Progesterone suppositories

ashleywarmington

hi there!! I'm back after having a MMC back in April. At 4 weeks 1 day now and my cousin and sister in law have both recommended taking progesterone to help avoid another possible MC. I've asked my doctor and she said there's no real proof that it prevents mc but that there's no harm in taking it if I'm that concerned. I know most of you will say that I should trust my doc and do what she says but I've had a few issues with her and considering finding a new doc.

All that being said, I thought I'd take it to all the real ladies who have gone through what I have and see what you think. Have you taken it? Have your docs recommended it? Any luck? My cousin (in her 40's) took it after a MC and now has a healthy 2 year old daughter

ChosenByLove

I took progesterone suppositories after each IUI I did as the specialist recommended patients do so. The side effects were awful for me (but I also wasn't pregnant). 

cmerribury

I'm taking progesterone suppositories, 200 mg once a day. The side effects have been really severe. I miscarried twice in the last year, and my natural progesterone levels were low with both pregnancies, which is why they were prescribed for me. (Note: that is NOT why I miscarried, however, both were genetic issues.) I'd say that if your progesterone numbers are already OK, you likely don't need them. They aren't a "magic bullet" to prevent miscarriage (though I certainly wish they were!!) they just make things a little stickier down there. However, depending on the reason for your past miscarriage (which you likely don't know since it was your first) progesterone levels may not have been a factor at all. I know it's not what you want to hear, but your doc is right that there isn't any proof that they prevent miscarriage unless your natural progesterone levels are low. Anyway, hope that helps. I'm sorry for your past loss and wish you lots of luck with this pregnancy!

orangegoggles

I am on progesterone (crinone once nightly) due to repeated losses. Through testing they never could figure out why I kept mc/ing so it was prescribed along with baby asprin as a "can't hurt and might help" sort of thing. I started using it with my last pregnancy (healthy boy) so it could have been the help I needed or just pure luck. I'm on it again for this pregnancy. I hate using it but it is only for the 1st trimester. I don't have any major issues with side effects like others do but I HATE the discharge, so gross. 

cmerribury

The discharge is terrible, @orangegoggles. I'm also on baby aspirin.

campbaby76

When did y'all start baby aspirin? Right away or did you wait till you saw your dr? I took it with my first pregnancy but don't remember when I started.

BeatboxBaby

I had a mc in May ,so this time around we went in early for testing. My proesterone levels were low so I got put on Prometrium 200mg...take it once at night vaginally. I've only been taking it for about a week so far, but I haven't noticed any major side effects except discharge from the pill. But, even that isn't too bad!

Go in for another u/s Thursday and hoping for the best!

Good luck with everything ladies

lilllis

After IVF/PGD I am on three a day till 11wks currently 6+6 - But then the other meds are stopping me producing progesterone I think hence 3 A day - they give you all the side effects of being pregnant, so it's a little unnerving if it's the progesterone or the pregnancy. I think you can get your levels tested?

NReamer

Im on progesterone vaginally, lovenox, baby aspirin & extra folic acid on top of my prenatal. We did all this with my last pregnancy and had a healthy baby so new fertility doc is sticking with it.

nicolexxxxx

Same here I had 3 mc in the past 9 months and now I'm on aspirin and progesterone. The last one I didn't really need but when I asked my Ob he said it couldn't hurt and if it gave me peace of mind why not. The discharge is indeed disgusting it freaked me out the first few days but turns out its completely normal.

nicolexxxxx

After I saw the doc at 5 weeks he prescribed it right away.

cmerribury

@campbaby76 I started the baby aspirin at about 4 weeks. I'm on it because I tested with a positive ANA homogeneous titer after 2 MCs, which made my OB worry about blood clotting. I see the specialist (rheumatologist) in September.

emluedtke7

Baby aspirin and progesterone capsules here too. I started baby aspirin after my last period ended and my dr said I could take it through first tri. I've had 2 mc in the last year so we're trying this route. I started progesterone at 4 weeks and haven't had much trouble with it other than extra discharge.

