Second IVF, Progesterone Level is 21.2

[neuhru]

Hi Everyone,

My husband and I have been trying to get pregnant since May of 09.  Our first IVF attempt of 2 embryos did not work and we are now working our second attempt of 3 embryos, praying that we have at least one healthy child.  We went into today for the first blood draw after the second IVF transfer (the transfer was on 01/30) and was told that my progesterone level is 21.2.  I am currently taking progesterone suppositories vaginally and my DR wants me to start taking progesterone pills.  Should I be taking 2 forms of progesterone?  Will it help us sustain a pregnancy?  If 21.2 is consider low, at what level should it be?  Please keep us in your prayers as we do the same for you all.

Thanks,

Neuhur

[msacha]

Hi!  I've read a lot about progesterone because of multiple miscarriages and because this is one of the probable reasons why it happens to me.  As far as progesterone is concerned, I believe that the desirable range for the first trimester is between 9-47.5.  That's a wide range as you can see.  Typically women average between 20-25.  It is true that the best way to actually give your uterus the necessary progesterone is avoiding the digestive system.  Therefore, the most frequently prescribed for of progesterone is suppositories or the newer version, the intravaginal gel.  This last one is expensive, but very effective as well.  This gel is also FDA approved.  The other form of progesterone that is effective is the injections.  This type of progesterone is diluted in oil and must be injected to a muscle daily or even twice a day.  It is cumbersome and painful- the needle is quite thick and long.  

SInce I am not a doctor I strongly recommend that you ask yours about all of these things to put your mind at ease.  

I'll be thinking of you and will pray that all goes well.
  

[udbe2]

My levels differ with each pregnancy.  This one at 3wks 6 days was 37 before starting prometrium however I started spotting especially when trying to go so the dr has me taking prometrium now 3x's a day.  Normally I take it 2x's a day 100mg each time.  I did find out that too high progesterone levels causes constipation and heart burn which is probably why I now have both.  lol  

[chinesebones]

I hesitate to comment since I'm not a doctor, and it's been two years since I was reading everything I could find about progesterone, but from what I recall there is a question about whether all the progesterone from the suppositories shows up in the blood progesterone test- like somehow it goes right to the uterine lining or is carried by blood cells so it doesn't all show up in the blood plasma?  I read there's a saliva test that is more accurate- perhaps you could ask about that?  I also read that 80-90% of oral progesterone gets broken down by the liver- that's why they give it in much higher doses.  Maybe you could ask about upping your suppository dose?  If you're worried about overdosing, I don't think that's possible- just as long as it is bioidentical progesterone and not artificial (progestin.)  There are a lot of question marks in this paragraph, so take it all with several grains of salt.

I'd discuss your concerns with the RE.

As far as your progesterone level, I happened to find the early bloodwork results from my last (and successful) pg.
4w 2d  12.2
4w 4d  16.8
4w 6d  23
These were while taking 100 mg (or mcg?) twice a day since ovulation.

I just said a prayer for you and your little ones.

[Kricket212]

I think it needs to be over 21 so progesterone seems good.  This will increase the lining to help you hold the pregnancy until the placenta kicks in.  
Good Luck to you.

[Juliaschill]

I know nothing about levels but will keep you in mt family's prayers!!!