progesterone supps causing headaches? What can I take?

Sept07b2b

So I started my progesterone supplements on Monday night, and I have had the worst headache ever since!  I cannot seem to shake it.  I'm scared to take anything because I can never remember what I can and cannot take.  Is asprin ok to take?  tylenol?  I think I remember advil is a no-no. 

Also, I've never had a progesterone problem, but my RE just puts all his patients on it just in case.  Does anyone think it's really necessary if there hasn't been a shown problem?  Obviously, I will continue to use them through this 2WW, but if this cycle doesn't work out, do you think it's necessary next cycle.  This headache is just terrible!!! 

kathrynlo

Hi Sept07! No advice on the progesterone supplements, but my RE has told me only Tylenol during our TTC journey. Even prior to the 2ww, Motrin and others can actually affect your fertility.

Take some Tylenol and relax. Hope that headache goes away soon!

katib77

My DH knows the huge bottle of Extra Strength Tylenol rapid release is the only thing I take anymore since TTC and the other stuff is for him.  While it does seem a little odd that your RE doesn't Rx based on tests for progesterone, at the same time it does not hurt you to have more in your system during the 2ww aside from some side effects.  If the headache is that bad or doesn't go away then I would ask for him to tell you your 7dpo results.  If they are higher then 10 on a non treatment or 15 on a treatment cycle then I would tell him you're not gonna take it.

coloradoalyssa

My RE said the same thing...only Tylenol.  I had really bad headaches from the Prometrium as well.  I found that putting an ice pack on my forehead for awhile and then a heating pad under my neck for a bit (alternating) seemed to help alleviate it to the point where it was tolerable as well.  That and as many Tylenol as I could take without looking suicidal!

hootie123

coloradoalyssa:

My RE said the same thing...only Tylenol.  I had really bad headaches from the Prometrium as well.  I found that putting an ice pack on my forehead for awhile and then a heating pad under my neck for a bit (alternating) seemed to help alleviate it to the point where it was tolerable as well.  That and as many Tylenol as I could take without looking suicidal!

LOL Alyssa!  I am the same way with Tylenol - it just doesn't do it for me - I miss my trusty ibuprofen. 

Sept - I would definitely ask your RE about the progesterone - mine doesn't have me take it since I haven't had an issue with it.   I was on a break this month and I didn't get one headache - and the last few months prior I had more headaches that I can ever remember - it really is the combination of fertility treatments messing with your body - it totally sucks - I hate headaches.  Hope you feel better soon!

Sept07b2b

Thanks everyone!!  I really appreciate the responses!!  I was afraid that the answer was going to be just tylenol!!  I would have zero problem with all of these issues if I were actually pregnant!  It's just hard to suffer through the s/e of all these drugs without even knowing if it's going to work!!  I guess such is the life with IF!!!  woho!!!    I will defintely try the extra strength tylenol and the ice pack/heating pack!  Great suggestions!

jessican08

I didn't take Progesterone my first IUI cycle and AF showed up at 10dpiui (I'm usually a 12-14 day LP type of girl) so I've done the supps ever since. It's pretty standard protocol...you've got so much invested in these cycles, it's good to have a back up to make sure you have an adequate LP since it's such an easy thing to fix. 

Ughhh, sorry you're getting the headaches...I hate those...mine are always the worst the first day or two of starting the supps. Tylenol would be fine to take, just stay away from NSAIDs/Ibuprofen. Feel better soon!