KHouz

I have 100mg vaginal suppositories twice a day. I needed the for low progesterone levels my last pg. so I had my new dr run a blood test to check this time. I was barely low, but low ebough for the suppositories.

kellypatterson

My doctor prescribed progesterone and I have been on it since 2 days after Iui. I miscarried in May and my level was low then. He did not say anything about baby aspirin. Should I be taking it too?

acherry1212

Just got prescribed today for 200 mg progesterone suppositories once at night. My pharmacyst looked at me like I had two heads when I referred to the capsules as suppositories... She had never heard of them taken vaginally. Whatever...

Anyways, my doc didn't say anything about baby aspirin. Should I ask? This is my second child... Never had a mc, but have done labs twice in a week and my progesterone and hcg levels aren't where they are expected to be at 7 weeks.

Jizzill

I also had a mc in April. When I called the OB to let them know I was pregnant again, I told them I had low progesterone levels at the time of my mc. They had me come in that day to do a blood draw and test my levels.
I would recommend having them check your levels first, you may realize you're producing quite enough on you own.

NachosAndPeaches

A MMC actually means that your progesterone levels were probably high, which is why you didn't pass it naturally. Think of progesterone as what makes the baby stick to you. If you are going to have a mc based on chromosomal abnormalities, your progesterone is usually not high because your body doesn't want to keep that pregnancy. If you had a chromosomally normal pregnancy and you had low progesterone and that is why you miscarried (or gave birth prematurely), then progesterone can help. Most miscarriages are chromosomal, not "host issues" (incompetent cervix etc, things that progesterone will help). Your doctor is busy and probably didn't have time to explain all this to you but you probably don't need it and I would trust your doc.

jonesl12

I used 200 mg capsules 3x daily ( vaginally ) with my last pregnancy as my progesterone was only 14. It was pretty rough since I had to lay down for at least 10 min after inserting one plus when it does seep out its so unpleasant it grossed ME out ( I work ob/gyn so you can imagine some of the messed up things I have seen) . There are some studies that show that they aren't very effective but I did it anyway until I ended up having a miscarriage 4 weeks later ( non related ). This pregnancy my progesterone was 28 so I don't have to use them but I would if I had to even if it's not that helpful . It gives you a piece of mind that you are doing everything you can to help.

** on a side note a baby aspirin (81mg) is not recommended if you are bleeding at all especially if it's due to a SCH that goes undiagnosed . Until an ultrasound had been done ask your ob before taking aspirin

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4138421/

https://sites.google.com/site/miscarriageresearch/supplements-and-miscarriage/progesterone-cream

pinottoparenthood

If you don't trust your doctor, go ahead and find a new doctor and talk to him or her about it. Something like this shouldn't be decision based on the input of internet strangers. Good luck!

Goldsgirl9

I took it with last pregnancy because I was spotting and progesterone was on the very low side of normal. It made me feel horrible and I ended up with the a mmc in May. The RE I saw as well as my OB both stated, taking progesterone will not save a pregnancy that is not viable. It will only delay the inevitable.

If the pregnancy is viable and your progesterone is low then of course it makes sense to take it. I was tested prior to this pregnancy and again when I found out I was pregnant. Both times numbers were normal so I am trusting my doctors.

Good luck

helleebellee

I took it with my last pregnancy, it didn't do what my dr wanted it to do, and I ended up with a blood clot.  I personally wouldn't take them unless you're absolutely certain it's needed.  

????2006

Hi! I had two miscarriages and then used progesterone/baby aspirin and went on to have a healthy baby. I am taking both again this time around. With the miscarriages, I was in Europe and went to see many specialists. Progesterone and baby aspirin are immediate after a miscarriage there. It has no known side effects so I don't see the harm. I also am not one to just listen to the dr-after two healthy babies and two angels, I feel confident saying no one doctor knows it all and no one cares about a healthy baby as much as you. Do your research, hear what the dr says and make your call. Good luck!

