progesterone levels decreasing

I am sorry to post again, but everyone on this forum has been so helpful over the past couple of days...  my first labs done at 12 dpo were
hcg: 45
progesterone: 24
my second set of labs done on 16 dpo were
hcg:209
progesterone: 17
People on this forum have been very encouraging about my hcg levels (although my RE is not), but now im concerned about how much my progesterone level dropped.  is this indicative of a problem?  they started me on progesterone supplements (two 100 mg capsules per day).   has anyone used these?  how do they make you feel? do they help support a healthy pregnancy??  thanks for all your help!!

[miky72]

I think the dosctor should give you progesterone supplement.
Are you taking any??
I would address this first thing tomorrow.
Good luck!

[TonyaB]

I just started taking progesterone capsules this past cycle incase we get pregnant since we have had two miscarriages recently.  I am taking two 200mg capsules per day.  At first I didn't really notice much in the way of side effects but after a few days I started noticing I was lightheaded, not really dizzy but almost like you are REALLY tired.  I think I gained 2-3 pounds for the 2 weeks I was taking them, but if you're pregnant at least you'll have a good excuse for the weight gain! c:
I wish you all the best!!!

[Tanker Chic]

I had a similar situation.  In early pg my progesterone dropped from 20 to 11.  The RE put me on progesterone suppositories.  They tested my progesterone one more time after that and it went up to 39.  They haven't tested me since, but I am off the progesterone now, and over 17wks pg, so everything has turn out great!!  

Are the capsules oral or suppositories?  I've read that suppositories are the most effective, then injectable and oral is the least effective.  

Congrats on your pg... I hope it all works out.. you are on the right track with the progesterone supplements now matter what kind..

Take care!!

[hbb]

Did they ever tell you what it means when your progesterone drops?  i am so happy for you that you are already at 17 wks preg!!!  They gave me progesterone supplements that could be taken orally or vaginally.  They are little pink circle capsules.  how do you insert them vaginally?  how far up should they be?  how do i get them to stay up there??  did you have any leakage?  did it make you gain a lot of weight?  sorry for all the questions but they didnt really give me any direction!!!

[Tanker Chic]

I don't think they know why the progesterone drops, they just treat it and hope for the best.. The progesterone they gave me was called crinone.  It was expensive even with insurance, but in the end it was worth it.  There are cheaper brands, but I'm not sure what they are called.  They were made specifically for vaginal use and each dosage can with a prefilled applicator.  There wasn't much leakage but it did leave behind a by product that was kind of like wet tissue paper.  You had to clean it out every couple of days or it would built up.  

I've been on oral progesterone before and the side effects were terrible including weight gain and depression, but with the suppositories the only real noticable side effect was bloating.  Everything I've read, says the side effects are supposed to be less with the suppositories.  You could go back to your dr and ask for a progesterone that is specifically for vaginal use or use what you have.  I'd would just insert it with your finger and push it as far back to your cervix as you can.  Once it is pushed back, it shouldn't come out without some effort.  You may try a panty liner until you know how bad the leakage is going to be.  

My RE had me on it until 12wk pg.. but some stop between week 10 and 12..

Please keep us posted and let us know how everything goes.. if you have anymore questions feel free to ask.. nothing is too personal around here.

[hbb]

I have another personal question... thank-you for all of your help!!  I just inserted my first progesterone suppository. It is a pill and I pushed it as far up as I could, but I never felt my cervix.  Should I have been able to feel my cervix?  Is 200 mg per day a normal dose?

[Tanker Chic]

I can feel my cervix but everybody is different.. before you put your next pill in.. sit on the pot and bear down alittle and then try to feel for it..  it may just have been up to high..

I don't remember what the mg was for mine, but I have seen other say they are on 200 or some 100...

when is your next dr visit.. are they going to test your progesterone again?  

[hbb]

Once again, thank-you so much for the info.  I went today for another hcg level (19 dpo) and it was 1040.  They did not do another progesterone level.  They were FINALLY happy with my hcg level so I dont have to go back until  my US in two weeks.  Should I be concerned that they are not checking another progesterone level?  Also, does that hcg increase from 16 to 19 dpo (209 to 1040 in 3 days)seem too fast?  My lower back has ached over the last week- have you ever heard of that in early pregnancy?  (i saw a posting of your early symptons- excessive thirst and sore boobs- i had both of those too!!)