Update on hcg and progesterone levels

[Momoftwogirls]

Ok – bad news.  Hcg was 13,000 on Mon and 12,000 yesterday.  Progesterone is 6.64.  I am very concerned about the progesterone level – wondering if that isn’t what caused the problem in the 1st place.  I’ve read that a non-pregnant woman around ovulation should have levels between 1 and 28…..so if mine WITH hcg in my system is only 6.64 – I’m wondering if that isn’t the REAL culprit.  I’m going to talk to the Dr. about that soon – because if that is the case – I’ll need supplements before we try again. Lord knows I don’t want to do THIS again.

The nurse came right out and said I am miscarrying. She said she couldn’t tell me what to expect because everyone is different. But said I should call if I have any trouble. I keep my appt. for 11/7 – probably to examine me – talk about options if I haven’t miscarried on my own, etc. One funny thing - she asked if I was a lab tech because of the questions I was asking - I said no - I"m an Internet and Forum addict.

The suckiest of sucky days.  But tomorrow will be better. Thank you to everyone who has been supportive this past week.  

[stephd]

Im so sorry!!  I hope you find the problem and I hope its just as simple as progestrone being low!!  GOOD LUCK!!  It will get better!

[low22]

I am so sorry!!  That call is the worst.  I know exactly how you feel.  Now you just wait and that sucks too.  

I just want you to know I'm thinking about you and hope this all ends quickly for you.

[HeidiL5]

I am in the same boat.  I am sorry to hear you are going through this.  How far along were you?  Did you take progesterone at all?  My first m/c I believe was from progesterone being low and I found out with the next two that was exactly what was wrong.  This time I started progesterone 18 days post conception.  I took my first progesterone test about 9 days post conception and levels were good and they were even better 11 days post conception.  They dropped after that.

[Momoftwogirls]

I had not taken any progesterone. I had a healthy girl almost 14 months ago with no problems. I am definitely going to talk to the dr. about the prog. levels though - just in case. The nurse said that if that is the case they would start me on suppositories or a shot before conception this time. so at least we are all over that in case that is the problem. I am about 8 1/2 wks right now - but sac measured 5 1/2 wks - so that is probably where the levels started to get screwy. I'm sorry for your situation too. Right now I'm doing ok - but I might be bawling in a minute - that's kind of how it has gone since the phone call. I never dreamt of this happening to me - gives me an even more sympathetic/empathetic feeling for those struggling with fertility issues. A horrible, lonely, empty feeling.  But - tomorrow is a new day.  Thanks for your note!

[baby4Staci]

im sorry you are losing this bean but looking at your numbers i would definately say the lack of progesterone is your culprit here.  Im so sorry.. BUT the good news is that this is easily fixable.

I am the same way when it comes to talking to my midwife.. I always tell her that i am an online junkie.. LOL.  

Keep your spirits up and try again next time.  You will get that baby :)

Good luck and feel better..

[emma10]

If it is true that just taking progesterone miraculously cures all of these carrying baby through first trimester problems, why isn't there any medical evidence to that effect?  I mean in medical journals, reputable studies, etc.  Can anyone direct me to any of this reading (i.e. bibliography)?  I still can't find a doctor who says any more than 'it might help' and 'they don't really know' and that no matter what, you have low progesterone when your pregnancy is not viable (it is a symptom of this) NOT you have low progesterone, therefore your pregnancy fails (cause and effect reversal).  I've also read that orally-consumed progesterone is 90% filtered out by your liver so how does that ever reach your uterus? I do think most docs will give it if you ask.  Why aren't there more studies on this?

to mom: I'm sorry to hear of your loss.  I too had 2 blighted ovums early on (5-6 weeks).  I hope you feel better soon, it is devastating news.

[HeidiL5]

I am with you.  I took my fertility for granted.  I never had a problem before either, but now I do.  I also had a healthy boy 20 months ago.  I started with these m/c when he was 12 months and they haven't stopped yet! Basically I had a m/c at 8 weeks waited a cycle and got pregnant again- then I m/c at 6 weeks.  Again I waited a cycle and tried again only to m/c at 6 weeks again, but then I knew what was wrong, but I was going to wait to get pregnant for 6 months.  It didn't work out I got pregnant again anyway and now I am 5 weeks 2 days pregnant having the same problem with progesterone.

[Momoftwogirls]

oh - hoping it works this time!  I've read more positives about the prog. shot vs. the suppositories.  Don't really know much about either - just have been reading.  It is a problem I have -- too much reading!  I think my husband is ready to yank this computer out of the wall.  =-)

[deanne11]

I’m so sorry.  I know this is so hard...the pain and heartbreak..I'm praying for you.

I don’t know anything about the progesterone levels but I wish I did.
After my 2nd m/c my dr gave me a prescription for tablets but I never took them and lost a 3rd baby, now the more I hear about it the more I wonder.

I have a strong and healthy 2 yr old but this year I just couldn’t hold a pregnancy…no problem conceiving…just holding on to it.

Next time I conceive…I will start popping these pills….just to be sure.

I’m so grateful for this board.

[thendricks]

YES I did the same thing, I had 4 losses b/f they decided to check my progesterone and it was way low, they put me on progesterone suppositiries the first 12 weeks wiht my next pregnancy and now i'm 20 weeks, Progesterone supports the pregnancy for the first 10-12 weeks of pregnancy until the placenta takes over, MAKE thwm put you on them, there is no way it can harm you.

[HeidiL5]

I hope this works for you too.  Sometimes reading the stories help me and sometimes they scare me.  I think if this pregnancy lasts I will be a freak the whole time.  I am reading alot too.  I have also had better results this time-got fingers crossed.  I have been taking herbs too.  They certainly have helped me to feel good and strong.  I think if this doesn't work out, I may have other problem not yet explored. I have to wait one week for another blood test and two weeks for another ultrasound.  I think I am going to go nuts! My husband doesn't even want to think about it. The m/c have upset him alot and now he will not attach to the idea.  I wish I could just know if everything is ok.

[aubs]

I had a miscarriage on 10/27 and blood tests showed that I had an extremely low progesterone level of only 2.6 (they want it to be around 20 to 40).  I had been using progesterone cream in the two months prior to conceiving, just because I had read that it might help with conception, as we had been trying for a few months. After conceiving I didn't use the cream again.  Knowing what I know now, I would have continued using the cream throughout my pregnancy.  My doctor said to continue using the cream (over the counter) and come in for weekly progesterone tests once I become pregnant again to ensure that my levels are up. I am now a strong believer of progesterone cream!  I hope it works for everyone else, too!