Low estrogen early pregnancy

[shayla1]

Hi,
   I currently have 1 child (age 2/12) and have now had two miscarriages in a row.  I've done IUI's and have gotten pregnant both times.  My age is 30 years old. I just found out yesterday that I was pregnant after this IUI.  My first Beta was a 72..Progesterone a 47...but low Estrogen.  They have put me on a Climara patch.  Last time that I miscarried my progesterone was very low..about a 2.  Does estrogen therapy help or am I looking at a third miscarriage?  I go back tomorrow to see if my betas have doubled.

[shayla1]

One more thing...everything done in our tests came out normal..except one thing.  My hormone levels really fluctuate..FSH is normally around 8 but one time shot up to 13! I had to take 4amps daily of repronex and had 6 really good mature eggs for this last IUI.  Please help if you know ANYTHING about low estrogen:)

[paranoidpatty]

I think someone else posted about having too much Progesterone recently.   I'm thinking that it would be the counter-effect of low Estrogen.   I'll see if I can find the post to see what ever happened with her.  Unfortunately, most women on here have the opposite problem and they're trying to increase their Progesterone.  The only thing I could tell you about your fluctuations is the accuracy of the dates the tests were done.  I know there could be a big variance if you're testing on different cycle dates and even the times of the day but your doctor SHOULD know this.  I guess you'll have to trust him/her and take the prescription or get a second opinion.  Also, I'd be surfing the net to look up the effects of low estrogen in pregnancy.

Good luck!!

[BabyforLori]

I will tell you what I know about hormones in general. Progesterone is what is needed to support the pregnancy until the placenta takes over on weeks 8 - 12.  The progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum that remains in the ovary (the corpus luteum is the follicle which releases the egg from the ovary during your cycle).  This is why you will hear some woman tell of their "ovaries burning" or a sensation similar to that when they are pregnant.  A dr. may prescribe progesterone supplements (suppositories or injections) to assist in the progesterone until the placenta takes over, but, these supplements are no help if the placenta does not form and take over this responsibility at weeks 8 -12.  This is why m/c can often time occur during this time frame.

However, to ensure a healthy pregnancy, a balance of progesterone to estrogen if required.  Your progesterone seems to be really good.  I don't remember is you quoted an estrogen level or not.  But, I do know they can go all types of things to boost your estrogen until your brain decides to do it on its on (your pituitary gland in your brain is what tells your body to produce estrogen).   I believe it is easier to boost estrogen that progesterone.  I am 8wks1dy PG and on my first beta, my HCG was 94 and my Progesterone was 17.4.  

Try not to stress out, because stress will affect your hormone levels.  Keep doing the patch they gave you....Keep us posted on your success... I will pray for you.  I hope this information helps you.

[shayla1]

Thank you both for your comments...I'm new to the board!!!  I'm just frustrated as last month it was LOW progesterone, normal estrogen but this month it's the opposite.  My progesterone could be really good (a 47) because I'm doing the shots.  I hope these estrogen patches are working and that tomorrow I'll have good news as it feels like I just have bad news now!!

[BabyforLori]

I know how you much feel.  But, your dr.'s are keeping a close eye on you, so when things like this happen, they can adjust our medicines in time.  I started to spot the other day, nearly freaked me out (and I am not one to really freak out).  So, I totally understand how you must be feeling.  Just try to remember, stress depleats our body of the necessary hormones and nutrients its needs to sustain a healthy pregnancy.  So, the best thing you can do for yourself it to relax as best you can and try some yoga breathing until you go back and see your dr.'s again.  Please keep us posted....I will keep praying for you.