Prometrium Question

[Syd08]

I have currently just finished 4 rounds of clomid. Unfortunately, a simple blood test concluded that I did not need Clomid and that my infertility difficulties are due to low levels of progestrone. My blood test indicated that my level was 1.3 and did not rise after ovulation. I believe the norm is anywhere between (3.5-5.8). Anyways, I promptly started prometrium last month and unfortunately I wonder if I took the suppositories to late because I ovulated on the 9th and did not start prometrium until the 11th at night (200mg). This is when I found out about my progesterone levels.
Well I waited and waited and my period was delayed I took 4 pregnancy tests and all read a neg. So I stopped taking prometrium and by night I was bleeding.  I am concerned that I am not taking prometrium soon enough and wonder when I should start. Is it the day I ovulate or the day after?  At this point my family doctor is treating me and will not refer me to a specialist. I feel like I am in the dark. Please help- Thanks. Syd.  

[tifftiff81]

I have been ttc for 2 yrs. I finished chlomid this month on day 9 on day 19 I ovulated and on day 20 my dr gave me rx for prometrium for leutal phase support. She told me to take it for 14 days. My concern is that if i take my last pill on day 14 and I am pregnant won't I miscarry? I mean some women don't get a BFP until 15dpo or later and if I am one of those would not test positive until later I am scared to death I would cause myself to miscarry. When takeing prometrium its so hard b/c it causes all of the symptoms pregnancy does and I am so lost. Any advice? Should I call my dr and ask for a blood hcg test before I take my last pill as I hear this can show + before a urine test?

[Diane1003]

Good point!  It's hard to keep that in mind when I hear of a 14 yr old getting pregnant by her 19 yr old boyfriend - oops!  Best of luck.  Let me know if you have any other quesitons along the way that I might be able to help with!

[Syd08]

Thanks for the advice! The only testing this far has been my blood work. A simple blood test indicated that I have very low levels of progesterone which is 1.3.  My doctor said that the rest of my levels are fine and I ovulate; but the egg in most cases will not implant. In November (before the prometrium) I had some early spotting which soon turned to a full period. So I am REALLY hoping that the prometrium is the trick.  I have been referred to a clinic in Toronto and will find out on Monday when my first appt will be! I hope that it will not take too long.  In the meantime, I keep smiling and hoping for the best.  I have a 3 1/2 year old son that I conceived without any drugs. This experience truly feels like a mystery; but I guess this is why they call every pregnancy a miracle!    

[Diane1003]

The second cycle with prometrium my period was right on time.  The third one I was anxious to test... The prometrium was prescribed by a speciality clinic- they had ordered a bunch of testing for this summer that we went through and that's when they found the blood issue.  Have you had any testing done?  Think good thoughts and try and enjoy doing the deed - it was really becoming almost a chore for me!  I could fake it b/c I wanted to get a BFP - now that I am the frequency has gone down quite a bit!!!  but  hey- I'm tired all the time...!  Try to focus on what is in with in your control and good luck with a referral!

[Brown Eyed Gurl]

I actually only took prometrium after O too.....and took it contiuously til AF would show or now til now I've got a BFP

[Syd08]

December was my first cycle of prometrium.  I did not get my period and took 5 tests that all read neg. My concern is that maybe I did not wait long enough and maybe I was pregnant???  So confusing, yesterday I went to my doctor to be officially referred to a specialist. She is confirming where I will be sent today (She said a clinic in either Toronto, London or Hamiliton). In the meantime, I really hope this is my month and the prometrium will work.  

