Progesterone Suppositories

[lararobin]

I am 4 wks and 6 days pregnant. Menstrual cycle began 9/8/07. I ovulated on CD 17. My prog at 8 DPO was 22.4. My HCG at 11 DPO was 53 and Prog was 20.1. My HCG at 14 DPO (Mon 10/8) was 299 didn't run prog. My HCG at 17 DPO was 1451 and Prog was 13.7. My OB said she is encouraged by my HCG levels more than doubling and is not too worried about my progesterone b/c the labs can have a pretty good margin of error. She said she is going to prescribe prog suppositories (200mg at night once a day) to ease my worries. I had a chemical pregnancy last month and I have been very worried about this pregnancy. Please give me your thoughts on my progesterone levels and your experiences with the suppository success rates. Thanks!

[jaswinderbatra]

A related discussion, progesterone suppository was started.

[lararobin]

Also, how often would you suggest repeating my HCG and progesterone levels?

[lararobin]

With my HCG levels more than doubling in 48hr periods, wouldn't this be encouraging? Also, do you feel that suppositories or injections are most effective in raising your progesterone levels?

[Keith Downing, MD]

Hello,

There is no known harm in using progesterone supplementation in the setting you describe, however, there is no good evidence, in a spontaneously conceived pregnancy, supplemental progesterone decreases the risk of a miscarriage.

With respect to the progesterone levels, the fact they are dropping is undoubtedly concerning.  I don't measure serial progesterone levels in the setting you describe, as it would not influence my management.  Your subsequent ultrasound and repeat hCG level should be quite informative regarding the possible early success of your pregnancy.

Stay encouraged,

Dr. Downing