Why won't they do a progesterone test?

[jen023]

I have been ttc for almost two years. I've had two very early m/c (had my normal period with both but found out I was pg and m/c at the end of my period). The last m/c was last March, over a year ago. Recently, my doctor ran some blood tests, tested DH, and did an exam. He said everything was fine except for a slightly tilted uterus. I have very regular cycles. He wants me to start taking Clomid next month. My question - I keep reading about people having low progesterone levels and that can cause infertility as well as early m/c. I've asked him about it twice and this last time, he told me they won't test for that unless you have had 3 m/c. Are they right not to worry about this yet? I've just read that it's usually the first infertility test that is done, but my doctor doesn't agree. So now I am confused.

Thanks for your help!
Jennifer

[Forum-M.D.-SP]

After two years of trying, you should have a hysterosalpingogram X-Ray test to see if your fallopian tubes are open, prolactin, thyroid testing, cycle day 3 FSH and estradiol. Your husband should have a sperm count. I am sorry, but I do not know what the abbreviation 'DH' stands for. Testing for progesterone, in my opinion, is the least important test - all it does is confirm that you are ovulating, which we already know because your periods are regular. You should have a full infertility examination before you are prescribed clomid. Clomid without intrauterine insemination is a good choice for women  who are not ovulating regularly, and the clue to this would be that you do not have regular periods. If you have unexplained infertility, you should be thinking of fertility medicines in combination with intrauterine insemination. Are you seeing a reproductive endocrinologist/infertility sub-specialist? If not, you might want to consider doing so.

[halo99]

My specialist said the same to me, but after the 2nd m/c at 11 weeks again, I wanted tests done. I actually saw a natrapath who told me what tests to have done. I went to GP then and insisted on the tests. Came back as high prolactin and ANA. Went back to specialist who wasn't impressed that I had gone ahead and had the tests done, and was told 'don't worry' even tho he couldn't actually tell me what the tests meant! I then went and found a rhuemetologist to try to get some answers. He ordered a whole host of tests including anticardiolipin tests. This came back positive and was redone 2 months later with another positive. It basically meant I had sticky blood (clot easily) and may have caused the 2 m/c. Now I am preg again and on low dose asprin to thin blood. Advice is to be proactive and if your specialists won't do the tests go to GP and insist, even if u have to pay extra, for peace of mind it is worth it. Good luck.