progesterone level

[Scout8601]

I don't fully trust my ob b/c of some of the things he said/did during my first appt. last week, so I need another opinion.  Last Tuesday I had my first ob appt and was measuring 5w5d.  He took blood to run hgc level and progesterone.  Today, he called and said everything looked good and my hgc level was over 32,000 and my progesterone was 7.  I questioned him about the low progesterone and he said that since my hgc level was where it should be and not low then I didn't need to worry about the progesterone being low.  I told him I'm still worried and thought I might need a supplement but he said no.  Am I worrying over nothing?  This is my first pregnancy and I'm 43 years old.  Thanks

[Elaine Brown, MD]

HI!
If you were my patient, I WOULD be concerned about the progesterone level, and I would put you on supplements.  I personally like to use progesterone vaginal suppositories, although many MDS use Prometrium too.   A progesterone level less than 10 raises questions about the viability of the pregnancy, so I would also follow you closely with ultrasounds.  
I would definitely repeat the progesterone level; more HCG levels won't be helpful since yours is so high--and that IS good!
Make sure you are working with someone you trust!  At 43, you might want to consider a perinatologist (high risk specialist).  I had all of my children after 40, so I don't think its a big deal, but a specialist might have more up to date information.
Be sure they discuss your options for first trimester screening with you ( nuchal translucency scan, etc)
Good luck!
Dr B

[maldy]

hi,

i think u should show those report to one more dr. so that you can stop thinking about it.

good luck

[songinmind]

I would say if you don't trust your doctor fully, I would recommend looking for a new one in your area.  Pregnancies are full of many questions, concerns and problems- if you are not certain you can trust your MD, it's going to be an extra (unnecessarily) stressful 9 months because of that.

Regarding the progesterone-  from what I've heard many MD's don't believe in replacement progesterone.  I would be  interested to know if they did a follow-up HCG to see if your levels were going up appropriately.

Good luck!