Use of progesterone for LPD

[midwest07]

I had a follow-up appointment with my OB yesterday, after an early miscarriage about 2 weeks ago.  I had been planning to see her or a specialist before this happened, because I have been charting and have concerns about my LP (which averages around 8 days).

When meeting with my OB, her opinion is that clinical research is inconclusive as to the impact of LPD on one's ability to get pregnant, and also inconclusive on the use of progesterone to lengthen one's LP or otherwise have any impact on one's ability to get pregnant.  With that said, she said it is not harmful to use progesterone if that's the direction I wanted to go, but it was up to me.  I decided to go another cycle or two and see what happens, but I am free to call for a script if I want one.

Does anyone have a good resource to read about LPD and the use of progesterone?  She sent me an article from some research that she has access to, and it seemed to support her opinions but wasn't very detailed.  When I do searches, I only seem to come up with individual anecdotes or things like ehow.com.

If you don't have any resources, anyone with a doctor with another opinion about: (1) whether LPD is a big issue; and (2) whether progesterone has any use in treating it?

[coribelle26]

8 days does seem short enough to warrant at least trying progesterone to see if it makes a difference, but I'm in the "as long as it won't hurt, I'll try it" camp.

Have you tried B6 to see if it will add a few days to your LP? I started taking 100 mg a day in December, and I went from averaging 9 days to 15 in December and then 11 in January. I tend to ovulate a day earlier than I was before, and my period starts a few days later than it would have. It doesn't work for everyone, but I've been happy with the results so far.

[midwest07]

Feb 28, 2013 11:13:33 GMT -5 coribelle26 said:

8 days does seem short enough to warrant at least trying progesterone to see if it makes a difference, but I'm in the "as long as it won't hurt, I'll try it" camp.

Have you tried B6 to see if it will add a few days to your LP? I started taking 100 mg a day in December, and I went from averaging 9 days to 15 in December and then 11 in January. I tend to ovulate a day earlier than I was before, and my period starts a few days later than it would have. It doesn't work for everyone, but I've been happy with the results so far.

I am on my third cycle with B6.  I started with 50 mg, and that didn't extend it at all.  I moved on to 100 mg plus a B complex last cycle, and that's the one I had a miscarriage.  So it's hard to tell if my LP was extended or not.  I thought it wasn't at all, because I had spotting and thought I started a period at 9 DPO, but it may have been implantation bleeding.  So I am continuing with the 100 mg this cycle.  I have also tried to make a few dietary changes.

[ilikedonuts]

Well I had 6 cycles with a 9-10 day LP with spotting from 8dpo on. First cycle on progesterone starting at 3dpo, I got a BFP on 10dpo (stark negatives on 8 and 9 dpo the days I got my last 3 BFPs). I'm 5 1/2 weeks with my first u/s next week. 3 good beta numbers.

Could it be coincidence? Sure. But both my doctor and I feel it is because of the progesterone.

I posted last month about my OB appt. Basically my OB agreed with me that it was LPD and I have a progesterone issue especially since I had two early m/c before DD and my pregnancy with her was the first I was on progesterone (but i started at 9dpo). My LPs pre DD were barely 10 days as well with spotting starting at 9dpo. The plan was to start clomid the next cycle along with the progesterone since I was already halfway through the current cycle. He and I both agreed to start progesterone that current cycle and hope for the best. And *knock on wood* I'm hopeful that this is a viable pregnancy.

And since its not harmful, why not? You just have to make sure you test around 13dpo so you can stop the progesterone if you are not pregnant.

The only research I have is basically what you googled. My OB was going to have stuff for me at my next appt, but since I got a BFP we never got to that.

[midwest07]

Mar 1, 2013 8:32:22 GMT -5 ilikedonuts said:

Well I had 6 cycles with a 9-10 day LP with spotting from 8dpo on. First cycle on progesterone starting at 3dpo, I got a BFP on 10dpo (stark negatives on 8 and 9 dpo the days I got my last 3 BFPs). I'm 5 1/2 weeks with my first u/s next week. 3 good beta numbers.