[Diane1003]

My dr's assistant told me that the prometrium wouldn't prevent me from getting my period - which made no sense b/c I was a week late...  She said if I was going to get my period -then I would.  The 2nd cycle on prometrium my period came on time.  Right now I'm actually about 13 weeks pregnant. I have a blood clotting issue that the treatment is to take baby aspirin - that's seeming to do the trick.  The dr's office said to take the prometirum from when I ovluate until I get my period or I'm 12 weeks.  With the third and current cycle I wanted to know how long we were going to play this guessing game before trying something more.  I was told I would be able to come in for further discussions - but we didn't need to have that.  It was the third month on prometrium and it's my third pregnancy that is sticking (so far anyway!) - I truely wish you good fortune!  All my husband had to say when things weren't working was that darn - we had to have more sex...  agh!  

I had stopped taking my temperature and stopped checking to see if my boobs were tender - b/c they were with the prometrium and also with the two miscarriages.  I completely appreciate what you're saying about taking the HPTs...  With the prometrium I also was having heavier and even brownish discharge - but was that implantation bleeding?! I was driving myself nuts!  I had to trust in the doctor's regemine and do my part -the rest wasn't up to me.  Again - best of luck to you for next cycle!!!

[Syd08]

Wow that is really interesting! I thought that you needed to stop taking the prometrium to get your AF.  I will be starting my second round around the 10th. I hope this works because I am so frustrated, I took 5 pregnancy tests before I was ready to stop the prometrium.  It is so heart breaking--I hope that this is your lucky month! Good Luck!

[Diane1003]

That's what happened my first cycle with prometrium - AF was delayed a week. I went in and had a test at the dr's office and they said to stop - when I got the call from the office saying it was negative and to stop - AF had arrived.  I was told that prometrium wouldn't delay your period - for me it totally did the first cycle.  2nd cycle it really didn't - and the 3rd cycle - well- that's the one I'm still in technically!  Good luck for success next cycle.

[Syd08]

I have done some research and when taking prometrium your BBT will remain high because progesterone levels are increased. Therefore, charting your BBTs will not indicate pregnancy when on this type of medication.  I took a pregnancy test on day 18 and it was neg. I stopped the prometrium and had my period that night.

Syd.

[Diane1003]

They're supposed to stay high after ovulation. Fertilityfriend.com has a ton of info on BBT - if it remains high for 18 days after ovulation then test.  Good luck!

[Syd08]

Thanks for all of your replies! On prometrium I found that my BBT temps remain high around 98 to 99 until I stop taking the prometrium. Has anyone else found their temps remained high after ovulation.
Syd.

[Diane1003]

I was told to start the prometrium the day I ovulate.  I take 200mg/orally a day.  It was suggested to me that I take it at night b/c of possible side effects.  I was charting my BBT and the temp spike would indicate ovulation -and I'd start the prometrium that night.  Hope this helps!  Mine is just one example.

[fluffylou]

HI, I have been ttc since 2005. I have had many rounds of clomid and ivf and now using Femara. I give myself a shot of HCG to help control when I ovulate because I am doing IUI. I have always begun the prometrium the day of my first IUI so  since I ovulate within 24 hours of using the shot I guess you could concider that I start it on the day of IUI which is day 15 of my cycle. I also have pcos and don't get my period on a regular basis,  When I am on the prometrium as soon as I go off of it I get it. hope this helps a little

[Syd08]

I live in Canada where you have to be referred and therefore the wait seems forever long.  After I found out about my progesterone levels I was quickly prescribed prometrium.  My doctor said that in most cases I have experienced a miscarriage because although I ovulate, the egg in most cases will not implant.

I am very frustrated because I want to be sure that I am taking the medication properly--Last month was my first month on prometrium and I was still on clomid as well.  It was not until mid December that I found out about my progesterone levels. So  if I ovulate on the 10th, do I take prometrium on the 11th???  Thanks for the quick reply! Syd.  

[kindergal]

Can your family Dr. refer you to ob/gyn if not an RE?  OR can you just go to a ob/gyn on your own without a referral?  Most insurances allow this to be a Dr. that you do not need a referral for.  
I had to take prometrium orally last month...only because they Dr. would not be in to read my prog. blood test results so they put me on it in case I needed it.  Anyway, they told me to start taking them one day after I ovulated.