your medical team before just pitching the script, and from my perspective I would say just don't do it, but at the very least, know the worst case scenario, because for many of us it's miscarriage, and decide if that's something you can live with.

GirlOnTheBeach · May 2015

I would definitely listen to your doctor. I had slightly low progesterone and lost my last two pregnancies. It's not worth the risk in my opinion. As soon as I got my bfp I got my butt to the doctor and got on progesterone immediately.

Also, going on and off progesterone like you've been doing is not safe. If your body thinks your progesterone is dropping to quickly, it could trigger a miscarriage. That's why they keep you on it until your placenta can provide enough.

CinciSurro · May 2015

My doctor wanted to keep mine above 20 until 8 weeks then I started weaning off as my placentas took over. I'd do what your doctor recommends? You're in for 7 more months of lots of other unpleasant symptoms but all of it is worth it

WDDCH · May 2015

They like it to be at 20+. Your progesterone fluctuates throughout the day. If it gets too low it triggers your body into thinking, "Not pregnant, time to menstruate!" In other words you could miscarry.

15 isn't TOO bad but it's not a number I'd be comfortable with as someone who doesn't produce progesterone on her own and has miscarried due to it. I've had numbers that dropped, too. One pregnancy my initial result was only 7! I got Prometrium immediately and my son was born full-term and healthy.

Most doctors don't take low prog seriously. Yours does. Just take it as advised.

lavenderlisa · May 2015

If the doctor gave you progesterone you need to take it. My mother had three miscarriages before doctors figured out she had low progesterone And then had to take it every pregnancy. It's important to take it even if you feel sick........

PrimRoseMama · May 2015

Please take the medicine your doctor gives you. If you have questions about side effects or want to request alternatives-- talk to your provider. There are options available, but quitting cold turkey could jeopardize your pregnancy.

twogirlsandagreen · May 2015

You being uncomfortable for a few weeks until your placenta takes over (10-12 weeks) is a small price to pay for having a successful pregnancy. You really should be taking your Dr's advice, not asking a bunch of women on a pregnancy board. If your Dr wants to switch you to suppositories, do it for the health of your pregnancy. Your progesterone level is not very good. I MC once at 13. My doctor doesn't even consider anything under 20 as "good." I don't want to scare you, but you can seriously cause a miscarriage by letting your progesterone go up and down like you are. Take the meds as prescribed and save yourself the heartache of a miscarriage. It is NOT fun to lose a baby and I would take any level of nausea and exhaustion over that pain and heartache any day.