I am at my wit's end

After trying for 13 months, and 2 rounds of Clomid, I finally decided to stop TTC. Well, of course, that's when we got our BFP!!! I was ecstatic, elated, shocked, and on a cloud. So I called my doctor to let them know I was pregnant. I assumed, because I had PCOS and ovulation issues and had taken Clomid that they'd take my case very seriously.

I wanted to get an RX for progesterone just to be on the safe side. Mind you, my doctor never monitored me while on the Clomid. Well I was refused the progesterone and they said, "No, we'll get your levels checked first." Well 3 blood tests later show that my progesterone kept dropping.

They still refused the progesterone. I had to call, after hours, and speak to the on-call doctor about getting the RX because I started spotting.

I did end up miscarrying (just 3 days ago--- the progesterone dragged the process out).

My question to you is this--- should I have been on the progesterone after having JUST taken Clomid the previous cycle and with having these other fertility issues? Was I justified in asking for it, though my doctor kept putting me off?

[tina1111]

It's really hard to say. Usually, Clomid will increase your progesterone levels. This is due to the fact that you get a stronger o from it than on your own. Then, there is a lot of debate as to whether progesterone supplements help prevent mc or not. Many drs rx it just because "it can't hurt". But, clinical trials really don't show that it helps that much in early loss. It does play a significant role in 3rd trimester though. Most RE's do rx it as a preventative measure, especially when there has been early loss prior. Sadly though, if the pregnancy wasn't viable, there is nothing you can do to stop the mc, nor should you want to. Most mc's are due to genetic issues and occur b4 the 12th week.

I am really sorry for your loss. If you aren't seeing an RE, you should switch to one soon. A gyno can only do so much. They are also not big on monitoring. I am not a big believer in Clomid without monitoring. It thins the lining and is notorious for causing cysts. I hope the wait for a successful bfp for you is very short.

[laura1985]

my doctor is an infirtility specialist. after i was done with the clomid, i did estrodal, followed by 200 mgs of prometrium. i did not conceive however (used to be able to get pregnant when the wind blew!). i dont understand why your doctor wasnt more understanding and why you wernt given the supplements when you were ttc anyway. it seems like, in my opinion, they should have given it to you from the get go, since your progesterone was dropping  (as well as the fact that you have a history of miscarriage).

[bny807]

i'm so sorry to hear that you are going throug this! as the other girls said, research isn't really sure either way if it helps..  i went thru a similar situation, but was already on progesterone, started spotting and my progesterone started dropping, so we doubled it and it continued to drop and i was bleeding heavier.. but beta's still doubling very fast.. switched over to injectable progesterone then it started increasing, but then i miscarried anyways..
  they can't decide which is the cause ususally - the low progesternoe or a "bad" pregnancy.. many times with a genetic abnormalitiy, or improper implantation the progesterone will drop or be low due to the pregnancy failure, and the progesterone dropping is a result of the pregnancy failure.. but othertimes they think that dropping progesterone may cause mc.. also.. from the research i did, it showed that starting progesterone once you get your BFP seems to be of no good (thats what i read anyways) that it needs to be started after ovulation in the tww.. that by the time you get a BFP or start spotting its too late.. however it never hurts to take progesterone or give it a try, thats why i don't understand why doctors refuse to give it.. it can only help the pregnancy.. OBGYN's tend to think its ok to wait till you get a bfp or show signs of mc.. GOOD LUCK! your in my prayers!

[JoyRenee]

Thank you ladies! I know that if it was a genetic issue there was nothing to be done. My point is that my doctor didn't even TRY or give this a chance. Whether progesterone would have helped or not--- we'll never know! But I wish she would have at least given me the benefit of doubt and helped ease my mind just to let me know I tried everything I possibly could.

What does RE stand for? That is the only acronym I can't ever figure out.

[Houston79]

Reproductive Endocrinologist.  =)  I was following your story over on the Preg. forum.  Sorry, I'm such a stalker.  I was so disappointed for you and I was even praying for you during the spotting and tests and all that.  We've been trying for quite sometime too, but I know God is in control of what happens to me-even my miscarriage.  Sometimes I just wish He'd tell me what He was doing so I wouldn't have to guess.  I hope you get pg again naturally and I hope it is a successful pregnancy.  

[tina1111]

If you have any trouble with acronyms, there's a full list at the top right of the forum. There's a tab called "Health Pages", you can find it there :)

[JoyRenee]

Thanks, Houston! I don't mind the stalking. I hope you get pregnant quickly too. Maybe we'll be pregnant again in the near future together.

Tina, I know about the list but was in a rush earlier to take the time to look. ;-) I've got two little ones at home with me so my moments on here are usually brief little spurts.

[NicMom]

Have you given any more thought to seeking the advice of a second ob/gyn?

[JoyRenee]

Well as the other ladies have suggested an RE would be my best option to not only deal with the PCOS but to actually monitor me while TTC if I take fertility drugs. So I'm definitely looking and hoping to find someone by word-of-mouth in my area. I should've just done this in the first place but you get stuck in a comfortable and familiar place, even if it is one you don't like. But I'm more than fed up and ready to move on to find someone else!