Question about low progesterone levels

[naomi02]

Hi, I'm sorry if this is too long of a post; I'll try to keep it short.

We first started trying to concieve a little over 2 years ago & had the first miscarriage in 01/03.  After that, I was diagnosed with PCOS in 02/04.  I went through some treatments for that & got pregnant again in 07/04.  Knowing the trouble I've had & the PCOS concerns, I asked for a progesterone test when I was 5 weeks along.  I was told everything was OK, but we had quite a difficult time with several bouts of spotting.  When I started spotting again at the end of my 12th week & it was bright red & accompanied by cramps we went to the emergency room where we were told there was no longer a heartbeat & the baby had died.  We went through another D&C and in going through the followup exam from that I found out that my progesterone levels at 5 weeks had only been 6.2.  My doctor told me that it was still in the range of normal, although on the low end.  What I'm starting to realize, is I don't think that 6.2 is in the "normal range" at all - from all I've read 15 should be the minimum, preferably around 20 or 25.  I guess what I'm really wondering is why I wasn't informed immediately when the levels came back that they were too low, or is my doctor operating under false information??  I was taking progesterone suppositories at the time because of the PCOS, and my dose was only 50 mg/day - it would have been no problem at all to increase it.  In all other respects, though, I really love this doctor and the entire office.  Should I consider seeing someone else next time??

[Debra_Maine]

I would see someone else. From everything I have read, 6.2 is low no matter how you slice it. You may like him, but he may not be the one for you. Doctors are human and I think we forget that sometimes. I'm so sorry for your loss. I have been there. I now take 200mg of Progesterone 2x a day. Good luck to you in the future.
Debra

[Christie2004]

I'm sorry for your loss.

The low progesterone scenario you describe is sort of a chicken and the egg riddle; what caused the miscarriage--low progesterone, or did a failing or doomed pregnancy result in the low progesterone?

There are very few real indications for administering progesterone therapy, yet today's OB's hand them out pretty freely without much scientific evidence that they do much at all.  The feeling is that they probably won't hurt anything, and might help so why not use them?  No one wants to tell a woman there is nothing to be done, so often times someone who is spotting or cramping will be given progesterone "just in case".
The problem is that sometimes using progesterone will delay the onset of a pregnancy that will miscarry anyway.  

Progesterone IS necessary for a few very specific conditions.
I'd meet with your doctor to discuss what happened, and ask if he/she thinks you would benefit from higher doses of progesterone next time, and why.

Good luck to you.

[Christie2004]

Should be "might delay the onset of symptoms in a pregnancy that will miscarry anyway".

[ripdip]

I had a progesterone problem and lost 3 once I got the progesteron supplements I am now 21 weeks with a healthy baby on the way.  YES 6.5 is too low.  I always ask for the levels not just good or bad result ask for the numbers.  I'd also look into a new Dr. b/c that was really a bad call on his/her part.  My progesterone was 45 with this one!

[jennimom]

I agree that you should always ask for the numbers, not just the dr.'s assessment.  I like to see full test results and to be able to do some research.  Some drs will not offer it, but will give it to you if you ask.  Jenni

[naomi02]

thank you all so much.  I have an appt this afternoon and hope to discuss what we might do different next time.  One of the things I have to ask her is that if I do get pg again, I will need to come in to see her right away.  Normally they make you wait till you're in your 3rd month, but for me and my low progesterone problems, that would be too late.  I do agree that next time I'll be asking for specific numbers & not just taking her word on whether it's OK or low.  Also, I'll be asking to be tested more frequently - at least once a month.

Thanks for the input!

~Naomi