Progesterone Side Effects

[Baby Angel Wings]

My husband and I did IUI 5 days ago and the doctor put me on progesterone suppositories two days after the IUI.  Since taking the progesterone, my breast have become ENTIRELY sore.  And my nipples are painful to the touch!  But I've also noticed that I'm always sleepy and if I sit still, I feel very subtle "period like" cramps that come and go.  Does anybody else experience this?  I'm fearful that my period may be coming.

[Keith Downing, MD]

Hello,

Your symptoms are consistent with progesterone use and early pregnancy.  Hang in there, as this is part of the process to maximize the chance of having a successful pregnancy.

Best regards,

Dr. Downing

[kellym]

Hmmm I have been doing 100mg for 2 weeks and have no symptoms :(

[Baby Angel Wings]

Where are you at in your cycle?  My doctor told me that if I don't have my period after two weeks of the progesterone, he wants me to take a pregnancy test.  That means 17days from the day we did IUI.  If you started progesterone a few days after insemination, like me, and its been two weeks and still no sign of aunt flow, maybe you should take a pregnancy test!  

Hang in there, my friend.  No symptoms does not mean no pregnancy.  Keep me posted and I will think positive thoughts for you.  Good luck!

[ginger29]

my husband just went through IVF last week, I take the pregnancy test on Tues, October 2nd.  I am so nervouse.  I am on progestone, patches as well as vaginal inserts.   I just hope one them took.  My main thing that I watch out for is bleeding.  So far so good.  The main thing I worry about is that here and there I feel my stomach muscle cramp.  I hope that is not a bad sign and just caused by all the medication I've been taking. Good luck to you all! :)

[Baby Angel Wings]

please keep us posted!  I too, have occasional subtle stomach cramps.  I'm worried too.  Are you experiencing any other side effects?  

[kellym]

Actually I am pregnant. Sorry, I didn't mention that :) I am 6 weeks 2 days today. Still no symptoms and a low fetal hr. I had my first U/S yesterday and the baby was measuring 6 weeks but the HB was only 89. I go back next Thurs.  Ughhh.  Breast tenderness is a great sign, when are you going to test!!????

[Baby Angel Wings]

Congratulations, I'm happy to hear that you are pregnant!  Best of luck at your appt next Thursday.  I'll be thinking about you and hoping for the best.  As for when I'll test, the doctor said two weeks after the IUI.  That means we'll be testing next week Saturday.  I'm afraid though.  Three years of negative tests definitely takes it's toll.  Please let me know how your appt goes.  

[kellym]

I am soo excited for you, be sure to post on the pregancy forum so I don't miss your post! I will post what happens next Thursday, I'm scared to death. I just count the days,....hours....minutes,,,,, :)

[Diane1003]

I've taken prometrium - first 100mg/day with no major side effects.  When I should have gotten my period I had some brown discharge and my period was a week late (didn't get pregnant that cycle).  Now the dr has me on 200mg/day for this cycle. I'm about 12 DPO and I'm thirsty from the moment I wake up through all day.  I've got some breast tenderness - so I'm hoping these are not side effects from the horomone - but something else.  I'm going to test Wed morning.  The dr's office told me to start the hormone the day my temp spikes and take it until the 12th week or a negative test.  They did a blood test on day 38 of my last cycle b/c I was  week late and had two negative HPTs.  Now with ovulating a week late, the dr's office said they usually do a test on CD 30 but b/c I ovulated on CD21, they want to wait a week.    With early pregnancy symptoms they're the same as PMS - no real answer other than waiting and testing. It's driving me crazy!

[Baby Angel Wings]

The waiting is driving me crazy too!  Good luck, my friend.  I'll be thinking about on Wednesday and hoping for a positive test result.  

[Baby Angel Wings]

Thank you for your response.  It really helped my worries.  But I'm writing on a sad note, I woke up this morning with this weird feeling.  It's hard to describe, but it's the same feeling that I had after my first miscarriage.  My head is clear and I don't feel any of those wonderful pregnancy symptoms that I felt (sore breasts & sleepiness) for the last 1.5 weeks.  

Also, the last 2 nights, I kept waking up with subtle cramps in my lower belly.  I thought it was a good sign until this morning when I felt "normal" and my other symptoms were declining.  My nipples are just a little sore now.  

I broke down, as if I had my period.  I don't think the IUI worked.  I don't want to tell my husband and prematurely bring him down,  as I'm only on day 22, but it's hard to do the grieving by myself.  I'm sure a lot of women out there can relate.  

[Diane1003]

Men have no concept of what we go through.  After my first miscarriage my husband was basically telling me to get over it. I about lost it on him.  For me and I'm sure most women- ttc is on the mind 24/7 - for men - what - they get 20 min and when they're done they stand up and it's off their minds?!  Somehow - unfair.  We're stairing at tissue and playing guessing games!  I hope all is well.

[RC80]

What's the news? Did you take the pregnancy test on Wed (10/03/2007)?

I had my insemination on 10/17/07 and had the progesterone test on 10/24. My Progesterone level was 15.5. I have been taking Crinone 8% - vaginal progesterone gel since after two days of the insemination. I have been having some difficulties - some pains and cramps there and here.....but it could be the side effects of the progesterone gel. I am having my pregnancy test this Thursday (11/1). Hoping for a miracle if it's part of God's plan. Can't wait...........

[Korin427]

I'm in the 2 ww now too after OI and I'm dying to know if the symptoms I'm having are a good sign (fingers crossed) or just side effects of progesterone.

I feel exhausted all the time, my bb's feel sore, I feel twinges in my ovarian/uterine area (although I could just be noticing b/c I'm paying more attention to it than ever before), and I've been feeling scatterbrained and emotional.  I rarely ever feel these things b/f AF, but this is my first cycle with the progesterone supplement, so it could just be that messing with my system.

You'd think with all the technology available, there would be some way of finding out earlier so we don't have to drive ourselves crazy wondering for 2 wks.

Good luck and best wishes for a BFP!