low progesterone

[bellie1975]

I am 33 and trying to conceive for 6 months. Two months ago at my annual appointment I started asking my Ob/GYN about having difficulty conceiving. She asked if my period is irregular and if I have a lot of cramping and heavy bleeding with it, which I do. She checked my breasts which and found that I am lactating and sent me for prolactin labs and an MRI of the pituitary. Someone from her office called me to tell me that the tests were all normal and that the Dr. wanted me to start Clomid 50mg days 3-8 of my cycle and to come in for Progesterone level on a day 21-24 of cycle.  On the day of the lab draw, I stayed to speak with the doctor as I had not yet spoken with her since these tests were done. I asked if we were doing another round of Clomid and she said we would do 6 and then she would refer me to a fertility doctor. She then mentioned that my previous progesterone level was low 7.4 and depending on what it is when I conceive that I may need progesterone suppositories. Well, my prog. level from day 22 of my first round of clomid was only 8.1. I am just wondering if I should consult a fertility doctor now or wait out the 6 months. I am feeling very frustrated and confused.

[allie_44107]

Hi there- I have the same problem with my progesterone levels.  I am currently seeing a specialist.  He had me on clomid the first month, with trigger shot and IUI.  When I went in for my labs 7 days later, my progesterone was very very low.  so this month he changed me to femara-same thing as clomid but it does not thin your uterine lining as much (which causes low progesterone).  I also take suppostories after my IUI during the 2ww to help the progesterone.  I hope that helps!  Good luck to you...

[bellie1975]

I ovulated on day 14 according to OPK, so the labs were drawn 8 dpo. I just read your profile..I wish you the best. This is all new to me and any input from you would be very much appreciated as I am sure you are pretty well informed by now. Have you ever been on Clomid?

[Heather5]

Ideally, your progesterone level should be over 10 at seven days after ovulation (which is cycle day 21 if you ovulate on the "standard" day 14). The problem about doing progesterone tests on certain cycle days without knowing exactly when you ovulated is that you might be catching your progesterone on its way up or down. How soon after your last two tests did you start your period?

Either way, a 7.4 and 8.1 does indicate that you ovulated. If you did test at the right time (about seven days after ovulation), a low number can be helped with either a progesterone supplement or even possibly a higher dose of clomid.

Best of luck to you!