Low progestrone ? How do i find out ??

[shubs]

Hi,
We have been trying to conceive for the last 2 years in vain . I was diagnosed with PCOS and administered Clomid (50 mg) . It did not work  and so the dosage was increased to 100 mg. That worked in the first cycle and i conceived only to miscarry at 6 weeks (last week). Unfortunately , no tests are done until you undergo 3 miscarriages in this country .However, I am going to push for it. I would like to get myself tested for low progestrone levels. When should i get myself tested ? what should the range be ? What is the name of the test? Any other alternatives to detect low progestrone levels ?

[Mediteranean Girl]

I was in the same exact situation; I have PCOS too. I got pregnant the first time on my own without any medication after 1 year TTC; but ended up miscaring after 6 weeks. They did some blood tests and found out that i had low insuline levels as well as high estrogen and low progestrone. My dr. had me start Metformin for 3 months to help reduce my insuline levels, but it didnt help, then i started Clomid 50mg them went up to 100mg along with metformin; I conceived after 3 cycles. My dr had me stay on metformin and progestrone vaginal sup. for the whole 1st trimester and aparently it's working. I'm 21 weeks pregnant with twins! Hope it will happen for you soon too. Just be patient it will take time. It took me a total of 18 months. The good news is it's possible you just need some patience.
Good luck

[Stacie30]

i have PCOS and had low progesterone with my pregnancy. i was on progesterone suppositories fand metformin for the first 14 weeks of pregnancy and it worked. i now have a happy healthy 2 week old boy...

to answer your question- progesterone levels are tested in your blood. you can't tell if a pregnancy has a low progesterone levels until after you are already pregnant. AS SOON AS YOU FIND OUT YOU ARE PREGNANT go to the doctor and have them do a blood test. if your progesterone level is lower than 9 ask for progesterone supplements. it can make all the difference in the world- especially in a woman with PCOS.

also- sometimes a doctor will put you on progesterone supplements that you begin taking before you are pregnant to help you stay pregnant if you conceive. you may want to ask your doctor about this with your next clomid cycle. word of caution though- progesterone supplements will most likely lengthen your cycle so you might have a longer cycle than normal if you don't conceive.

best of luck to you. if you have any other questions please let me or Mediteranian Girl know. We've both been in your shoes. :o)

Stacie

[boycrazy]

Doesn't hurt one bit to take progestrone b4 getting pg, your dr.should be able to prescribe pretty easily, it is not however usually covered by insurance, so would be out of pocket expense. The normal range for someone in the early stages of pregnancy is 11 to 90.  I was just told this by my dr since I am just 9 weeks pg and we were trying to decide if I needed a supplement.  Unfortunately, my dr also said while progesterone can help in pregnancy, it will not keep you from having a miscarriage if that is the fate. I'm sorry you are having such a difficult time, try to keep positive and your head held high.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.