Could it be coincidence? Sure. But both my doctor and I feel it is because of the progesterone.

I posted last month about my OB appt. Basically my OB agreed with me that it was LPD and I have a progesterone issue especially since I had two early m/c before DD and my pregnancy with her was the first I was on progesterone (but i started at 9dpo). My LPs pre DD were barely 10 days as well with spotting starting at 9dpo. The plan was to start clomid the next cycle along with the progesterone since I was already halfway through the current cycle. He and I both agreed to start progesterone that current cycle and hope for the best. And *knock on wood* I'm hopeful that this is a viable pregnancy.

And since its not harmful, why not? You just have to make sure you test around 13dpo so you can stop the progesterone if you are not pregnant.

The only research I have is basically what you googled. My OB was going to have stuff for me at my next appt, but since I got a BFP we never got to that.

Thanks for the info, I remember you posting about your visit to the OB awhile back.  Definitely seems like it has been helpful for you, and perhaps not coincidence if it worked for two pregnancies.

I haven't ovulated yet this cycle, so I could still call and get a script if I want to for this cycle.

Here's another question - my doctor was really mixed on when you should start taking it, when you should stop (mostly if you got a BFP, do you continue the whole first trimester), and the type to take.  She said most of her patients prefer pills, which I would too, but not sure if that is the most effective.  What type do you use?  How long will you take it?  Is 3DPO when your doc wanted you to start it, or is that what worked out with your appointment?

[ilikedonuts]

Mar 1, 2013 11:35:24 GMT -5 midwest07 said:

Mar 1, 2013 8:32:22 GMT -5 ilikedonuts said:

Well I had 6 cycles with a 9-10 day LP with spotting from 8dpo on. First cycle on progesterone starting at 3dpo, I got a BFP on 10dpo (stark negatives on 8 and 9 dpo the days I got my last 3 BFPs). I'm 5 1/2 weeks with my first u/s next week. 3 good beta numbers.

Could it be coincidence? Sure. But both my doctor and I feel it is because of the progesterone.

I posted last month about my OB appt. Basically my OB agreed with me that it was LPD and I have a progesterone issue especially since I had two early m/c before DD and my pregnancy with her was the first I was on progesterone (but i started at 9dpo). My LPs pre DD were barely 10 days as well with spotting starting at 9dpo. The plan was to start clomid the next cycle along with the progesterone since I was already halfway through the current cycle. He and I both agreed to start progesterone that current cycle and hope for the best. And *knock on wood* I'm hopeful that this is a viable pregnancy.

And since its not harmful, why not? You just have to make sure you test around 13dpo so you can stop the progesterone if you are not pregnant.

The only research I have is basically what you googled. My OB was going to have stuff for me at my next appt, but since I got a BFP we never got to that.

Thanks for the info, I remember you posting about your visit to the OB awhile back.  Definitely seems like it has been helpful for you, and perhaps not coincidence if it worked for two pregnancies.

I haven't ovulated yet this cycle, so I could still call and get a script if I want to for this cycle.

Here's another question - my doctor was really mixed on when you should start taking it, when you should stop (mostly if you got a BFP, do you continue the whole first trimester), and the type to take.  She said most of her patients prefer pills, which I would too, but not sure if that is the most effective.  What type do you use?  How long will you take it?  Is 3DPO when your doc wanted you to start it, or is that what worked out with your appointment?

I continued until 14 weeks with my pregnancy with my DD. The uterus takes over the progesterone production between 8-10 weeks in most cases. my doctor wanted me to go until 12 weeks. It was habit so I just finished out my prescription.

Everyone I know that was put on it after O started at 3dpo. My doctor said the whole generic start 14 days into your cycle and then said " but you know when you ovulate so just start on 3dpo" I think the 3dpo is basically so you can be sure you Oed with 3 days of high temps.

