Progesterone

[Bevin]

Forgot to ask if anyone out there has or is currently taking progesterone to support a pregnancy.

Thanks,
Bevin

[nurse12hr]

I found this concerning progesterone supplementation:

"First Trimester 10-90 ng/ml Average is about 20 at 4 weeks LMP, and 40 at 14 weeks LMP. It is important to note that while a higher progesterone level corresponds with higher pregnancy success rates, one cannot fully predict outcome based on progesterone levels. Progesterone supplementation is unlikely to help if started after a positive pregnancy test. "

and this from Med Help itself:

"Progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum and subsequently by the ovary. The secretion rate varies throughout the day. The hormone is diluted into many spaces within the body, returned to the blood stream at different rates, complexed in the liver and secreted into the bowel, but in part reabsorbed into the blood stream, and cleared by the kidneys into the urine. A progesterone level is a point-in-time measure of a substance that is constantly changing. One has to look at the big picture and not at the point-in-time measurements.

The progesterone supplementation will do no harm. There has been no proof that progesterone supplementation in early pregnancy changes the outcome, with the possible exception of patients proven to have a luteal phase defect and who have been started on progesterone supplementation shortly after ovulation."

I am sure it will not hurt anything, but I don't necessarily think your doctor is a quack because he didn't put you on it.  There are just differences in opinions as to treatment management.  
How nice you have a skilled OBGYN in the family!  I hope everything goes smoothly for you.

[Bevin]

Thank you for taking the time to look into this.  I really appreciate the info.  My complaints with my current doctor run a little deeper though.  I'm 31 and have suffered one miscarriage.  His focus is completely on hcg levels which is irrelevant since nothing can be done about that.  However, when you have low progesterone something can, and in the opinion of a Reproductive Endocrinologist SHOULD be done.  While on the phone discussing my spotting and progesterone level, this got mad and defensive and said "You want me to do a D&C or something?"  That outburst was bizarre, unprofessional and more than a little disturbing.  I guess he realized it because his nurse called back 20 minutes later to tell me he was calling in a progesterone RX for me.  Fortunately I have many more doctors to choose from and will start interviewing tomorrow.  Again, thanks for the info about the progesterone.  I feel confident that it is probably necessary considering my level was more than just a little low and won't do any harm either way.  I will let you know how things go.

Best Regards,
Bevin

[Geneva108]

Bevin,
I do confirm and fermely believe that progesterone is VERY IMPORTANT to maintain preg. I di miscc. twice partly because of lack of it!!!!! they found it too late didn't check my prog. level often enough. I just got an IVF I am pregnant so far and had DEMANDED a progest. test a week to make sure that the level is high, I get it through shots daily since my body doesn't produce naturally I had an egg donor.
Good luck keep us informed  and change doc. if you cannot communicate with that one.... you need to have someone you trust.

Christie,
You are so great and I am also so grateful to have someone like on this forum who takes the time and energy to give us detailled info. Are you a nurse?
Tks from the bottom of my heart

I am a bit anxious but very confident for my HCG level tomorrow I need 300! Today I felt optimistic..
Take care everyone
GENEVA

[nurse12hr]

I am not saying progesterone is not helpful; it certain can be.  But to be effective it should be used during the later part of the menstrual cycle.  Apparently before pregnancy is diagnosed.  

Your doc sounds like a nightmare!  I am glad you are interviewing others.  I hope all goes well.