Progesterone

GoaliesWife123 · January 2014

Two new discussions from me in one day...I know.....

I just received a phone call from the RE's office stating that my progesterone level was 11. She said that this means I did ovulate, but they would like to see the number at 15 in order to support a healthy pregnancy. She would like me to start progesterone suppositories tonight. I asked her if that means I am "out" for this cycle and she said "Absolutely not, we have had women with lower progesterone levels who have successfully carried a pregnancy to term. We just like to get your levels up to aid in the process."

Is this a common practice? I have heard many of you discuss the medication, but never fully understood the meaning, and could use some tips.

Thank you, friends.

rkbo · January 2014

My doc put me on it starting the day after my back to back iui. They suck, buy lots of panty liners cause it feels like its seeping out all day every day that you have them in. (just my experience)

I asked my doc why I needed to do it and they put everyone on progesterone, just to help protect the possible baby in any way. I don't think I am actually pregnant. Every test I have taken (about a dozen) have all been negative. I have an appt tomorrow morning to have blood drawn, so that will be the official BFN.

I only had to do it twice a day for 10.5 days...it was a prescription for 21 inserts.

2MamazInSeattle · January 2014

It's very common for any IVF cycle, but the additional value of your being monitored is picking up low progesterone early! It is a miscarriage driver and very sad since its so easily preventable.

Typically the dose is a 200mg Prometrium suppository 3x a day. Typically you stay on them until between 10-12 weeks along. Side effects vary, but it is in my mind essentially PMS in a pill form. Everyone is different but in the beginning I struggle with being a bit cranky and tend to over react a little. Also a bit of fatigue and minor headaches. But, a small price to pay! Good to be aware that side effects are common though. Its not cheap so hopefully your insurance will cover it (around $4 or so a pill, so $12/day, $360 a month). But mine has always covered it.

Oh, I highly recommend pantyliners ;-).

JGY · January 2014

Me again. Hah!

Yes, start tonight, I think your siggy says you're 5dpiui? I think standard protocol is either 1 or 2 dpiui to start, but I don't think that means you're out. As long as your levels haven't dropped enough to start the process of shedding the uterine lining, then implantation is still possible.

I think.

I'm ABSOLUTELY not the most knowledgable person about this. But I did use the suppositories, and I do know that my low progesterone level was the cause of my short leuteal phase, and likely the problems we had in TTC.

(And, just to rehash the other thread, you'd think they would have figured this out from the beginning, don't cha?)

GoaliesWife123 · January 2014

Thank you both! I think I'm just relieved my body ovulated. I just looked it up and it does appear that my insurance should cover it. Thankfully!

ATXmommas · January 2014

I'm sure some of the other folks on this board can give you better info, but I'll just note that I always had a progesterone supported luteal phase after my first IUI in which my luteal phase was 13 days (which is borderline short). From what I can remember, 11 doesn't seem terribly low to me, but I can't remember if my RE wanted it to be at least 12 or 15. This is where I'm sure others with better memories or more experience can weigh in. My RE told me the same thing - some women just need the extra support until the placenta takes over the production of progesterone. Do you know how long your LP is normally?

ETA: Several other people were posting at the same time! I didn't take the dose that 2Mamaz mentioned. I took one suppository (can't remember dosage) per day. When levels reached a certain point (maybe somewhere in the 30s), my RE would start weaning me off. During my first pregnancy, I took progesterone for the full 12 weeks. I didn't have a progesterone problem during second pregnancy, so weaned off pretty quickly.

GoaliesWife123 · January 2014

Thank you @ATXmommas. I have been charting for over a year (thankfully) and according to FF, my average LP is 14 days. My shortest was 11 days and my longest was 17. I'm not yet sure of the dosage that the doctor is prescribing yet, but am thankful they did the test early on (I'm only 5dpo).

GoaliesWife123 · January 2014

JGY said:

Me again. Hah!
Yes, start tonight, I think your siggy says you're 5dpiui? I think standard protocol is either 1 or 2 dpiui to start, but I don't think that means you're out. As long as your levels haven't dropped enough to start the process of shedding the uterine lining, then implantation is still possible.
I think.
I'm ABSOLUTELY not the most knowledgable person about this. But I did use the suppositories, and I do know that my low progesterone level was the cause of my short leuteal phase, and likely the problems we had in TTC.
(And, just to rehash the other thread, you'd think they would have figured this out from the beginning, don't cha?)

I specifically asked for them to test my progesterone levels when I had my initial blood work done. Over the last year we have noticed my low temperatures and my acupuncturist was certain that my levels were low. However, when I asked for them to test this, I was dismissed. I guess now maybe they will listen. Thankfully, I have been taking a chinese herb that mimicks progesterone for several days now.

The list of errors on their part continues!

ATXmommas · January 2014

GoaliesWife123 said:

Thank you @ATXmommas. I have been charting for over a year (thankfully) and according to FF, my average LP is 14 days. My shortest was 11 days and my longest was 17. I'm not yet sure of the dosage that the doctor is prescribing yet, but am thankful they did the test early on (I'm only 5dpo).

From what I can remember (I don't have a good memory, clearly!), 14 is the shortest they would want a LP to be. Since it's on the lower end and you have had shorter LPs in the past, it is probably worth it to get on progesterone a day or two after the ICI IF you have to have future cycles - but I sure hope you don't!.

GoaliesWife123 · January 2014

I just picked up my prescription and because I haven't met my deductible yet, it was pricey. I'm hoping this is a covered prescription once I meet my deductible, and am going to call tomorrow and check.

My dosage is 200mg, once per day. I spoke with my acupuncturist and she is also keeping me on the herbs since they mimic progesterone as well.

@mamosey thanks for the tips! Panty liners were purchased with the meds, lol.

mwagner25 · January 2014

@GoaliesWife123 I also wanted to add that progesterone levels change in our bodies change throughout the day. It is a hormone that is released in pulses or waves so it is hard to know from a single blood test exactly where you are. So please don't get down on yourself or worry too much about it being low... Had they drawn it an hour later it might be 15. Just FYI. Progesterone supplementing is always a good idea if there is a possibility it is low but just thought I would provide some possible peace of mind.

GoaliesWife123 · January 2014

@mwagner25 thank you so much. That brings a lot of peace of mind. I am thankful we are supplementing because I know, even just based on my always low temps, my progesterone isn't always where it needs to be. I'm happy we started this process and hope it leads to good news this cycle, but if it doesn't, I am glad we have this information!

shelly2314 · January 2014

My doctor put me on it 3dpiui to help aid in "stickiness", for lack of a better word. He said that low levels prior to that were not necessarily indicative of anything that early on and he wanted the extra help for me just in case.

It will be great to know your levels are low now and you can fix that in advance! Good luck!

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