The most effective is actually Crinone, but its crazy expensive and a lot of insurances don't cover as much of it as they do with other progesterone supplements. Its a gel that you insert vaginally. I use prometrium which is a vaginal suppository. It looks like a little bullet. No applicator needed. You basically just shove it up there. Its pretty inexpensive if you get it filled at the right pharmacy. I got it filled last pregnancy at the hospital, but with the way that they bill it now my insurance doesn't cover it. So I found a Walgreens like 30 minutes away that makes it overnight and its like $30 for a 30 day supply and with my deductible met I pay $6. Any type used vaginally are better because they get the progesterone directly to the source. The pills have to go through your bloodstream

[pamela]

My new RE agreed that progesterone helping isn't conclusive, but does seem to help some. Oral supplements help blood numbers, but may not be the most effective. He agree the crione was most effective, but I could stay on promethium for now.

[tarheels]

I'm in the Can't Hurt and May Help camp. My problem isn't the same as yours, but I'll tell you anyways. While the length of my LP is decent (10-11 days), I spot about 8-9 days of it. The progesterone reduces the spotting to only about 2-3 days. It also completely eliminates PMS for me - no bloating, no bitchiness, no mood swings - I'm happy as a clam. That alone makes it worth taking for every woman out there, TTC or not, IMO!

We've been TTA/TTC off and on to time a baby at the right time for our schedules, so I've been doing little experiments on myself. It really is the progesterone that makes the difference for me in my cycle.

This is the OTC kind I bought: www.amazon.com/Emerita-Pro-Gest-Natural-Progesterone-Paraben-Free/dp/B000IMQE5U I also start on 3 DPO. I discontinue it once I get my period - it doesn't stop my period from arriving if it's going to.

Btw, if you do take progesterone, don't stop taking it until after 12 weeks, if at all. This is one of those personal anecdotes you didn't want to hear, but it's really stuck with me. (You can take or leave the religious overtones, as you choose.) www.everydaychristian.com/blogs/post/using_progesterone_when_trying_to_conceive_-_facts_you_need_to_know/

[ilikedonuts]

Mar 2, 2013 17:17:09 GMT -5 tarheels said:

I'm in the Can't Hurt and May Help camp. My problem isn't the same as yours, but I'll tell you anyways. While the length of my LP is decent (10-11 days), I spot about 8-9 days of it. The progesterone reduces the spotting to only about 2-3 days. It also completely eliminates PMS for me - no bloating, no bitchiness, no mood swings - I'm happy as a clam. That alone makes it worth taking for every woman out there, TTC or not, IMO!

We've been TTA/TTC off and on to time a baby at the right time for our schedules, so I've been doing little experiments on myself. It really is the progesterone that makes the difference for me in my cycle.

This is the OTC kind I bought: www.amazon.com/Emerita-Pro-Gest-Natural-Progesterone-Paraben-Free/dp/B000IMQE5U I also start on 3 DPO. I discontinue it once I get my period - it doesn't stop my period from arriving if it's going to.

Btw, if you do take progesterone, don't stop taking it until after 12 weeks, if at all. This is one of those personal anecdotes you didn't want to hear, but it's really stuck with me. (You can take or leave the religious overtones, as you choose.) www.everydaychristian.com/blogs/post/using_progesterone_when_trying_to_conceive_-_facts_you_need_to_know/

I assume that because thats OTC its a lower dose? because with prescription progesterone you do not start your period. You don't spot at all until you stop taking it. You need to follow up with u/s to make sure that its a viable pregnancy or the progesterone will basically stop your body from getting a period. That's why my doctor does early ultrasounds. I usually have 1 in week 5 and 1 in week 6. This BFP is a bit different because the tech changed my u/s so I'm just have one in week 6.

If you think you have a progesterone issue, definitely call your OB for prescription progesterone.

