Progesterone Test - Advice Please!

[candie429]

When we first started TTC, I always had a good BBT chart, but sometimes I wouldn't get positive OPK's.  Since all of our tests came back normal, my OBGYN eventually put me on Clomid for 4 cycles and then Femara for another 4.  I got very strong positive OPK's every time and had an ultrasound done twice that showed good follies.  The only sticking point with my doctor was the 7dpo Progesterone test.  So many of you have said that it's needed to confirm ovulation, but she felt it was "completely unneccessary".  Finally, during my 3rd Femara cycle, I think she got sick of me asking and she let me have one done.  It came back as 13.6, so I was pretty happy with that.  Unfortunately, I never ended up with a BFP, so we are now taking a break from the meds for the summer.

Anyway, here is my question.  I just finished my first unmedicated cycle in a long time.  My temps looked great, I got a positive OPK, and my luteal phase was 11 or 12 days.  I've been thinking though that maybe I should have my progesterone checked to see what my level is without any meds.  This has always been an area of concern for me because before I went on the meds, my luteal phase was always shorter and I didn't always get positive tests.  I guess I've just always worried that I don't truly ovulate on my own.  

ANY advice would be GREATLY appreciated.  I don't know what I would do without all of you!  Thanks and best of luck to you all.

[mommyin10]

Hi.  I replied on the tww forum.  Reading this post, I'm thinking you might still want prog. after O?  That's what helped my luteal phase lengthen from 9 days to 12-14.  My Ob said if I didn't take the prog. & I did conceive, I would most likely miscarry 'cause my prog. was so low ??  If that doesn't apply to you, disregard, but just wanted to throw in my experience :)

[candie429]

Thank you both for your help.  I know 13.6 wasn't bad since I did only have 1 follie, but since it wasn't outstanding (like you tea_berries - holy cow!), it makes me think that maybe it will be a lot worse on my own.  I guess I just needed someone else to tell me I wasn't being rediculous because I know my doctor thinks it's stupid.  Her comment to me once was that a progesterone test is only needed once you're pregnant.  Now that I have all you wonderful ladies, I know that's not true!  We're still planning to take the summer off from the meds and see what happens, but I think I just need to know for my own peace of mind.  That way, I'll be one step ahead if we decide to consult an RE at some point.  (Plus, my health insurance's plan year runs through June 30 and since I've already maxed out my deductible, if I have a test now, it will be free!)  Ah, the things we have to think about.  Well, thanks again for your help and my thoughts and prayers are certainly with you both.

[tea_berries]

hello I get progesterone test at CD21 and my nurse says the level on a medicated cycle should be 15 or above otherwise it means you need progesterone help.  I am not sure what women take to get good levels even in a medicated cycle.  When I was not on any medication, my levels are like 1.2... bad.. but the normal range on a non medicated cycle is I think 8 to 10...... Now that I am on clomid... it goes up to as high as 120 ... I was so happy but I am still waiting to get pregnant.  

[bny807]

Hello!!! I agree with you, i think its a great idea to get a 21 day progesterone on an unmedicated cycle!  I always had premenstrual spotting starting aruond 11 or 12 dpo and sure enough my progesterone was quite low!   you could always add progesterone supplements after O ... also my dr did a post-ovulation ultrasound which was SUPER helpful for us! turns out that my follicles develop but dont' always rupture and release the egg, so I think those are two very easy tests that can give a lot of information!    GOOD LUCK! enjoy your summer off too! we'll probably be doing the same, preparing for IVF, but taking a couple of months off and just trying to relax!  Keep me updated! : )