Puropose of Progesterone Sup. after Ovulation

[natalie910]

I have recently been prescribed prometrium200mg 2 times a day. I'm 10dpo and af is due tomorrow. My progesterone was 13 on a non-medicated cycle. She says she likes to see the progesterone level at 20 even before a pregnancy. What is the benefit or reason behind taking the progesterone/prometrium before one is even pregnant? I'm just not a fan of taking it as I've heard it may delay af if I'm not pg. Any ideas as to why my RE wants me to take it b/4 a BFP?
Thanks

[tina1111]

When women don't have a high enough progesterone level to support a pregnancy, it is often supplemented. It is usually started immediately after ovulation. Many drs believe that many mc's can be prevented by rxing it.

[Marietta2000]

I've only ever taken progesterone in pesserie form one day after my IUI, and that was because I had been on meds, which interfere with the lining of the uterus, so it was pretty much for the luteal phase support.  I took it right up until around twelve weeks into my pregnancy.

[findinghumility]

Progesterone is the hormone that sustains your luteal phase (time from ovualtion until your period begins).  Your period is triggered by the sudden drop in progesterone. Progesterone is also the hormone that makes your temp spike up after ovulation and is why women watch to see if their temp is staying high around the time of AF.  Usually a temp and thereby progesterone will drop 24 to 48 hours before AF although that's not true for all women...some don't see the temp drop until a couple days into their period.  SO, if your progesterone is weak, not only can it dip low enough to start your period even if you are pregnant thereby causing a very early miscarriage, but it can also leave you luteal phase too short for implantation to happen.  The minimum number of days from Ovulation to AF is supposed to be 10 and 12-14 is much more reassuring.  Low progesterone is also probably one of the highest causes of "false positive" pregnancy results.  The results aren't actually false, women just assume they are because they get their period which is commonly from a deficiency in progesterone.  It's one of the first thing I tell clients to get checked out if they are having issues as it is relatively easy test for and to fix once your doctor is aware of the problem. Good luck!

[natalie910]

Thank you, that was very informative. I do have a shorter lp. It is 10-11 days so manybe that is why my RE wants me on the progesterone. I was a little worried about taking it as it does have some risks for heart attack, stroke or blood clots. I will take it the next cycle though since it seems like my RE thinks I need it.
Thanks again for the info

[findinghumility]

You mentioned risk factors.  Definitely talk to your doctor if you are concerned.  You can always skip taking it this month if you are worried.  That being said it's probably not THAT different in risk factors as taking hormonal birth control as bc is progesterone based and at levels needed to make your body essentially think it's pregnant.  That being said I don't have any research done on the difference in dose between progesterone supplements for what you are using vs bc pills and the difference. AND I'm not trying to minimize the risk factors that are present in bc pills. I just thought I'd make the comparison as if you have had bad experiences with the progesterone in birth control pills it may also be something to consider. Hopefully your doctor can/will take the time to answer all your questions so you can make a decision you are comfortable with. Good luck!

[Maddiesmom0801]

My AF was never delayed with Prometrium. If you are not pregnant AF will come, if you are pregnant she won't.  As mentioned above, progesterone is what sustains the pregnancy in the first trimester, if it is a "good" pregnancy, until the placenta takes over. Good luck.  

[jjoon]

RISK FACTORS - these are present with SYNTHETIC progesterone - ie progestins.  progestins are associated with these risk factors you mention and others, INCLUDING birth defects!
IE pls ask your doc for a script for NATURAL progesterone.  

[jjoon]

just checked and prometrium IS natural progesterone.  don't let anyone put you on a synthetic progestin.  check your scripts and be sure they are bioidentical, natural progesterone NOT progestins.

[natalie910]

Thanks for the info. I haven't even taken it yet b/c I was worried and don't know if I need it or not. My RE said it was natural so I assume it is not a progestin. Have you ever used prometrium or any form of natural progesterone?
Thanks again