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1st Trimester
hcg levels and progesterone levels
Hi all, I've been ttc #2 for almost 3 years now. Had a mc in November of 2011 and just found out I'm pregnant. I am around 6-7 weeks pregnant. Had my blood work done for the first time today and my hcg came back at 1,918 but my progesterone was only 6.54. This really concerns me as mine was low when I had my mc. And my hcg levels weren't doubling last time. I go back Thursday to get my levels taken again but am just wondering if anyone's progesterone has been that low and they had a healthy pregnancy. They are prescribing me something now and I'll pick it up on the way home. But just wanted to see if anyone had any hopeful stories. Thanks much!
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Re: hcg levels and progesterone levels
Well, without supplements, there's no way the pregnancy will survive with those levels. I believe the norm is 9-54, but most docs like to see at least 15-20.
There are two ways to look at this.
1. You do not produce enough progesterone to maintain an early pregnancy. In this case, the pregnancy is likely healthy, and you just need the supplements to bring things up to normal, and all will be fine. This is my own personal situation.
2. The pregnancy is not healthy, which is why the progesterone level is low. In this case, even if you take supplements, this will not save the pregnancy. The low progesterone is a side effect of a failing pregnancy.
Most doctors take the point of view of (2) since not producing enough progesterone is relatively uncommon. However, I (and other ladies on here) are living proof of (1) being possible.
Since you've had two MCs before, it's possible that you also have this problem. If you see your HCG doubling appropriately, I would take courage from that and take your progesterone and hope for the best. Things could work out fine. They did for me with DD, after losing my first pregnancy, seeing a RE, and realizing what was wrong.
If you can, seek out the natural progesterone suppositories that are compounded at medical pharmacies. They are cheaper, natural vs. synthetic, and easy to use.
I have personally had 4 miscarriages, all with low progesterone. I am not seeing a specialist and he prescribed prometrium 2x per day. It has made all the difference for me so far.
GL to you!
Thanks to all 3 of you! I'm feeling a lot more optimistic today and started on Crinone last night so hoping that helps with my progesterone and here's hoping my hcg levels double by tomorrow and then I will feel much better. Thanks again!
Rachel