progesterone and estrogen after embryo transfer

[kimsscott]

My Question is for anyone who has done IVF  I went to the doctor my embryo transfer was Sat. I had to go in today to have my progesterone and estrogen levels checked and they told me they were both a little low,but said that had nothing to do wether I was pregnant or not and they are increasing my dose.has this ever happened to anyone and what are these for? I asked the nurse and she said dont worry you are in good hands .I still dont know. Please Help!!!

[BabyforLori]

Hi, I just finished my first IVF.  And, although I did not have any blood work done between the transfer and my first beta, it is my understanding that they do check both of these levels for the following purposes:

Estrogen:  The estrogen level needs to be in a healthy balance to the progesterone level to support pregnancy.  If we were to achieve pregnancy naturally, our bodies would do automatically.  However, since the dr. are artifically stimulating us through IVF, they have to check these levels to make sure that one does not get higher than the other, etc.

Progesterone:  They measure the progesterone because the baby needs the progesterone to support the pregnancy until the placenta (which begins to form around 8 weeks) takes over.  If you were to get pregnant naturally, the follicle (which would remain in the ovary after it releases the egg) become the corpus luteum and the corpus luteum produces the progesterone until the placenta takes over.  Do to the fact that they take our follicles and eggs during retrieval and we don't produce the progesterone naturally.  Therefore, we have to take the injections to artifically produce the progesterone until the placenta takes over.

Again, these two hormones must be in a "perfect" balance, so we are not harmed in the process.   They may just do the measuring of these hormones for your safety.  During stimulation, did your level rise properly?
In any event, I have heard of dr.'s adjusting these medications during an IVF cycle and especially after transfer, as a precaution.    

I hope this information helps.

[Srfoshee]

I have not had IVF, but I know that your progestorone and estrogen dont have to be high to sustain an early pregnany, tehy just need to rise once you get pregnant. I think your nurse is right, it doesnt tell you anything about being pregnant... you are a little early for implantation anyway.  I think it just means if you get preggo you would need a little extra supplementation

[Srfoshee]

I have not had IVF, but I know that your progestorone and estrogen dont have to be high to sustain an early pregnany, tehy just need to rise once you get pregnant. I think your nurse is right, it doesnt tell you anything about being pregnant... you are a little early for implantation anyway.  I think it just means if you get preggo you would need a little extra supplementation

[kimsscott]

Thankyou both for the information. Everything your saying makes total since now.I feel better about that.I am so stressed and trying not to be its funny I find out next week wether I am or not and either my dream will come true or I will be devastated. All I know is if it is Gods will it will happen.    good luck to both of you.                

[miss1968]

i HAD MY TRANSFER DONE THE SAME DAY AND THIS IS MY 2ND CYCLE.  HOPEFULLY IT WORKS.  MY progestorone LEVEL IS OVER 20 THEY SAID THAT WAS GOOD BUT ANYONE I NEED SOME ANSWERS