Supplemental progesterone on top of normal progesterone levels: is it safe?

[catuscia]

Hi,

I am 42 years old. I had a miscarriage when I was 36, in the first trimester. Then I had a daughter when I was 39 without any problem except placenta previa at the beginning (which adjusted by itself during pregnancy). Then I had two miscarriages, both in the first trimester. Now I am pregnant again, and my doctor said he would prescribe me a progesterone supplement because of my previous miscarriages. Yesterday, at the end of my fifth week, I took a blood test which gave results:  HCG 203, Progesterone 42.3. I think my progesterone level is normal (maybe even a bit high?) but my doctor insists that I should take progesterone supplement anyway (more specifically, Prometrium, 2 vaginal tablets a day). I am rather distressed because I have read that the use of progesterone during pregnancy is controversial. I want a second baby so much and I would do anything to keep this pregnancy, but, on the other hand, wouldn't be safer to wait at least after the second blood test, which will be in two days from now, before taking progesterone supplements?

Thanks in advance for your advice,

Catuscia Palamidessi

[Forum-M.D.-DT]

Thank you for visiting the Family Practice Forum.
This question has come up before and you are correct in that the use of progesterone during pregnancy is controversial. In fact, most references state that progesterone is "Category X" which translates to "Highly unsafe - risks of use far outweighs the benefits". Nevertheless, you do see many OB physicians prescribe this medication during pregnancy.

I would not prescribe it, nor does my partner who does over 100 deliveries/year.

[catuscia]

To be more precise: The first day of my last period was June 13, my period is usually 27 days long, and I took the blood test on July 16 (day 34th from the beginning of my last period).

Thanks, Catuscia

[catuscia]

> In fact, most references state that progesterone is "Category X"

It is true that some progesterone-based drugs are category X, for instance those used for birth control, but Prometrium is category B.

What does it mean "most references state..."? I thought that it either is category X or it isn't. There should be an official classification made by the Dept. of Food and Drugs. Or am I wrong?

- Catuscia

[Shummer]

I have just been through an IVF cycle and progesterone IM shots are an integral part of the process through 12 weeks.  Is this a different situation or is this risky as well?

[Tomasello_MD]

Like I said, I have had this question before. I realize it is contorversial. This is not to say that doctors don't prescribe it, but it does carry certain risks and it is Category X. Clearly in this situation, as I have told many people in this forum before, you REALLY need to sit down with your doc on this one and weigh ALL the pros and cons of using this medication.

[MaryAnn55125]

I am 23 days past conception and my HCG was 535 and my Progesterone was 14.5 as of Monday November 4th.  My doctor gave me prometrium on the Friday before when it showed my progesterone level at 9.5.  I took it Friday night and Sunday night.  I do not want to take it anymore because I think the cons out weigh the positives.  After my test on Monday they told me to keep taking it.  So far I haven't taken anything because in all honesty it scares me.  

[DAWN123]

hi I am about 6 weeks pregnant and My Hcg last monday was at 981 and my progesterone level was at 14.6.  Is this a normal  level for both?  I am worried.  I had 2 misacrraiges and now I am on round three.  The doc put me on prometrium when I was  4-5 wks pregnant.  Last monday he switched my dose from 100mg to 200mg a day which means I take to pills in the morning and 2 at night. Do you think that I am having a normal pregnancy so far?  I need some comfort and some positive feedback if there is any!


crystal

[prego585]

A related discussion, Progesterone levels was started.