hurricane1212

I'm on the aspirin and progesterone regimen too. I've had two losses this year after two healthy pregnancies. My hcg levels look great, but my progesterone was only 11 at 4w3d. I'm still scared and I feel like absolute crap. I'm taking 200 MG 2x a day, but (luckily) I take it orally
My last loss was a healthy, viable pregnancy. Baby had a hb, but I started bleeding at 8 weeks and passed everything naturally. I have an ultrasound on the 17th and blood draw to recheck levels. I'm keeping my fingers, toes, and everything else crossed for good news.

cmerribury

tfmb2009 said:

I'm on the aspirin and progesterone regimen too. I've had two losses this year after two healthy pregnancies. My hcg levels look great, but my progesterone was only 11 at 4w3d. I'm still scared and I feel like absolute crap. I'm taking 200 MG 2x a day, but (luckily) I take it orally My last loss was a healthy, viable pregnancy. Baby had a hb, but I started bleeding at 8 weeks and passed everything naturally. I have an ultrasound on the 17th and blood draw to recheck levels. I'm keeping my fingers, toes, and everything else crossed for good news.

Good luck! With all that progesterone you should be in good hands with this pregnancy. My progesterone levels skyrocketed after I started taking it, and I'm only on 200 mg/day. Hang in there!

hurricane1212

cmerribury said:

tfmb2009 said:

I'm on the aspirin and progesterone regimen too. I've had two losses this year after two healthy pregnancies. My hcg levels look great, but my progesterone was only 11 at 4w3d. I'm still scared and I feel like absolute crap. I'm taking 200 MG 2x a day, but (luckily) I take it orally
My last loss was a healthy, viable pregnancy. Baby had a hb, but I started bleeding at 8 weeks and passed everything naturally. I have an ultrasound on the 17th and blood draw to recheck levels. I'm keeping my fingers, toes, and everything else crossed for good news.

Good luck! With all that progesterone you should be in good hands with this pregnancy. My progesterone levels skyrocketed after I started taking it, and I'm only on 200 mg/day. Hang in there!

Thank you! That gives me so much hope!

iamrandom

I'm also on progesterone (crinone, once daily), but it's because I did IVF in order to conceive.  When you have an egg retrieval as part of IVF it affects the corpus luteum, thereby potentially lowering your progesterone.  

To echo previous posters, if you had a missed miscarriage chances are your progesterone wasn't the issue.  Unlike most women who go on progesterone support, I haven't had any side effects.  My progesterone level at 4 weeks was 288 (this is RIDICULOUSLY high) and it's stayed very, very elevated and I'm still feeling good.  I would really consider your doctor's opinion before going on progesterone support.  It's not going to hurt the pregnancy to have elevated progesterone, but for lots of women there are some really uncomfortable side effects.   Your doctor can easily check your progesterone levels with a blood draw.  

And just a piece of encouragement--a single miscarriage doesn't negatively affect your chances of having a healthy live birth.  I'm sure you already know this, but chances are your mmc was just a one-off (a terribly painful one-off, I don't mean to minimize it).  I know how hard it is to mentally and emotionally come back from a loss, but the odds are in your favor that this pregnancy will proceed without issue.  

iamrandom

Just a quick note on the baby aspirin--don't ever take it without your OB/RE prescribing it first.  It does reduce miscarriage for women with clotting factor issues, but it's also been shown in studies to increase miscarriage in women with normal clotting factors.  

NachosAndPeaches

Protocol is 3 miscarriages in a row to be considered high risk

skuleecat

I did IVF for this pregnancy after several losses due to genetic reasons. I'm on PIO (progesterone in oil) shots and the suppositories 3 times a day! So much darn progesterone! In my opinion it can't hurt to take them, could only possibly help. It does however make Morning sickness much worse

EEVZ2013

I've had two losses in the past year after two normal/healthy pregnancies, so I'm on 200 mg progesterone capsules, inserted vaginally 3x/day. My doctor did say it was a pretty high dosage, but he feels like the potential benefits out weigh the risks. I agree. I haven't felt like it's making me much sicker, but I'm only a little over 5 weeks right now (technically due very early May). I have noticed I'm breaking out a bit, so I wonder if the progesterone is the culprit.