Is it normal for progesterone levels to drop?

[Allip77]

I had an FET on October 7th and am waiting for the u/s on Nov 4th.  In the meantime, I've had 3 progesterone level checks and I'm freaking out today because my levels yesterday went down to 22 from 35.  I'm already taking 3 progesterone suppositories (endomedium) daily.  Is this drop in progesterone an indication I'm likely to miscarry???  Or could this be normal fluctuation?  I thought progesterone was supposed to continue increasing.  Has anyone else had this big of a drop in progesterone and still had a healthy baby??

THANKS!  Am sooo upset:(

[nshapland]

My dr said it's ok for levels to fluctuate but if they go below a certain point (I think it was 30), he would switch me to progesterone shots...
Good luck, I hope everything is ok

[nshapland]

The reason my dr said he'd switch me to the shots is because they are usually absorbed better, which is important esp at my age (40).
This time around he started my on the shots right away (I had a transfer done Thursday).

[Allip77]

Thanks for responding.  I don't know why my nurse didn't say to do anything different.  But I guess I'm more worried why they went DOWN so much.  Does that mean my body is preparing to miscarry because something is wrong with the embryo?  Your dr said it's normal to fluctuate but I wonder by how much.  Ugh, I hate this:(

[docsaf]

When I was pg from iui my prog dropped from 30something to 17. I was taking crinone once a day and my RE did not change anything. I delivered a healthy baby boy.

[Allip77]

That's just what I needed to hear..thank you!!  I am still sooooo incredibly worried, but hopefully it's all for nothing!!  Oh, do you remember whether you doctor thought it was a little worrisome that your level dropped or if he thought it was normal?

[happynifer]

my RE does not even bother to check progesterone levels because she says they are useless.
i was on the suppositories until 10 weeks of pregnancy.
RELAX miss stress monkey :) the stress is not good for you or the baby...

[docsaf]

I was worried; my RE was not. I can't remember the number, but I think it was around 10. He said as long as it is above the no. it was fine. The 17 was my last measurement (they had steadily decreased btn the 1st and the 4th). I had an u/s, saw the h/b, and my RE released me to a "regular" OB. Mention it to your RE - it will make you feel better - and see if he prescribes additional prog support or says that it is okay.

[Allip77]

THANKS!!!!!  I'm feeling better this evening.  Going to get off the internet, cuddle up with my dh now and relax, and think good thoughts!:)

[Maria2707]

My RE doesn't check progesterone either. I am on pio shots since three days before the transfer. Stress is not good now. You have crossed the major hurdle. Enjoy rest of the pregnancy.

[Maria2707]

My RE doesn't check progesterone either. I am on pio shots since three days before the transfer. Stress is not good now. You have crossed the major hurdle. Enjoy rest of the pregnancy.

[Allip77]

Thanks, Maria!  What are pio shots?  

[Maria2707]

Progesterone in oil.

[smoochie29]

I am not on any progesterone replacement and my pregesterone went from 29 to 21 in one week. My OB is not worried but we are rechecking nov 8th. She said if it drops below 20 Ill start suppositories. This is my 3rd pregnancy and my first 2 resulted in miscarriage early on and I have not gotten a lot of testing as to why its happening. Obviously I am worried and would love to hear positive experiences with progesterone drop and good outcome.

[Allip77]

I hope the 8th is good news!  But if it's dropped, it's nice to know you can start the suppositories..they've enabled plenty of people, including one of my best friends, to stay pregnant!  Mine had gone from 35 to 22.  They didn't change anything and now it's gone up to 29.  Since I saw the heartbeat today and the level is good, they told me to reduce my suppositories from 3/day to 2/day.

[smoochie29]

congrats on the heartbeat. I hope I get to see one on nov 18th (thats my ultrsound day) and i hope i get good news nov 8th.  why were you on suppositotires to begin with?

[Allip77]

Thanks!  My RE put me on suppositories after the frozen embryo transfer.  My progesterone levels have always been fine (with my previous pregnancies - m/c and dd) but my doctor does it for everyone who does a FET, as a precautionary.


Good luck on the 8th AND the 18th!!!!!

[smoochie29]

good news so far. progesterone today 25 and hcg 13000.....

[Allip77]

Wow that's great news!!!  Huge hcg!!  Congrats.

[smoochie29]

now i wait for my ultrasound nov 18th and another progesterone the 15th.  its the waiting part that is hard.

[smoochie29]

how far are you?

[Allip77]

Yes, the waiting part is SO hard (and the worrying part, as least for me..everything is a reason to worry!).

I think I'm 7 weeks today.  I'm going for my first official pregnancy appointment with my OB on Friday.  How far along are you?

[smoochie29]

I am 5 weeks and 5 days today. On my ultrsound nov 18th I will be 6 weeks 6 days. My first pregnancy ended 6 weeks 5 days and my second was starting to go bad around 5 1/2 weeks. Im trying not to worry. Week by week.

[Allip77]

Ugh, I know how you feel.  Try not to stress, though...the less stress, the more likely it is this one's a keeper!!

[smoochie29]

My breast tenderness has decreased and IM not as bloated...i hope this isnt my symptoms going away. I have progesterone monday and ultrasound thursday. How are you?