XP: Progesterone Question

[lynn07]

So my original doctors office ordered HCG draws and progesterone at 4 weeks because of our loss (at 8 weeks) in April. My progesterone was 26. I switched practices (for lots of reasons) and just had our viability u/s last Friday at the new place. So far, baby is looking good. I requested the new office draw my progesterone again, although the dr said he didn't love the idea since he thinks sometimes this can cause unnecessary worry since otherwise everything looks good so far (but it did before my m/c as well). Well, he called this morning and progesterone is 20.5. So, still normal, but less than before. I asked him lots of questions, but he doesn't think I need to supplement at this time. He said it's still normal, and that progesterone levels can vary a lot each day, and that there's no evidence that progesterone supplementation is effective in things (other than IVF). I don't really have much experience with this since my first two pregnancies went off without a hitch. Does anyone with more experience have any insight? Would you request supplementation?

[Brie]

My OB wants progesterone to be over 15 in first tri, so I wouldn't worry with 20. Pretty huge daily fluctuations of progesterone levels are totally normal so the fact that it decreased is not really a concern.

I would ask for a third draw if you're worried.

[everafter07]

20 sounds good to me. Mine was 3 or 4 and required 2x supplementation daily for my whole first tri, blah.

[lynn07]

Ok, thanks ladies. That makes me feel better. Like I said, I didn't have any experience with this before, but since the m/c, I've been a little crazy about trying to control what I can, since it all feels so out of my control (if that makes any sense). I wanted to see if I was overthinking it!

[badtzmaru22]

Was your m/c progesterone related?

My RE says over 10 is fine for a non-medicated cycle. I had a m/c not due to progesterone, but was supplemented anyway as part of my RE's regular procedure, and used it again for my subsequent successful pregnancy.

This time, I got pregnant without meds, and my OB never even checked my progesterone. It doesn't hurt to ask, but I would not be concerned with a 20 at all. It can fluctuate throughout the day.

[ilikedonuts]

If your loss was not related to progesterone, I would not worry about it. Your numbers are great and they fluctuate greatly throughout the day.

[Deleted]

Jul 21, 2014 13:34:03 GMT -5 @fivedogs said:

If you have seen the heartbeat, I wouldn't worry too much for this one. But you can always ask for a progesterone script for future TTC. My RE does it routinely for all patients, not just IVF (obviously all his patients have fertility issues, though). It's a cheap script and not likely to cause any problems (and if I had known that it could have helped with my BFing issues, I would have stayed on it during my pregnancy with DD2).

Depends on the formulation whether it is cheap. I'm on vaginal gel and it's $260 AFTER insurance for my portion.

[ohmygoodness]

I used the suppository during the first frimestef after three draws that showed that my level decreased each time. This was after one healthy pregnancy/baby and two miscarriages for unknown reasons. I was also having an increasing amount spotting, though. And my doctor said the same thing that the progesterone wouldn't help if there was a problem, but also would in no way hurt, and therefore was fine with me taking it. After I started it though, my spotting stopped.
I'm due in a about a month so I'm really hoping that everything continues to go as well as it has been.

[Deleted]

I have no idea what is prescribed when, I would just ask before filling if cost is a concern.

[curbsideprophet]

I had mine checked with DD and it was between 10-20, maybe 16 or 17. I don't remember exactly but it was on the lower end of normal. I never took anything and it turned out fine. I never had it checked with DS. I would not be be concerned about the numbers you have.