[tarheels]

Mar 2, 2013 18:29:59 GMT -5 ilikedonuts said:

Mar 2, 2013 17:17:09 GMT -5 tarheels said:

I'm in the Can't Hurt and May Help camp. My problem isn't the same as yours, but I'll tell you anyways. While the length of my LP is decent (10-11 days), I spot about 8-9 days of it. The progesterone reduces the spotting to only about 2-3 days. It also completely eliminates PMS for me - no bloating, no bitchiness, no mood swings - I'm happy as a clam. That alone makes it worth taking for every woman out there, TTC or not, IMO!

We've been TTA/TTC off and on to time a baby at the right time for our schedules, so I've been doing little experiments on myself. It really is the progesterone that makes the difference for me in my cycle.

This is the OTC kind I bought: www.amazon.com/Emerita-Pro-Gest-Natural-Progesterone-Paraben-Free/dp/B000IMQE5U I also start on 3 DPO. I discontinue it once I get my period - it doesn't stop my period from arriving if it's going to.

Btw, if you do take progesterone, don't stop taking it until after 12 weeks, if at all. This is one of those personal anecdotes you didn't want to hear, but it's really stuck with me. (You can take or leave the religious overtones, as you choose.) www.everydaychristian.com/blogs/post/using_progesterone_when_trying_to_conceive_-_facts_you_need_to_know/

I assume that because thats OTC its a lower dose? because with prescription progesterone you do not start your period. You don't spot at all until you stop taking it. You need to follow up with u/s to make sure that its a viable pregnancy or the progesterone will basically stop your body from getting a period. That's why my doctor does early ultrasounds. I usually have 1 in week 5 and 1 in week 6. This BFP is a bit different because the tech changed my u/s so I'm just have one in week 6.

If you think you have a progesterone issue, definitely call your OB for prescription progesterone.

Each dose is 20 mg.  I'm not trying to replace medical advice for OP or contradict your experience.  She just seemed on the fence, so I tossed it out as an easy-to-try alternative for her to look into if she doesn't want to fool with a prescription, with my endorsement that it works for me for my issue.

[ilikedonuts]

Mar 2, 2013 18:53:00 GMT -5 tarheels said:

Mar 2, 2013 18:29:59 GMT -5 ilikedonuts said:

I assume that because thats OTC its a lower dose? because with prescription progesterone you do not start your period. You don't spot at all until you stop taking it. You need to follow up with u/s to make sure that its a viable pregnancy or the progesterone will basically stop your body from getting a period. That's why my doctor does early ultrasounds. I usually have 1 in week 5 and 1 in week 6. This BFP is a bit different because the tech changed my u/s so I'm just have one in week 6.

If you think you have a progesterone issue, definitely call your OB for prescription progesterone.

Each dose is 20 mg.  I'm not trying to replace medical advice for OP or contradict your experience.  She just seemed on the fence, so I tossed it out as an easy-to-try alternative for her to look into if she doesn't want to fool with a prescription, with my endorsement that it works for me for my issue.

I understand. I'm just saying I think you should call your OB. I think a larger dose will help you not have any spotting at all. I'm just of the mindset that if its help you decrease your spotting with from 8-9 days to 2-3 days, a larger dose of a prescription pill/cream could make the difference that you need.

[pamela]

My RX promethium doesn't stop my period on a non-pregnant cycle.

[tarheels]

Mar 2, 2013 19:25:27 GMT -5 ilikedonuts said:

Mar 2, 2013 18:53:00 GMT -5 tarheels said:

Each dose is 20 mg.  I'm not trying to replace medical advice for OP or contradict your experience.  She just seemed on the fence, so I tossed it out as an easy-to-try alternative for her to look into if she doesn't want to fool with a prescription, with my endorsement that it works for me for my issue.

I understand. I'm just saying I think you should call your OB. I think a larger dose will help you not have any spotting at all. I'm just of the mindset that if its help you decrease your spotting with from 8-9 days to 2-3 days, a larger dose of a prescription pill/cream could make the difference that you need.

Oh, thanks. I'll think about it for later on.