Progesterone Questions

For those with low progesterone:
How did you KNOW you had it? From any physical signs in your body, or strictly through a Dr.s blood test?

And do they ALWAYS test you for that when you go in for your first visit, or do you have to ask for it?

I am TTC--this is my third cycle since my miscarriage, and I am just trying to cover every base about anything that may be preventing me from conceiving.

I want to be pregnant SOOOOOO badly...

[triv]

Yes,its only the blood work that confirms prog level.I don't think there r any symtons associated with it.I too have low prog & my doc adviced me some supplements.Its normally tested on the 21st day of ur period.
Good Luck to u n I hope 2007 is baby yesr for all TTC's here!!

[Waleran]

Hi Jenny,

My wife had a miscarriage in September...it was really devastating. I really wanted everything tested and we got the usual...oh you have to wait for 3 m/c to get tested...which BTW I think is totally ridiculous, unecessary and cruel. Every woman should be tested at their forst m/c. Anyhow, back to your question. We literally had to beg to have her progesterone tested this time around (she is 6 weeks now). The nurse practitioner made her cry on the phone and said "well, if you are miscarrying again there is nothing we can do about it and checking a progesterone wont change things". Bottom line you really have to be your own advocate. If you want it tested ask for it. If they dont do it send a letter to the practice manager and a copy to your doctor. I am an MD myself and there is nothing stronger to twist a doctor's arm than something written on paper. Best of luck to you

-W

[vannessa]

waleran, they tried to do the same thing to me after my 2nd m/c, but I was SO mean and SO pushy and SO ready to make a scene that they kind of gave up on me and did the tests:)

Jenny, I don't think you can find out you're having any signs for low progesterone. You need to be tested in order to find out, but again, they don't want to test you unless you're going through your 3rd m/c. The reason why they don't do that is because a m/c is a very common thing and testing is probably too hard or too expensive, I have no idea. But it's not right.

[shm79]

They tested my progesterone level when I began spotting right before my 2nd m/c.  I am 18 wks preg. now and I had some faint spotting at the beginning of this pregnancy, my doctor immediately checked my progesterone level and put me on supplements.  I have been told though that the progesterone supplements will not stop a m/c that is inevitable, but it could delay it.

[Jenny100]

Thank you very much everyone for your responses. They all helped alot.

I'm sure many of you can relate to how I am feeling---I want to check EVERYTHING possible to make sure there is NOTHING wrong with me that I could change--which would help me conceive and carry a baby to term.

I don't want to wait until I miscarry again, or a third time. I agree with waleran--it is CRUEL to make a woman go through THREE MISCARRIAGES before they test you!
I also think after one they should check! And DEFINITLEY AFTER TWO!!!!

I wonder what the Dr.s would do if it was their own wife or sister or daughter? I bet you then they would check everything even on the first miscarriage just to give peace of mind to the woman. I hate feeling like a Dr. doesn't really care, but I know they don't.At least none that I have ever had or heard about from any people I know.

AshleysMom---I haven't tested yet--I am so nervous. I think I want to wait a few more days and see what happens. I am much happier when I even THINK I could be pregnant, and I have alot to do this week and need to be able to function. So I think I will wait, because if I get a BFN, that is more days that I will be depressed. Also, I have NEVER tested positive at only 10DPO with all my other pregnancies. So I probably would be BFN even if I AM PREGNANT, and again, that will make me sad.
Better luck to you next month!!!

[Tia Lucila]

Pre-conception I seriously doubt my doctor would have given me a progesterone test.  Post-conception I argued with the nurse, she said no, I said "This isn't your call, please talk to the doctor and get back to me."  The doctor said yes, and my progesterone level was fine.

[AshleysMom]

Hi Jenny100:

Did you test today?  I did.  BFN.   I'm actually relieved to not have to worry about yet another MC over the holidays...

Anyway, I had my progesterone tested twice via blood test.  I've had so many different tests I don't recall the exact day of the cycle they do it, but I believe it's on day 3.

My RE also tested it weekly during my last preg.  When it started dipping (which was actually due to the MC) she supplemented it.

[Amber216]

Get your progesterone checked BEFORE conveiving - if possible.  Your best chances for maintaining a pregnancy due to low progesterone is staring it BEFORE conceiving.  Some women just natually have lower progesterone levels.  However, if this isn't an option and you are already pregnant, you should DEFINITELY push for a progesterone level check.  If it is slightly low, they can put you on progesterone suppositories which can DEFINITELY help in maintaining your pregnancy (my child is living proof).  Of course, if it's too low by the time you find out you're pregnant, chances are slim.  But you never know until you get the bloodwork!  Push your doctor/doctor's assistant every step of the way.  It's your body, your baby, your money and YOU know best - they don't!  GOOD LUCK and best wishes!

[mandy25]

i have had two miscarriages and i am now 5.5 weeks pregnant again.  i started taking progesterone supplements 2 days ago because my levels were low.  i am spotting brown now and i was wondering if this could be a sign that my levels are low.  could i be spotting because of the supplements or could i be miscarrying again?  PLEASE HELP!  i am so scared.